Abstract: In order to provide a small life jacket that is unlikely to obstruct movement of a wearer, a life jacket includes: a float member that changes from an uninflated state to an inflated state with gas being supplied to an internal portion thereof; a cover that covers the float member in the uninflated state; a connecting member and a waist belt as a wearable member that is to be worn by a wearer; a guide member that is linked to the connecting member and the waist belt; and a slidable member that is linked to the float member and that slides along the guide member.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a breast band includes a non-resilient, inelastic band and an adjustable closure for suitably tightening the band around the upper chest of a wearer in order to prevent the breasts from rising to an unnaturally high position. In some embodiments, the breast band also includes two axilla-accommodating regions or two nascent axilla-accommodating regions.

Abstract: A flotation apparatus having a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a connector, such as an exterior housing, engaging the first and second elongate members and deforming the first elongate member into a curved shape. Ends of the first elongate member are positioned proximate to ends of the second elongate member to define gaps therebetween that permit movement of one or both elongate members relative to the other.

Abstract: A flotation apparatus having a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a connector, such as an exterior housing, engaging the first and second elongate members and deforming the first elongate member into a curved shape. Ends of the first elongate member are positioned proximate to ends of the second elongate member to define gaps therebetween that permit movement of one or both elongate members relative to the other.

Abstract: Apparatus for body surfing, and more particularly a body surfing buoyancy vest. The present invention relates to a buoyancy vest to be worn alone or under a body surfing suit or wetsuit which is able to regulate the buoyancy of the surfer to enable them to maintain maximum control and buoyancy balance in the water.

Abstract: There is described herein an apparatus for providing buoyancy and/or facilitating rescue of a person or object. The apparatus includes a tubular sleeve for securing the apparatus around at least a portion of a person or an object wherein longitudinal extension of the sleeve causes the diameter of the sleeve to contract radially to grip the person or object or a portion thereof and wherein longitudinal compression of the sleeve causes the diameter of the sleeve to expand. The apparatus may further include a structure coupled to the tubular sleeve for attaching the apparatus to rescue equipment and/or for providing a handle and/or at least one flotation device coupled to the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: A flotation device including an elongated body portion with a substantially rectangular shape capable of fitting around a user's midsection. This elongated body portion is made of buoyant material and has an exterior shell made of substantially semi-elastic material. The semi-elastic material can be extended to form a tighter fit around the user's midsection. The flotation device of the present invention also includes at least two adjustable side straps attached to the elongated body portion. Each adjustable strap extends in a longitudinal direction and along the major dimension of the elongated body portion. These adjustable side straps can be adjusted for a tighter or looser fit around the midsection. The flotation device also features a two-part adjustable bottom strap having a first end attached to a front section of the elongated body portion, and having a second end attached to a back section of the elongated body portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a life saving apparatus which allows a wearer to readily assume a rearwardly inclined floating posture on the water surface under an inflated condition of a float body. The life saving apparatus includes a float body 2 configured to surround the torso of a wearer P under an inflated condition of the float body and an attaching body 3 to be attached to the waist of the wearer P. The float body 2 and the attaching body 3 are connected to each other at a connecting position on the back side of the wearer's P body via an extension member 5 having a predetermined length. The float body 2 and the attaching body 3 are connected, with a shorter inter-distance than the predetermined length of the extension member 5, at a position forwardly of the connecting position on the back side of the wearer's P body.

Abstract: A flotation device for use with objects includes a bladder forming part of an inflatable assembly having an inflatable volume defined by a first wall and a second wall sealed about a periphery. An inflation valve is in fluid communication with the inflatable volume through one of the walls, and the inflatable assembly wraps over the inflation valve to protect the inflation valve.

Abstract: A flotation device for use with objects includes a bladder forming part of an inflatable assembly having an inflatable volume defined by a first wall and a second wall sealed about a periphery. An inflation valve is in fluid communication with the inflatable volume through one of the walls, and the inflatable assembly wraps over the inflation valve to protect the inflation valve.

