Abstract: An improved personal flotation apparatus is presented. The personal flotation apparatus is a form-fitting body swimsuit garment having a plurality of uniformly sized and uniformly spaced cells configured to receive uniformly sized flotation material to enable a wearer to float while wearing the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for body surfing which provide the body surfer a means to stabilize his ride and control his direction/position on a wave are described herein. According to one aspect, a body surfing apparatus includes a body suit having a torso, arms, and legs; a plurality of fins located on the torso; a plurality of fins located on the arms; and one or more fins located laterally on the legs. The fins are preferably attached to the body suit via an adhesive or mechanical means and the fins and suit may include a buoyant layer. In one embodiment, the body surfing apparatus includes a body suit with multiple segmentations and/or fins with multiple sliced cuts.

Abstract: A ventilated life jacket is an apparatus that facilitates airflow through the vest. The apparatus includes a vest, a first buoyant foam layer, a second buoyant foam layer, at least one first ventilation track, at least one second ventilation track, and a plurality of harnesses. The vest further includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel houses the first buoyant foam layer. Similarly, the second panel houses the second buoyant foam layer. The at least one first ventilation track and the at least one second ventilation track traverses through and across the first buoyant foam layer and the second buoyant foam layer, respectively, for increased airflow. The plurality of harnesses secures the vest around a user. The at least one first ventilation track and the at least one second ventilation track may be a series of holes or a continuous slot.

Abstract: A swimming aid with a lower back float and an abdominal float, where the floats provide sufficient buoyancy to keep the user's head, neck and shoulders above water when the user is in a vertical position and in a mostly horizontal position. The floats overlap axially so that the user is biased to a vertical position, but can easily rotate between a mostly horizontal position for learning how to swim, and a vertical position, with head, neck and shoulders above the water in both positions, for ease and comfort of breathing, without falling over backwards or sideways.

Abstract: A patient positioning device includes a planar sheet having removably connected padded substrates attached proximal to the patient's arms. The padded substrates are wrapped around the patient's respective arms to protect and elevate the arms from the underlying table or gurney. Leggings are also provided to protect the patient's legs. The padded substrates include splits to allow wires and cables to pass through without getting tangled. A secondary sheet is attachable to the device to cocoon the patient when the patient is rolled over. A shoulder strap is provided under the patients shoulders, wrapping around and over the shoulders at the trapezius and at the shoulder cuff and is secured to the padded substrates for additional protection and security. The device has a low friction bottom surface to ease transfer and positioning.

Abstract: An upright sleep system includes a base pillow and a top pillow. The base pillow includes a tapered shape, including a top edge having a top edge thickness and a bottom edge having a bottom edge thickness less than the top edge thickness. A user may rest his or her head against the top pillow or base during use, and the base pillow supports both the top pillow and the user's torso and arms. By utilizing the upright sleep system the users head, neck, chin, torso and arms can all be supported. The base pillow and tether provide a stable support for the top pillow to prevent the top pillow from becoming dislodged while the user rests. A base passage in the base pillow is shaped to receive a user's arm or arms to further enhance comfort and support. In some embodiments, the base and top pillow include an inflatable, airtight chamber.

Abstract: A floatation device is configured to provide floatation without interfering with a user's upper body movement. The floatation device has a first set of four straps adapted to encircle the user's hips. A right thigh floatation pad and a right back hip floatation pad are joined to the first four straps. A first elastic band is joined to the first four straps and a waist floatation pad. A second set of four straps are adapted to encircle the user's hips. A left thigh floatation pad and a left back hip floatation pad are joined to the first four straps. A second elastic band is joined to the second four straps and a second waist floatation pad. Three elastic bands are joined to four floatation pads and the second elastic band. Three straps with buckles are attached to the elastic bands.

Abstract: An adjustable flotation device is a device that is utilized to support the user's body in a variety of supported positions when the user is floating in a body of water. The device features an upper support member and a lower support member that are connected by a first adjustable strap and a second adjustable strap. The lengths of the first adjustable strap and the second adjustable strap may be adjusted to allow the user to utilize the present invention in a variety of supported positions. An at least one upper flotation aid and a lower flotation aid are utilized in conjunction with the upper support member and the lower support member in order to provide buoyancy to the device when in water. The upper support member and the lower support member may be separated from the first adjustable strap and the second adjustable strap for portability and storage.

