Abstract: A collapsible leakproof container comprises an orifice ring defining a mouth of the container, a lid that detachably seals with the orifice ring, a flexible body coupled to the orifice ring, the flexible body having at least an outer layer a waterproof barrier layer disposed inside the outer layer and sealed to the orifice ring, and a puncture resistant layer disposed between the waterproof layer and an interior of the flexible body. Such a container is helpful for transporting fragile vessels such as wine while travelling.

Abstract: A personal flotation device may include a chest portion, an abdominal portion, and a connecting portion positioned between the chest portion and the abdominal portion. The width of the connecting portion may be smaller than the width of both the chest portion and the abdominal portion. The connecting portion may extend only from a center region of the chest portion. The chest portion, abdominal portion and connecting portion may be arranged to together form an approximately I-shaped portion. The personal flotation device may be secured to a garment.

Abstract: A football training device in which an elongated strap is attached to a football. The strap is elastic and has a handgrip formed at its other end. In practice, a ball runner carries the football while a trainer pulls on the strap in an effort to simulate a fumble thus improving the manner in which the ball carrier carries the ball.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally drawn to systems, devices, apparatuses, and/or methods, related to personal flotation devices (PFDs). Specifically, the disclosed systems, devices, apparatuses, and/or methods relate to PFDs having one or more integrated tethers that may allow a PFD (and its wearer) to be coupled to another PFD (and its wearer) via the integrated tether(s). In some examples, a personal flotation device may include a vest including a buoyant component adapted to float in a body of water, and at least one tether. Each tether may include a first end fixed to the vest and a second end detachably coupled to the vest.

Abstract: The present invention is a swimming assistance device that includes a floating pouch with a front facing and a back facing, the floating pouch floats on a body of water that a user is in, an adjustable belt with a first end and a second end, where the first end of the adjustable belt is sewn on the front facing of the floating pouch, where the adjustable belt is wrapped around the user and a clamp buckle with a female portion and a male portion. The male portion is inserted into the female portion forming the clamp buckle, where the clamp buckle releasably secures the second end of the adjustable belt to the front facing of the floating pouch, thereby allowing the user to float in the body of water.

Abstract: A sleeveless, torso-encircling vest having an open front to facilitate donning the vest useful for body surfing. Closures, for example a hook-and-loop fastening system, secure the two front portions of the vest to one another after the vest is in place on a wearer's body. Flotation material is placed only in a back panel of the vest to help properly orient a wearer while body surfing. The garment is lightweight, easy to put on, and streamlined in the water when on the wearer's body. The hook-and-loop closure system provides adjustability so that a single size vest properly fits a large range of body sizes. However, the vest may be provided in different sizes such as adult and child sizes.

Abstract: A pet life vest with a top dorsal fin is a safety floatation device for canines. The apparatus is comprised of two primary pieces; the life vest portion and the dorsal fin portion. Both portions contain internal closed cell structure floatation material and are flexible and form fitting. The life vest portion acts as a floatation device; the dorsal fin aids in floatation and visibility while also acting as a convenient handle to allow the owner easy access at anytime. The apparatus contains three plastic/metal buckles, two running vertically down the middle and one running horizontally at the front. All three buckles are adjustable and thus the entire apparatus can be easily modified to create stability and comfort.

Abstract: A. rescue harness including an inflatable bladder coupled with the harness near a harness upper back portion. The inflatable bladder is held in a stored position on the harness. In one example, the inflatable bladder includes at least first and second folds in the stored position. The first fold is configured to direct inflation of the inflatable bladder along a first direction away from a harness neck area. The second fold is configured to direct inflation of the inflatable bladder along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first and second folds are sized and shaped to direct inflation along the first direction and afterward direct inflation along the second direction. In another example, the rescue harness includes a deflector configured to direct the inflatable bladder away from the harness neck area during inflation and after inflation of the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: In an air cell of a buoyancy compensator an outer protective bag has a section of double layer construction. In the double layer area, two panels of elastic material are each juxtaposed adjacent a panel of non-elastomeric material. The elastic panels are spaced at a distance of each other such that during expansion when the elastic panels are at their limit, there is still an adjacent layer of non-elastomeric protective material. If a sharp object penetrates the elastic panel, it will not puncture the inner air cell unless it can also pierce the protective bag non-elastic layer.

