Abstract: A life preserver includes first and second buoyancy sections 3, 4 arranged such that, in use, the first and second buoyancy sections lie on opposite sides respectively of a wearer's chest, wherein said first and second buoyancy sections include respective inner facing regions that face one another above the wearer's chest, each of the facing regions having a chin support portion 11A, 11B and being configured to abut each other in use to form a chin support.

Abstract: An exercise vest to exercise and tone targeted muscles of the upper body including a vest body having a zippered front side and a shoulder portion engageable to the rear side proximal the top side for arm hole size adjustment. A removable, washable liner is provided. Exercise resistance bands interchangeably clip onto a plurality of D-rings strategically disposed on each of the front and rear sides. Length-adjustable chest straps secure the right and left portions together and properly position the vest body for use. At least one side strap is disposed across a vertical channel disposed between each arm hole and a bottom side of the vest body, to adjust the width of the vest body to a user's chest size. A belt slidingly engaging belt loops secures the vest body in a proper position on the user and prevents the vest body from sliding upwardly during use.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide reinforcements for inflatable device assemblies. Specific embodiments provide a welded reinforcement for crotch areas of inflatable devices. Particular benefits may be achieved when the areas to be reinforced with the reinforcement system described are non-linear, defining a geometry with at least one curve or angle. Specific aspects of the reinforcement system provide one or more precut gusset elements that are configured to be secured with respect to a crotch area of a base substrate and welded.

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: The present invention relates to a gas-cylinder retaining assembly 10 for retaining a gas-cylinder on a harness for breathing apparatus. The retaining assembly comprises a strap 20 arranged in use to be coupled to the harness and a retaining portion of which is arranged to pass around at least a portion of the cylinder; a tensioning device 30 arranged for tightening the retaining portion of the strap around the cylinder such that the cylinder is held to the harness, and wherein a free portion of the strap, having a free end, extends from the tensioning device; and a retaining buckle 40 arranged for retaining the free portion of the strap, the retaining buckle 40 comprises a positioning slot 42 through which in use the retaining portion of the strap passes; a pivot member 44 which in use is located between the cylinder and the retaining portion of the strap; and a retaining slot arranged in use to receive the free end of the strap 46.

Abstract: A multi-functional, personal flotation device provides a life preserver for a person in combination with an integrated tethering system to aid in retrieval of the wearer. The integrated tethering system may be used alone or in conjunction with an integrated signaling device. The integrated signaling device extends when the life preserver is use. The integrated tethering system facilitates the recovery of a person wearing the multi-functional, personal flotation device. The integrated signaling device or the integrated tethering system may also include a sound or a visual alarm.

Abstract: A flotation aid having an inflatable first tubular part 1, an inflatable second tubular part 2, and an inflatable third tubular part 3. An attachment arrangement 7, 8 enables an end portion of each of the second and third tubular parts to be releasably secured to the first tubular part. When the flotation aid is inflated and in use the first tubular part is able to extend from the front of the torso of a person directly downwards so that an inflated portion of the first tubular part passes, as one piece, between the person's legs. From there it extends directly up the rear of the person and inflated portions of the second and third tubular parts are extend from the back of the person up and over respective shoulders of the person to the front of the torso. The flotation aid is formed so that when it is in normal use, fully inflated and worn by a person in as indicated, in a body of water, the person is held in a substantially upright orientation with his or her head out of the water.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for a buoyant material, a cover, and a belt arranged between the cover and the buoyant material. The belt is stitched to the cover at at least one location. In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the belt is stitched to the cover near a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the belt passes through the cover and is stitched to the cover near the location where the belt passes through the cover.

Abstract: A buoyancy aid for use in the surf or water which does not restrict body movement is shown. The buoyancy aid also allows the individual or person to remain afloat in a substantial upright position. A buoyancy aid for maintaining the torso of a person in a substantially upright position in a water environment is also shown. The buoyancy aid in the preferred embodiment includes a fastening system including a chest fastening member and a waist fastening member to fit around the waist of an individual or person. The buoyancy aid also includes a buoyancy member formed of a buoyancy material having pair of spaced substantially planar “V”-shaped buoyant strips which are disposed to be substantially equal on the front and back of a torso of a person.