Abstract: A buoyancy control apparatus for body surfing includes a buoyancy vest to be worn alone or under a body surfing suit or wetsuit, the vest having a plurality of spaced pockets with access openings on the exterior surface of the vest, and a plurality of foam inserts sized for fitting into the pockets via the access openings. The body surfer can regulate their buoyancy by adding foam inserts to the pockets or removing foam inserts from the pockets to enable them to maintain desired control and buoyancy balance in the water.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is an unfolded life jacket which comprises a fixed floating body provided with a notch through which a user's head passes; straps comprising interconnecting straps attached to the fixed floating body, the interconnecting straps being tied with intermeshing loop straps to hold the user's body; a movable floating body comprising a front movable floating block and a rear movable floating block, to which the fixed floating body is attached, respectively, a rope being attached to the front movable floating block and the rear movable floating block, the rope being tied with the intermeshing loop straps, an adhesion part limiting the front movable floating block and the rear movable floating block on the intermeshing loop straps. It helps the user to keep in a vertical state in water so as to stabilize the gravity center and keep the head out of the water surface.

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: A personal flotation garment device is provided for facilitating balanced flotation of a snorkeler swimming in a horizontal alignment or floating vertically. The garment comprises a front portion, a back portion, two laterally opposed arm portions and a plurality of buoyancy pockets. The garment may be formed in the shape of a shirt having a zipper extending vertically along the bisected center of said front portion to allow a user to don the garment. Buoyancy pockets enclosing closed-cell foam material are symmetrically disposed about the front and back portions. These buoyancy elements are balanced to allow a snorkeler to comfortably swim face down in a body of water. The garment may be constructed of an insulating layer and an elastic liner to promote contoured fit that provides thermal retention and UV protection.

Abstract: A personal floatation device may include a body, a strap and a belt. The body may include front and back portions. One of the front and back portions may include a first closure member. At least one of the front and back portions may be at least partially formed from a material that is sufficiently buoyant to keep a user afloat in water. The strap may extend around at least a portion of at least one of the front and back portions to secure the body to the user. The belt may include a first end fixed to the body and a second end having a second closure member selectively engaging the first closure member.

Abstract: A swimsuit includes a vest provided with buoyant floatation members, a bottom portion in the form of swim trunks, and a coupling mechanism for selectively coupling the vest to the trunks. The vest may be uncoupled from the swim trunks to permit a user to remove the swim trunks while still wearing the vest, or to remove the vest while still wearing the swim trunks.

Abstract: A swimsuit includes a vest provided with buoyant floatation members, a bottom portion in the form of swim trunks, and a coupling mechanism for selectively coupling the vest to the trunks. The vest may be uncoupled from the swim trunks to permit a user to remove the swim trunks while still wearing the vest, or to remove the vest while still wearing the swim trunks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swimming aid that is to be worn on the body and provides floatability. Said swimming aid comprises a dimensionally variable part that can be adjusted to the body size and is provided with a first, detachable closing means, with the aid of which the variable body size adjustment can be made, and at least one buoyancy element. The inventive swimming aid comprises an additional second, detachable closing means that can be detached without modifying the set body size adjustment of the dimensionally variable part. A swimming aid in the form of a jacket and a swimming aid encompassing a supporting belt system are particularly preferred embodiments.

Abstract: A personal flotation device with a back float adjustably connected to a front float through a shoulder strap. The front float has a shoulder strap guide that prevents the shoulder strap from falling off a top portion of the front float. Adjustment of the personal flotation device is done by pulling on the end of the shoulder strap, the end of the shoulder strap being located on the front float and thereby easy to access.

Abstract: A personal flotation device (PFD) comprises a front flotation portion overlaying an upper region of a wearer's chest and a rear flotation portion overlaying an upper region of the wearer's back. The front flotation portion is joined with the rear flotation portion along a transverse top edge of the PFD adapted to overlay shoulders of the wearer. A seat portion is adapted to extend between the wearer's legs and is substantially free of buoyant materials relative to the main flotation member. At least one fastening strap is releasably fastenable to retain the main flotation member in place on the wearer. A majority of buoyancy provided by the PFD is disposed above a horizontally extending reference axis which corresponds to a center of gravity of the wearer. At least one ballast weight may also be provided and is disposed below the reference axis.

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: A life preserver assembly includes a substantially planar main body portion formed from a buoyant material and separation means defining in said main body portion at least one life preserver. The separation means permits the life preserver to be removed from the main body portion. The life preserver is a unitary U shaped structure where the life preserver is preassembled for immediate use.