Abstract: A flotation device for use with objects includes a bladder forming part of an inflatable assembly having an inflatable volume defined by a first wall and a second wall sealed about a periphery. A water actuated inflation valve is in fluid communication with the inflatable volume through one of the walls, and the inflatable assembly wraps over the water actuated inflation valve to form a protective cavity covering the water actuated inflation valve. At least one releasable fastener holds the inflatable assembly over the water actuated valve, wherein actuation of the water actuated valve inflates the bladder to release the at least one releasable fastener to allow the bladder to further expand. In one embodiment, at least one strap is fixed to the inflatable assembly.

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: 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 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: Heat, pressure, and glue are used to form a composite material in which a layer of U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation foam is located between a pair of fabric layers which are glued to the foam layer. The process of bonding the fabric layers to the foam layer is accomplished using both heat and pressure whereby a fabric covered, foam composite structure is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a flotation foam of the type which can be included in the calculation of flotation for a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD is used, so the composite material can be used both as a fabric and as flotation in a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD.

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 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: An airplane passenger restraint system is provided that cooperates with an existing seat belt of an airplane seat where the seat belt has two straps which are releasably coupled together. The existing airline seat is typically equipped with an existing seat belt having a first female buckle end and a first male buckle end. The system includes a second male buckle end for mating connection to the first female buckle end of the seat belt and a second female buckle end for mating and releasable connection to the first male buckle end of the seat belt. A first passenger strap is coupled to the second male buckle end and the second female buckle end and extends therebetween. A second passenger strap is coupled to the second male buckle end and the second female buckle end and also extends therebetween. The system further includes a floatation tube secured around the second passenger strap.

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: A flag-type signaling device for indicating the position of and enhance the visibility of the wearer, particularly while afloat in water. The device includes a first member defined, in one embodiment, by a flotation vest to be worn about the torso of a user, and a second member attached to or made as an integral part of the first member and cooperating therewith to form therebetween an interior region, a third member defined by a wedge-shaped element disposed within the interior region, and a visibility enhancing member extending downwardly within the interior region bearing against the wedge-shaped element such that the upper portion of the visibility enhancing member extends upwardly and divergingly rearwardly away from the rear of the user's head to reduce or prevent the potential of the visibility enhancing member striking the back or rear of the user's head while the device is worn by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable water toy, which includes an elongate tubular body. An aperture is provided through a first end of the tubular body, and the aperture is dimensioned to slidably receive the second end of the tubular body therethrough. Advancing the second end of the tubular body through the aperture forms a continuous loop, which may be continuously adjusted such as by cinching to adjust the loop to any of a wide variety of loop diameters, such as for positioning about the waist of a user.

Abstract: A recreational floatation device rising to about the wearer's diaphragm fits over the wearer's stomach, buttocks and hips and about his or her waist and the tops of his or her legs. The device has front and rear sections carrying a substantially uniform layer of floatation material in an amount sufficient to float the wearer at about mid-chest height, a pad of floatation material extending from the wearer's waist through the crotch in both the front and rear sections.

Abstract: Rain pants with life saving device is provided which consists of waterproof overalls worn by a fisherman. A structure on the overalls extends about the chest of the fisherman, for buoying the fisherman in water to float in an upright position. A mechanism is for activating the buoying structure, so that the fisherman will float in the upright position in the water.

Abstract: A floatable blanket formed of a water-proof outer layer and a plurality of intermediate layers inside the water-proof outer layer, the intermediate layers being made of foamed polyethylene and separated into two groups with an air chamber defined between, air vents being made through the bottom of the water-proof outer layer for allowing air to be induced into the air chamber, loops being aligned on the outside of the water-proof outer layer for allowing the blanket to be arranged into a ring for use as a life buoy.