Abstract: A rescue harness including an inflatable bladder coupled with the harness near a harness upper back portion. The inflatable bladder is held in a stored position on the harness. In one example, the inflatable bladder includes at least first and second folds in the stored position. The first fold is configured to direction inflation of the inflatable bladder along a first direction away from a harness neck area. The second fold is configured to direct inflation of the inflatable bladder along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first and second folds are sized and shaped to direct inflation along the first direction and afterward direct inflation along the second direction. In another example, the rescue harness includes a deflector configured to direct the inflatable bladder away from the harness neck area during inflation and after inflation of the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A safety garment comprising; a garment body arranged for location on a torso of a wearer. The garment body includes openings to accommodate a wearers neck and arms and means for securing the garment to the torso of a wearer. The vest includes a space on the garment which receives and retains weights and a buoyancy apparatus providing means to allow a wearer to select a required amount of buoyancy. The vest also includes a harnessing assembly to allow attachment of the safety garment to a load line, the harnessing assembly allowing a user to be winched to safety allowing the garment to support the weight of a person wearing the garment.

Abstract: Personal floatation devices for use in supporting an individual in a face up and horizontal position along the surface of the water are disclosed. An illustrative personal floatation device may include a main body, at least one upper inflatable floatation member for providing floatation support to an upper section of the main body, at least one lower inflatable flotation member for providing floatation support to a lower section of the main body, and inflation means for selectively inflating each of the one or more upper and/or lower inflatable floatation members. The personal floatation device can be configured to provide floatation support to the individual's upper and lower torso as well as to the hip section and buttocks. The personal floatation device may provide buoyancy sufficient to orient the individual in a face up and horizontal position while also stabilizing the individual within the water.

Abstract: Personal flotation device comprises an inflatable spheroid balloon and a strap secured to said balloon. The strap includes a loop into which a person's arm, leg or upper body may be slipped.

Abstract: A child's flotation swim garment which includes integral flotation panels. The panels include elongate indentations for facilitating movement and comfort for wearers, and overlying garment fabric is made to conform to the indentations of the flotation panels and present an outwardly visible indication of the contours of the underlying flotation panels.

Abstract: An equipped balancing jacket includes a back and a first stage reducer connected to the compressed air bottle/bottles. From the first stage reducer project high pressure and low pressure hoses. The high pressure hose is directly connected to a computer and/or a manometer, while the low pressure hose is connected to a dispenser from which project the hoses for different functions. Alternatively, the low pressure hoses is connected to the dispenser through the intermediary of an intermediate dispenser, from which projects also the hose for the connection to the control device.

Abstract: A quick disconnect connector having a male member associated with a lifting device and a female member commonly associated with an inflating hose member of a conventional buoyancy compensator. The male member is not provided with a locking groove member, found with conventional couplers/connectors, to avoid the locking problems. The male member can also be provided with an outer circular flange member and a valve activating bridge member. In use, the male member is received within an internal passageway of the female member, which allows the bridge member to activate the valve to allow air to flow within a flotation chamber of the lifting device. The flange helps the operator in quickly removing the male member and also allows the operator to supply tension to depress the spring portion of the valve and open the flow of air.

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. Also disclosed is a combined ballast and signaling device preferably neutralized by attachment to an eccentrically buoyant personal flotation device.

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 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: Lifesaving device for people in avalanches with two balloons at least one balloon is a tear-resistant balloon, which can be securable close to a user's body by means of an attachment. In an emergency the device is inflated by mean of pressurized gas so that it, just like a buoyancy body, keeps its user at the surface of the avalanche. A filling device connects at least one of the balloons to at least one pressurized gas container. The filling device includes a device to open the container and is connected to a filling hole of the balloon, in which case the pressurized gas container with filling device is secured, independent of the balloon, to the body of the user. Each balloon includes at least one pressurized gas container. The filling device for a complete, full filling of the balloons by means of the pressurized gas drawn from the pressurized gas bottles is connected via a pressure line to the filling hole of the balloon. All opening devices can be actuated via a common release mechanism.

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 diving ballast (131) is adapted to be fitted to a scuba tank, so as to replace or at least supplement a waist-fitted weightbelt. The diving ballast (131) comprises an elongate flexible strap formed with open-ended weight-receiving holsters (122) therein and a plurality of weights (126) each having expanded ends and a waisted portion (127) defined between the expanded ends. Each weight is of such dimensions in relation to a weight-receiving holster (122) so that the expanded end of the weight can be worked through the holsters so that the weighted portion is held captive within the holster. The expanded end of the weight can only be worked through the holster when the strap is slack and the waisted portion (127) is held captive by the material of the holster when the strap is under tension along its length. The diving ballast extends to a waist-fitted weightbelt of the type described, as well as to an ankle-belt having a similar configuration.