Abstract: An article of clothing such as a vest incorporating buoyant material is configured to reduce pocket bulging when carried items that are placed in pockets and to allow the wearer to move freely. The article of clothing includes a main clothing unit having one or more pockets and one or more buoyant material sections coupled to the main clothing unit. One or more of the buoyant material sections has at least one concavity formed at a position on the outside and/or inside surfaces of the buoyant material sections at positions that correspond to one the pockets such and at least part of each the carrying spaces of the pockets are formed in one of the concavities. Preferably, buoyant material sections are generally plate-shaped. Preferably, the pockets are made of cloth and located at prescribed positions on the outside and/or the inside of the buoyant material sections.

Abstract: A life preserver assembly includes a substantially planar main body portion formed from a buoyant material. A separation means is provided for defining at least one life preserver in the main body portion. The separation means permits the life preserver to be removed from the main body portion. A method for storing a life preserver is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article of clothing such as a vest incorporating buoyant material is configured to reduce pocket bulging when carried items that are placed in pockets and to allow the wearer to move freely. The article of clothing includes a main clothing unit having one or more pockets and one or more buoyant material sections coupled to the main clothing unit. One or more of the buoyant material sections has at least one concavity formed at a position on the outside and/or inside surfaces of the buoyant material sections at positions that correspond to one the pockets such and at least part of each the carrying spaces of the pockets are formed in one of the concavities. Preferably, buoyant material sections are generally plate-shaped. Preferably, the pockets are made of cloth and located at prescribed positions on the outside and/or the inside of the buoyant material sections.

Abstract: A safety vest device. The device comprising a right buoyant pad, a center buoyant pad being connected by a first shoulder strap and a left buoyant pad being connected by a second shoulder strap. The device also comprises a right leg strap having an end connected to the right buoyant pad and another end that is connected to the center buoyant pad. Also included is the left leg strap having an end connected to the left buoyant pad and another end that is connected to the center buoyant pad. Also included may be an attaching device that attaches the right buoyant pad to the left buoyant pad. Further, the device may include a ring member attached to the center buoyant pad, and wherein the ring member is configured to attach to a safety lanyard that includes a dielectric component. The device may further comprise a lower strap attached at a first end to the right foam pad and attached at a second end to the left buoyant pad.

Abstract: A safety vest device. The device comprising a right buoyant pad, a center buoyant pad being connected by a first shoulder strap and a left buoyant pad being connected by a second shoulder strap. The device also comprises a right leg strap having an end connected to the right buoyant pad and another end that is connected to the center buoyant pad. Also included is the left leg strap having an end connected to the left buoyant pad and another end that is connected to the center buoyant pad. Also included may be an attaching device that attaches the right buoyant pad to the left buoyant pad. Further, the device may include a ring member attached to the center buoyant pad, and wherein the ring member is configured to attach to a safety lanyard that includes a dielectric component. The device may further comprise a lower strap attached at a first end to the right foam pad and attached at a second end to the left buoyant pad.

Abstract: An inflatable safety device used by a person for underwater activities having a first inflatable buoyancy chamber and a second inflatable buoyancy chamber. The first inflatable buoyancy chamber can be disposed at a back side of a person while the person is underwater. The second inflatable buoyancy chamber can be disposed solely at a neck, shoulder and front side area of the person or the front side of the person. The second inflatable buoyancy chamber is in communication with the first inflatable chamber. An inflator can also be provided for inflating the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A safety vest device. The device comprising a right buoyant pad, a center buoyant pad being connected by a first shoulder strap and a left buoyant pad being connected by a second shoulder strap. The device also comprises a right leg strap having an end connected to the right buoyant pad and another end that is connected to the center buoyant pad. Also included is the left leg strap having an end connected to the left buoyant pad and another end that is connected to the center buoyant pad. Also included may be an attaching device that attaches the right buoyant pad to the left buoyant pad. Further, the device may include a ring member attached to the center buoyant pad, and wherein the ring member is configured to attach to a safety line. The device may further comprise a lower strap attached at a first end to the right foam pad and attached at a second end to the left buoyant pad.

Abstract: A life jacket comprises a back panel defining a first flotation pocket and adapted to lie adjacent a wearer's back and a front panel defining a second flotation pocket, the front panel being connected with the back panel and adapted to lie adjacent the wearer's front. A pocket member is hingedly attached to and supported from the front panel and is adapted to contain and retain emergency accessories. The pocket member includes a relatively stiff plate member having an inner surface facing toward the front panel when the pocket member is closed and an outer surface facing away from the front panel when the pocket member is closed. The pocket member includes a third flotation pocket that is defined by two layers of a flexible material. Flotation material is located in the first, second and third flotation pockets.