Abstract: A diving jacket 1 includes a back-plate 22, shoulder belts 6 and a waist belt 7. The waist belt 7 includes a pair of belt members 32, 33 each having a circumferentially rear end region 46 is fixed to an associated connector plate 31 made of a material harder than the belt 7 and disposed between the rear end region 46 and the back-plate 22. A lower end region 34 of the shoulder bent 6 also is fixed to the associated connector plate 31.

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 diving jacket includes a back-plate 22 and a pair of waist belt members respectively having circumferentially rear end regions fixed to the back-plate 22 by a means of associated connector plates 31. Rear end regions 37 of the respective connector plates 31 are formed with a plurality of dovetail tenons 51 or a plurality of dovetail grooves 52 arranged in vertical direction of the connector plates 31 so as to extend in parallel one to another and the back-plate 22 is formed with much more dovetail grooves 52 or dovetail tenons 51 than those formed in the connector plates 31 so as to be operatively associated with the dovetail tenons 51 or dovetail grooves 52 of the connector plates 31, respectively.

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 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 diving jacket includes a back-plate 22 and a pair of waist belt members respectively having circumferentially rear end regions fixed to the back-plate 22 by a means of associated connector plates 31. Rear end regions 37 of the respective connector plates 31 are formed with a plurality of dovetail tenons 51 or a plurality of dovetail grooves 52 arranged in vertical direction of the connector plates 31 so as to extend in parallel one to another and the back-plate 22 is formed with much more dovetail grooves 52 or dovetail tenons 51 than those formed in the connector plates 31 so as to be operatively associated with the dovetail tenons 51 or dovetail grooves 52 of the connector plates 31, respectively.

Abstract: A life jacket includes a float member and at least a cloth layer adhered on the float member. The float member is made of a floatable material, having a head hole in an intermediate lateral portion, a front float portion, a rear float portion, and a shoulder portion between the front and the rear float portion. The cloth layer is adhered or fused on the front surface and/or the rear surface of the float member to increase the structural strength of the life jacket. The front and the rear float portion have a plurality of band holes for a strap band to pass through to bind them on the body of a user. The rear float portion has plural holes spaced apart to reduce its boyancy. The float member with the head hole, the shoulder portion, the band holes and the holes in the rear float portion are formed by a molding pressing process to reduce the cost of the life jacket.

Abstract: A personal flotation device in the form of a vest having two chest portions that are interconnected by a neck portion. The vest fits over a user's head and is secured to the user by way of a belt and a chest strap. The vest is inflatable by the user and in a deflated condition, the chest portions are folded upon themselves to present a low profile vest that may be worn by the user without interfering in marine activities. A plurality of frangible fasteners are disposed on flap portions of the chest portions to retain the chest portions in their folded condition, yet release the flap portions under inflation pressure.

Abstract: A new life jacket with flexible life line for allowing a user to have a life line conveniently located on their life jacket so that the line can be easily accessed during a rescue. The inventive device includes a life jacket with a top, a bottom, and front and back floatation panels. The panels define a pair of side spaces between them which are each adapted for extending an arm therethrough. A flexible pouch having an interior compartment and an top opening into the interior compartment is coupled to the front and back floatation panels. A length of flexible line having opposite ends is disposable in the interior compartment of the pouch such that the ends of the flexible line are extended from the pouch. One of the ends of the flexible line has a fastening clip coupled thereto which is detachably attachable to a portion of the life jacket for securing the one end of the flexible line to the life jacket.

