Abstract: A bridging device for securing a load carried by a user over a vest having interior side facing the user and exterior side facing away from the user that comprises a first axle capable of being coupled to the load in an area proximal to the exterior side, a second axle capable of being coupled to a support element worn by the user in an area proximal to the interior side; and at least one connecting element connecting the first axle to the second axle, wherein the connecting element is capable of maintaining a tension between the load and the support element.

Abstract: A convertible emergency device for enabling a user to deploy a floatation device from a wearable structure in an emergency situation. The convertible emergency device comprises in one embodiment waist pack which can convert to an inflated life vest by actuation of a pull cord. Such actuation of the pull cord causes portions of the body of the waist pack to automatically inflate with air from a gas cylinder canister. The convertible emergency device comprises in another embodiment a backpack configured to convert into an inflatable life boat having a pair of oars. When in the backpack state, the uninflated life boat is releasably attached to the shoulder strap and the oars, with the pair of oars disposed on the either side of the uninflated life boat. When a pull cord is pulled, the life boat is inflated to enable it to provide a floating vessel for a user.

Abstract: A flotation assistance belt is configured to fit beneath arms of a human user in order to provide buoyancy to the human user in water. The flotation assistance belt includes a belt mechanically coupled to a female fastener and a male fastener. A flotation tube is partially surrounding the belt and configured to bend forming a circle without plastic deformation while having the tensile strength to resist this bending causing the flotation tube to expand outward slightly when the female fastener and the male fastener are connected. Connecting the female fastener to the male fastener forms a circle configured to fit beneath the arms of the human user in order to provide the buoyancy to the human user in the water.

Abstract: Diving equipment easily operable by disabled persons, aged persons, etc. and wearable by oneself. The diving equipment such as buoyancy controlling device (BCD) has the function to hold a tank on the shoulder of a wearer and the function as a life jacket providing buoyancy to the wearer. In the diving equipment (BCD) of which the overall is formed in a vest-like shape, a tank holding part (2), shoulder parts (3) positioned at the both shoulder portions of a diver, and the portion (4) positioned at the center of the thoracabdominal part of the diver are formed continuously to each other so as to constitute rigid structural members. Most or all operating portions (5) are installed at the portion (4) positioned at the center of the thoracoabdominal part of the diver.

Abstract: A hybrid personal flotation device includes a flotation vest body having a front, back, shoulder straps, and adjustable buckle straps. An expandable cover over at least a portion of the vest body covers an inflatable chamber having a front chamber portion connected to a back chamber portion by a single shoulder pass-through. Inflation of the inflatable chamber is accomplished by an oral inflation tube and/or a manually activated cylinder containing compressed CO2. The low-profile, narrow single shoulder pass-through permits fluid communication for both inflation and deflation between the front and back chamber portions, but does not restrict the wearer's neck or shoulder range of motion. The inflatable front and back chamber portions remain covered when fully inflated, and require no folding or re-packing when deflated.

Abstract: An emergency floatation jacket providing emergency floatation capability in accidental deep-water immersion to keep the wearer's face above the water surface having front and back collar air reservoirs located adjacent to the upper edge of a backing support structure and front and back air reservoirs located at the lower edge of the backing support structure where reservoirs form air-pockets with the airtight front covering material when they are inflated with air. Total air volume of the upper floats equals the total capacity of the lower reservoirs and the air may be distributed by connecting air tubes to all floats and reservoirs when out of water thus providing minimum volume to any reservoir or float. In water, when worn by a heads-up person, all air is hydraulically forced into the three upper floats where sufficient upper floatation exists to keep their head above the water level.

Abstract: This invention relates to a life preserver 10 that a person may wear that includes a body portion which includes an inflatable front panel 11 connected to an inflatable rear panel 12, said front and rear panels adapted to cover a substantial part of the wearer's torso. The life preserver also includes a gas container 45 filled with gas for inflating the front panel 11 and the rear panel 12. Preferably the buoyancy exhibited by the upper part of said body portion is substantially greater than that of the lower part of said body portion when inflated.

Abstract: A buoyancy regulator for diving includes a cylinder band for fixation of an air cylinder. The cylinder band comprises a belt-like part and a buckle which is formed with a plurality of band insertion slits arranged in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder band. Each pair of side walls respectively lying on both sides of each of the insertion slits is marked with the same letters indicating a sequence in which the belt-like part should be inserted through the buckle.