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: A life preserver formed of a flat, rectangular sheet body made of a cellular low density polyethylene in thickness within 0.5-1.5 m/m, the sheet body including a male fastener and a female fastener aligned on the longitudinal center line of the bottom edge thereof at two opposite ends, a zip fastener on the longitudinal center line of the bottom thereof at the center, self-sticking fastening elements longitudinally symmetrically aligned along two opposite longer sides of teh bottom edge thereof, and male and female snap fasteners alternatively arranged along the border of the top edgte thereof. The zip fastener is unfastened for inserting the user's head. With the fastening elements thereof respectively connected together, the life preserver is put on the user to serve as a life jacket.

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: 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 neck and head support for use by a wearer which is a generally rectangular body of flexible gas impervious material with two side panels that is sealed around its entire periphery to form a closed chamber. A valve is mounted in such body to inflate and deflate the chamber. Fastening means are mounted on spaced portions of the body to permit securing the rectangular shape into an annular shape to encompass the neck and support the head of a wearer.

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: 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 deep water exercise belt, which supports the user in deep water in an upright, running position so as to allow vigorous exercise without placing body weight on the legs, involves a waist encircling belt of flexible buoyant material of uniform thickness which is shaped to provide greater flotation at the back of the user. Shaping includes an increased width of the belt on the back while forming the bottom of the belt to avoid hip motion of the user. The belt may be constructed of a chemically cross-linked polyethylene having an extremely fine closed-cell structure. The interior surface of the belt is smoothed so as to provide a suction effect against the body, while the exterior surface may be roughly textured to provide additional resistance to movement through water. A separate band of elasticized material is intertwined through the buoyant belt so as to buckle at the front of the user and hold the exercise belt in close contact with the waist.

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: An inflatable emergency flotation device to be worn around the neck of the wearer and strapped to the front of the wearer's body. The device includes a folded, flexible, airtight tube; a strap which is slidably attached to the ends of the tube; an oral inflation tube; and an inflation assembly including a holder for holding a carbon dioxide cylinder and a hand operated or automatic activating mechanism.

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 water ski vest is formed of EVA cross-linked polyethylene. The vest fits around the torso or over the shoulders of the wearer and is held in place by belts which extend around the vest. The belts extend through indented loops formed in the polyethylene material to prevent the belts from contacting the wearer's skin. Loops riveted or sewn onto the male ends of the belts extend through the loops in the vest to transmit stress directly to the belts instead of the foam material. The surfaces of the foam material are provided with a fine mesh texturing to give the material a cloth-fine feel and appearance. Creasing patterns formed in the shoulder portions and in the back and side portions provide flexibility. The shoulder material is tapered in thickness to reduce bulk and the upper portion of the back is tapered in thickness to minimize catching water in a hard fall. The outer perimeter edges of the vest are rounded to enhance comfort and appearance.

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 water ski vest is formed of EVA cross-linked polyethylene. The vest fits around the torso or over the shoulders of the wearer and is held in place by belts which extend around the vest. The belts extend through indented loops formed in the polyethylene material to prevent the belts from contacting the wearer's skin. Loops riveted or sewn onto the male ends of the belts extend through the loops in the vest to transmit stress directly to the belts instead of the foam material. The surfaces of the foam material are provided with a fine mesh texturing to give the material a cloth-like feel and appearance. Creasing patterns formed in the shoulder portions and in the back and side portions provide flexibility. The shoulder material is tapered in thickness to reduce bulk and the upper portion of the back is tapered in thickness to minimize catching water in a hard fall. The outer perimeter edges of the vest are rounded to enhance comfort and appearance.

Abstract: A personal flotation apparatus is made of one or more layers of cross-linked polyethylene polymeric foam material. A nylon or polyester cloth preferably having a tight weave is fused to one or both of the inner or outer surfaces. When more than one layer is used the cloth may be fused to interfaces of both layers. Edge portions of the personal flotation apparatus are rounded inward and cloth fused to the outer surface is extended inward around the round edge to abut or overlap and be joined to cloth on an inner surface.