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: 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: A swimming aid is provided for assisting a user in learning how to swim. The swimming aid includes a first float member having a U-shaped configuration in use. The float member is adapted to be placed against the lower back of a user, to fit around the buttocks of the user and to extend down to the thigh area of the user. Central securing straps extend, in use, around the waist of the user to secure the float member against the lower back. End securing straps are affixed to said float member at opposite ends thereof and extend, in use, around respective thighs of the user. Two further, elongate float members each include two pairs of securing straps for securing the associated float member to the upper arm and forearm of a user.

Abstract: Scuba apparatus utilizes light-weight pressure vessels, or tanks, of relatively thin aluminum wrapped with fiber in a resin binder. Since such tanks are not approved for use in water, the tanks are enclosed within a water tight enclosure, and the enclosure in pressurized to exclude all water. A connection for filling the tanks extends through the enclosure, a burst disk is provided externally of the enclosure, and connections for the scuba mask and other accessories are provided. An automatically adjusting buoyancy control may be included within the enclosure in space not occupied by the tanks. A container fits within the void, and a flexible bladder is within the container. Water can be allowed to flow into the bladder, and air under pressure fills the balance of the container and balances ambient pressure. The size of the container cannot change, and the amount of water remains fixed, so the buoyancy remains fixed.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel backpack for use with a vest and buoyancy compensator combination. The backpack has a recess in which is disposed a novel traction pad. The traction pad is formed of a thin pad of resilient material capable of compression when a breathing gas tank is tightly held against it by means of a strap and fastener. This active compression holds the breathing gas tank in place.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device which has a dual configuration of (1) a hand-held buoyancy swimming kickboard; and (2) a buoyancy device worn around the human's midsection. The device is a buoyant board element which is substantially elongated, of greater length than width, and having large surface areas at opposite sides thereof. Affixed to and/or projecting from the buoyant board element are opposing limbs of band elements. When secured around the human midsection, the device is used in deep water to support the human in a relatively or substantially vertical position. This allows upright exercise while the human is freely suspended with the head and most or all of the neck above water, and the lower extremities bearing no weight, feet not touching bottom. When the band is folded and/or wrapped and fastened around the board or removed, the board can be used as a kickboard. An auxilliary buoyant element is provided for location in different selective positions relative to the band and/or board.

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 aquatic exercise device which has a dual configuration of (1) a hand-held buoyancy swimming kickboard; and (2) a buoyancy device worn around the human's midsection. The device is a buoyant board element which is substantially elongated, of greater length than width, and having large surface areas at opposite sides thereof and without lateral extending flaps. Affixed to and/or projecting from the buoyant board element are opposing limbs of band element which extend at least about 20% of the board length. When secured around the human midsection, the device is used for exercise in deep water to support the human in a relatively or substantially vertical position. This allows upright exercise while the human is freely suspended with the head and most or all of the neck above water, and the lower extremities bearing no weight, feet not touching bottom. When the band is folded and/or wrapped and fastened around the board or removed, the board can be used for exercise in water as a kickboard.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator includes a backpack assembly for holding a tank of compressed gas and an inflatable air cell which is removably attached to the backpack assembly. The backpack assembly includes a cummerbund and a shoulder harness so that the backpack assembly can be used to support a tank with or without the air cell. The cummerbund and shoulder harness support the entire weight of the tank, and the air cell is not required to support any of the load of the tank. The air cell is shaped to provide flotation in the lower back to buttocks area of the wearer and in the rib cage area.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator is provided with replaceable elements which enable a user to change the tank support system and the cummerbund. The buoyancy compensator includes a vest which can be removably attached to a hard backpack or a soft backpack. A cummerbund for encircling the waist of the user can be removably attached to either the hard backpack or the soft backpack. The cummerbund includes a flexible attaching strap which has one end secured to the cummerbund, and the other end of the attaching strap is removably secured to the cummerbund by hook and loop fasteners. The attaching strap is threaded through slots in the rigid backpack or through a strap on the soft backpack.

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: 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: A personal flotation device (10) for use with a sailboard is disclosed. The device (10) comprises a buoyant body portion (12) having front and back sections (14 and 16, respectively) defining arm holes (26a and 26b) and a neck hole (28). The device further comprises hook (80) for releasably attaching the device to a line of a sailboard, straps 32, 48, 54, 62, and 68 for securing the body portion (12) to and quickly releasing it from the wearer, and flaps 38 and 40 and straps 32 and 54 for substantially distributing the stress, which arises from the pull of the sail and line, across the back of the wearer. The device (10) can further include tape 88 for self-adjusting the location of hook 80 to optimize the balance and comfort of the sailboard operator.

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 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. Also disclosed is a combined ballast and signaling device preferably neutralized by attachment to an eccentrically buoyant personal flotation device.