Abstract: A life preserver of the invention comprises a belt having an inside longitudinal pocket containing a double humped bladder, the bladder being inflatable by an automatic inflating device. The belt is provided with fastening portions allowing its extension when the bladder is inflated.

Abstract: A method of rescuing a person who has fallen overboard from a boat, including the following steps. As a first step, promptly after the person has fallen overboard, stopping the boat and deploying into the water a flotation sling on a floating tether line secured to the boat. As a second step, maneuvering the boat in order to progressively circle the person in the water so that the tether line and then the flotation sling are in reach of or contact the person, whereupon the person can place the flotation sling under his arms, and does so. As a third step, essentially stopping the boat. As a fourth step, hauling in the tether line so that the person in the flotation sling is drawn alongside the boat. And, as a fifth step, hoisting the flotation sling and person supported therein out of the water and onboard the boat to complete the rescue.

Abstract: A safety device for boaters wherein a tethering line is secured at one end to the boat occupant. The line is wound upon a self-retracting reel affixed to the craft which permits the occupant to withdraw line and move about the boat with relative freedom while assuring that he does not become separate from the boat if he should accidentally fall overboard. The line is of such maximum length that in that event it will enable the boater to pull himself back to the boat. The reel may be of the inertial type which will permit withdrawal of line at a normal speed but which will lock and prevent further withdrawal in the event of sudden lurching movement. The line may also be connected to an inflatable life belt or harness worn by the occupant which automatically inflates upon manual disengagement from the tethering line.

Abstract: A flotation vest includes a back panel and two front panels joined to the lower sides of the back panel. Each front panel includes a lapel portion which extends upwardly to join the back panel at an upper corner. An armhole is defined between each front panel and the back panel, adjacent the respective lapel portion. Each front panel includes two layers of fabric defining between them a pocket which extends continuously through the front panel including the respective lapel portion. Flotation material is provided in each pocket, the flotation material including a plurality of independent sheets of buoyant, flexible material in each pocket below the respective lapel portion, and a single sheet of buoyant, flexible material in the respective lapel portion, the single sheet being folded to provide a plurality of juxtaposed layers connected at folds. In this manner, the folds prevent interleaving of the independent sheets with the folded single sheet.

Abstract: The following specification sets forth a conformable buoyancy compensator that conforms to a user's body in a uniform manner during use. The buoyancy compensator incorporates an interior bladder having a plurality of heat sealed pleats or insets around the shoulder area in order to provide conformity of the buoyancy compensator to a user's body. The bladder further comprises interior reinforced gussets that retain the conformation of the bladder in a plurality of air channels or pockets that conform to the frontal areas of a user's body. The arm openings are free and open for a user to extend one's arms. Between the front and back portions of the air channels are a plurality of side panels that can be made of spandex, elastic, or can be configured of suitable strapping. The buoyancy compensator has vents. Vented pockets are provided for the receipt of a second stage regulator therein, as well as providing for other specific storage of items used by a diver.

Abstract: A combined swimming aid and lifesaving device in which a buoyant harness for encircling the swimmer's torso comprises a plurality of releasably interconnected portions for selective use of one or more parts of the harness to obtain desired buoyancy, and a plurality of separate inflatable buoyant devices are releasably attached to the harness at spaced locations thereon to impart greater or lesser buoyancy to the device for providing desired buoyant support to the swimmer to maintain the swimmer in horizontal position in the water. Attaching points are on the harness for securing a lifeline thereto, and the inflatable buoyant devices remain slack when inflated so that they are able to undulate during use to reduce drag through the water.

Abstract: An anti-exposure jacket for covering the torso and arms of the user as well as the user's crotch incorporates insulation material and a removable inflatable bladder disposed between two layers of fire-resistant material. The bladder may be inflated either by a gas-powered valve assembly or by exhalation of the user into an oral valve. Fasteners are provided to store the crotch portion when not in use so that the jacket can be used for routine as well as emergency wear.

Abstract: A life belt comprising a ring shaped tubular body which incorporates a device for fastening the tubular body around a waist of a person, a compressed gas containing capsule connected to the tubular body and an actuator for releasing the compressed gas into the tubular body to inflate the tubular body, in which the tubular body has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is obliquely bent downward at about 120.degree.-160.degree. relative to the first portion.

Abstract: A strip-like body member in the form of a belt has one or more slits extending through it. A flat air-tight expandable bladder extends along the rear surface of the body member and is enclosed between such body member and a backing strip. A pocket is provided on the body member for removably holding a gas cartridge, and such cartridge is associated with an actuator arranged to release the contents of the cartridge. The cartridge communicates with the bladder and when opened by a pull line connected to the actuator, the bladder expands forwardly through the slits to form a buoyant life preserver. The body member is dimensioned and arranged to be passed through the conventional trouser belt loops so as to serve the dual purpose of holding up trousers and to be available as a life preserver when needed. The pull line is held normally in place by a releasable hold-down connector so as to be out of the way until needed.