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 heated liner that is worn under an upper torso garment. The liner includes an upper torso-covering garment that underlies the upper torso garment, heating wires, storage batteries that are in electrical communication with, and power, the heating wires, solar cells that are in electrical communication with, and recharge, the storage batteries, and a thermostat that is in electrical communication with, and regulates the heat generated by, the heating wires. The heating wires form a continuous serpentine pattern throughout the upper torso-covering garment. The storage batteries include chest and back batteries that are disposed on the upper torso-covering garment. The solar cells include chest and back solar cells that extend from uppermost portions of the upper torso-covering garment, by lengths of solar cell wire that allows the solar cells to pass freely through openings in the upper torso garment and be replaceably attached thereto by hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A heated liner that is worn under an upper torso garment. The liner includes an upper torso-covering garment that underlies the upper torso garment, heating wires, storage batteries that are in electrical communication with, and power, the heating wires, solar cells that are in electrical communication with, and recharge, the storage batteries, and a thermostat that is in electrical communication with, and regulates the heat generated by, the heating wires.

Abstract: A personal flotation device for being worn by a user includes a buoyant back body portion, a buoyant front body portion opposite the back portion, first and second straps coupled to the back body portion and converging into a third strap, and a fastener coupled to the front body portion. The fastener is configured to engage the third strap at various points to vary spacing between the front body portion and the back body portion.

Abstract: A supplied air snorkeling device is provided. This device includes a flotation vest coupled with a tank holder. This flotation vest contains flotation material that cannot be deflated and substantially prohibits a user from submerging. A tank cover is positioned within the tank holder for holding an air tank. Still further, a hose retainer is coupled with the vest. In use, an air tank is placed within the tank cover which is then placed within the tank holder. A hose extends from the air tank through the hose retainer and is connected to a regulator that is connected to a mouthpiece which fits into a user's mouth. The hose retainer keeps the mouthpiece in close proximity to the user's mouth. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of making this supplied air snorkeling device. This method includes coupling a tank holder with a flotation vest.

Abstract: A swimwear garment made of ultra-violet resistant material encloses the body of a child when fastened-up, and has a back zip (3), sleeves (2A), leg openings and a neck opening (4). The garment incorporates buoyant panels (8) at its back and a front panel (11) which are formed with crease lines (9, 10, 14, 16) enabling them to conform closely to the child's chest without obstructing its movement during swimming. A flexible soft neck roll (6) of closed-cell, buoyant, foamed plastics material encircles the child's neck and holds the chin above water.

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: 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: The invention provides a life-jacket which takes account of the articulation zones of a wearer's body, namely those parts of the upper torso that bend, twist and flex when engaged in maritime activities. This is done by providing a life-jacket having buoyancy material with articulation zones in it which are coincident with a wearer's articulation zone. One particularly suitable form of life-jacket may incorporate a sailing trousers. The life-jacket (1) has an upper body garment which has seven front pockets (10, 11, 12 and 13) on each side of a front opening (4), namely lower pockets (10 intermediate pockets (11), chest pockets (12) and a shoulder pocket (13) defining a waist articulation zone (20), an underneath ribs articulation zone (21), a mid-ribs to armpit articulation zone (22), a below collar bone to a top of the shoulder articulation zone (24). Each pocket contains suitable buoyancy material. Further pockets are placed on the back of the life-jacket (1).

Abstract: The instant invention offers a permanently wearable self-rescue system for free divers and others engaged in aquatic pursuits to recover to the surface of the water if they should become disabled for any reason. Prior to or during ascent from a dive, if the free-diver has any feeling of insecurity or danger or just wants to insure a totally safe ascent, he or she arms a trigger mechanism that is preferably held in the armed position by the diver's hand grip. If the free-diver should lose consciousness or otherwise be incapacitated, his or her hand grip is released and the trigger mechanism is actuated which results in a resiliently biased puncture pin being propelled to puncture a gas cartridge. Pressurized gas from the cartridge is then directed to an ergonomically designed inflatable bladder garment. The bladder garment is especially designed so that it offers little hydrodynamic resistance when underwater and thus is compatible with the frequent dives taken by free-divers during a typical outing.