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 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: The invention concerns safety straps (2) for high trousers (1) integrating a life jacket (5), whereas the life jacket is integral with a belt (9) by at least one belt fastener (10, 10′), the trousers (1) comprise at least one front flap (11) and are held in position by straps.

Abstract: A diver's buoyancy control device (BCD) comprises a jacket configured to be worn by a diver. The jacket includes a back portion for overlying a diver's back and a pair of side portions connected to the back portion for overlying the diver's chest. A scuba tank can be releasably connected to the back portion of the jacket. An inflatable bladder is connected to the back portion of the jacket and a mechanism is provided for selectively inflating and deflating the bladder with a pressurized gas from the scuba tank. The base of a shoulder yoke that includes a pair of shoulder straps is adjustably connected to the back portion of the jacket at a plurality of preselected vertical positions for permitting easy and rapid size adjustment. A waist belt has a pair of segments each of which has a rear end that is attached to a corresponding location on a corresponding side of the back portion of the jacket. A first mechanism is provided for releasably coupling a pair of mating forward ends of the waist belt segments.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator device having a pair of tank encircling straps for connection of the backpack to a compressed air tank, inflation hoses for receiving air from a tank and inflating the buoyancy compensator device and valves for releasing air from the buoyancy compensator including selectively operational valves and automatic over-inflation air releasing valves. The buoyancy compensator includes a backpack portion for supporting the tank and a harness system for attaching the backpack and buoyancy compensator to a wearer. The harness system includes adjustable shoulder straps and adjustable waist straps including a cumber bun for comfortably securing the buoyancy compensator around a wearer's torso.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator device having a pair of tank encircling straps for connection of the backpack to a compressed air tank, inflation hoses for receiving air from a tank and inflating the buoyancy compensator device and valves for releasing air from the buoyancy compensator including selectively operational valves and automatic over-inflation air releasing valves. The buoyancy compensator includes a backpack portion for supporting the tank and a harness system for attaching the backpack and buoyancy compensator to a wearer. The harness system includes adjustable shoulder straps and adjustable waist straps including a cumber bun for comfortably securing the buoyancy compensator around a wearer's torso.

Abstract: A flotation assembly designed to keep an individual afloat in water comprising a size adjustable harness adapted to fit the torso of an individual, to which are attached bottle closure devices. The closure devices are designed to have empty bottles inserted therein so as to form a substantially water-tight seal. The number of attached closure devices, and the size of the bottles inserted therein are chosen so that the degree of buoyancy desired is obtained, given the size of the individual and the purpose for which the buoyancy is required. Different types of closure devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A vest assembly for supporting an air cylinder to the back of a scuba diver, comprising a vest to be worn about the person's torso including a back section for supporting the air cylinder, a waist band section having left and right side portions for removably affixing about the person's waist, and a detachable shoulder section for positioning over the person's shoulders. The detachable shoulder section may be replaced by another shoulder section of a different torso length so as to provide a comfortable fit of the vest to the height of the person's torso.

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: A flotation assembly designed to keep an individual afloat in water comprising a size adjustable harness adapted to fit the torso of an individual, to which are attached bottle closure devices. The closure devices are designed to have empty bottles inserted therein so as to form a substantially water-tight seal. The number of attached closure devices, and the size of the bottles inserted therein are chosen so that the degree of buoyancy desired is obtained, given the size of the individual and the purpose for which the buoyancy is required. Different types of closure devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A personal flotation device includes a back portion of buoyant material and a separate mesh layer between the back portion and the wearer of the personal flotation device for increasing the comfort of the personal flotation device. The mesh layer and the buoyant material are connected together at the top and bottom and are unconnected along at least a portion of the sides, and the length of the mesh layer is less than the length of the buoyant material so that the buoyant material buckles outwardly away from the wearer.

Abstract: A swim-safe play suit is provided and consists of a plurality of substantially equi-spaced flexible waterproof buoyant elements arranged within upper portion of the play suit in parallel relation so that if wearer of the play suit enters water the wearer will not drown.

Abstract: A buoyant vest for use in a swimming pool. The vest is made of a buoyant material. The vest has first vest loops attached adjacent the shoulder portions. The vest also has second vest loops attached adjacent the waist portion thereof. Adjustabe security lines are attached between the vest loops and anchoring loops located on a frame that is detachably attached to the swimming pool.