Abstract: A life preserver/cushion that has flotation panels which may be releasably secured together to form a seat cushion and when so secured the life preserver/cushion also serves as a tossable flotation device. A fabric interconnecting panel with a hand opening is stowed between the panels. The flotation panels are separated for use as a wearable life preserver. The interconnecting panel is received over the users head. Straps and buckles on the life preserver surfaces are used to secure the device around the users trunk.

Abstract: A buoyant swim garment has inner and outer layers of fabric and, intermediate the inner and outer layers a buoyant flexible sheet material. The sheet material has spaced V-shaped grooves with sides meeting in a line at an apex, the grooves extending in a height-wise dimension of the garment to define panels. The periphery of the material has a bevel with a thin, pliant outer edge. Stitching extends through the apex of the V-shaped grooves and the inner and outer layers of fabric. In manufacturing the garment, the V-shaped grooves are skived, and the periphery of the sheet material is also skived to form the bevel. In one embodiment, the grooves face the inner layer of fabric, and the beveled periphery faces the outer layer.

Abstract: A personal floatation device particularly adapted for home use with babies under parental supervision. The personal floatation device has floatation foam pads sewn into a sturdy, non-slip, woven cotton cover. The back section has three floatation foam panels--the head support, the back support and the pant back. The front section has three floatation foam panels--the pant front, and two elongated suspender panels which are sewn into the waist of the pant and placed vertically over the baby's chest to attach to the lower portion of the floatation foam head support through use of Velcro strips sewn on to each side of the head support. The front and back panels of the pant are secured together with Velcro strips. The floatation foam in the head support has a cut-out hole in which the baby rests his head. The baby's face and breathing passages are clear of the water, allowing the baby to float comfortably in the back float survival position giving complete freedom of movement of arms and legs.

Abstract: A one-piece lightweight personal flotation device which is aerodynamic and form-fitting for a male or female wearer includes an inflatable bladder having front and rear panels, the front panel having generally concave longitudinal side edges to create an hourglass shape suitable for a conforming and comfortable fit by a male or female wearer, and the rear panel defined by two sections separated by a vertical seam. The bladder is held to the torso of the wearer by lightweight elastic fabric side panels, to enhance the torso-conforming fit, particularly at the arm-holes and around the waist, so that the device fits the wearer similar to a relatively tight vest. Bladder inflation components are located at accessible positions adjacent the outer surface of the bladder, and held within covers or pockets made of stretchable material, thereby to minimize aerodynamic drag, optimize comfort and to reduce the possibility of inadvertent filling of the bladder.

Abstract: A floatation aid is provided which is especially useful for swimming instruction and which includes a harness and two floatation devices. In an exemplary embodiment the floatation devices are positioned over the chest and the lower back of a person. The floatation aid can support a person's body in a horizontal position while in the water, without impeding movement of the person's limbs or torso. The floatation aid can include adjustable fasteners and pockets to allow for addition and removal of multiple buoyant pads to obtain a desired level of floatation.

Abstract: A improved swim training device for teaching a novice swimmer to swim that includes a pair of buoyancy units that are defined as a pair of interconnected jackets adapted to removably store a plurality of floatation cells. The jackets are adjustable to the size of the wearer and to the changing size of the jackets as selective floatational cells are removed, each jacket being formed from a single sheet of material having an inner cover sheet and a plurality of extended flap members that are adjustably arranged to be positioned over the stacked floatation cells for easy removal from the jacket.

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: 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: A buoyancy compensator for a diver having an inflatable bladder characterized by minimal lateral deformation when inflated is formed of a two piece gusset of double-sided heat sealable material disposed between a forward and a rearward single-sided heat sealable member. A method for making the inflatable bladder by welding in three roughly parallel planes is also provided.

Abstract: A swim training device for teaching a novice swimmer to swim that includes a pair of buoyancy units that are defined as a pair of interconnected pouches adapted to removably store a plurality of floatation cells. The pouches are adjustable to the size of the wearer and to the changing size of the pouch as selective floatational cells are removed. The swim training device further provides a new method of training for progressively teaching novice swimmers, especially children, the basic swimming skills.

Abstract: A life vest which is adapted with various signaling devices is disclosed. This life vest is designed to be worn by a person while traveling via water. The vest is designed with various pouches and attachments for safety receptacles. It is adapted to hold a flare gun with flares, a strobe, a solar powered flare signal and a signal balloon. The vest is also adapted for attachment of a signaling device which may both transmit a signal and produce an audio signal.

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.