Abstract: An inflatable life vest is provided including a vest and an inflatable bladder situated therein. Next provided is an air actuation mechanism comprising a mounting assembly which includes a threaded opening in communication with the inflatable bladder. In use, the threaded opening is equipped for releasably receiving a cylindrical pressurized air canister. A valve is slidably situated above the threaded opening with a pin coupled to a bottom surface thereof. A spring is situated between the valve and the threaded opening. The valve has a first unbiased orientation wherein the pin sits distant the threaded opening and a second biased orientation wherein the pin resides within the threaded opening for effecting the release of air from the pressurized air canister. The mounting assembly further includes a lever pivotally attached to the mounting assembly and adapted to transfer the valve to the second biased orientation upon the pivoting thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is an infant walking and swimming aid comprising a harness having at least one adjustable shoulder strap, a lower adjustable body belt, an upper adjustable body belt, at least one crotch strap, and a high back belt. The infant walking and swimming aid also includes at least one of (a) a crossbar having a first end, a second end and two attachment portions such that the crossbar is attachable to two adjustable suspending straps connectable between the crossbar and the harness; and (b) a first float attachable adjacent the high back belt and a second float attachable adjacent the lower adjustable body belt and the upper adjustable body belt.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint is disclosed, and includes an elongated poncho having therein an air-tight bladder and a cervical aperture for insertion of the head of the individual. A front portion of the poncho is adapted for juxtaposition with a rear surface of a forward seat and a rear portion is adapted for juxtaposition with and between the back of the torso and a forward surface of a rearward seat when inflated. The front portion is longer than the rear portion and has a larger volumetric displacement when inflated and extends over the front torso and lower extremities of the individual. The rear portion extends over the back torso of the individual. An inflation means inflates the bladder and restrains the individual between the forward and rearward seats for protection of the individual during an emergency while traveling in a vehicle.

Abstract: A protective expedition jacket, including a vest with emergency inflation bladder; detachable sleeves secured to the vest sides and a full length waterproofing bib and storm collar secured to the front of the vest. The inflatable flotation bladder is supported within the vest back and extends through the shoulders to the left and right side of the vest front with an inflation valve extending through the vest front beneath a detachable tear-away cover.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder for a buoyancy compensator or the like is provided with an internal brace which causes the inflated bladder to conform to the body of the wearer. The bladder includes a liner and a shell which are secured together to form an internal chamber. The brace is generally triangularly shaped and includes a pair of connecting panels which diverge from the liner to the shell and which are connected to the liner and the shell.

Abstract: A personal flotation device is disclosed that maintains the user's face and head above the water level line, the flotation device having an anterior chest portion and an opposite posterior portion. At the top of the flotation device is a first shoulder portion and an opposite second shoulder portion. An anterior collar portion is hinged with a posterior collar portion. The portions are held into position by a two-way stretchable material.

Abstract: An aviator has a protective helmet and an oxygen mask releasably attached to the helmet by a mask release which automatically releases one of the mask connections to the helmet upon water immersion. An inflatable life preserver worn by the aviator has two spaced projections mounted on its upper outer surface directly beneath the mask. These projections contact the lower portion of the mask during life preserver inflation and gradually forcibly push the released mask away from the aviator's face as the life preserver further inflates.

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 item of swimming wear (10) arranged to be worn closely to the body of a user to provide or enhance buoyancy, which item (10) comprises a piece of flexible closed-cell foam material (12) combined with a piece of textile or plastics material (11).

Abstract: A combination seat cushion and life vest particularly adapted for use as an aircraft chair includes a generally rectangular buoyant main rear panel and a buoyant segmented front panel hingedly joined to the rear panel in substantially covering relationship thereto so as to form, in a closed position thereof, a generally rectangular cushion of generally uniform thickness and, in an open position thereof, an openable and wearable life vest sized and dimensioned to cover the rear side and front side of a user from the shoulder to approximately the waist.

Abstract: A swimming aid including a lower torso buoyancy device to be worn by the user which will impart buoyancy to the lower torso of the user. The lower torso buoyancy device is attached to and part of a rigid frame which is held onto the back of the user particularly at the lower torso and at the shoulders to enable the lower torso to be lifted and oriented to place the user in a good position for swimming.

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: An improved personal floatation device composed of (a) a back panel to encircle the back and sides of a wearer, (b) a front panel and (c) a shoulder panel with a head opening which interconnects the front and back panel, and (d) straps for fastening the device about the body of a wearer and wherein the device includes a head support panel swingably connected to the top of the back panel for supporting the head of a wearer when worn by a user in water.

Abstract: A backpack is disclosed for use with scuba gear wherein the backpack includes a rigid housing substantially enclosing an air tank, an interior chamber vented to the surrounding water and formed by the rigid housing for receiving an inflatable buoyancy compensator and a mounting for receiving and securing an adjustable amount of retrievable ballast. The rigid backpack provides a particularly streamlined configuration for the scuba gear, greater puncture resistance for the buoyancy compensator and greater variation in the amount of ballast carried by the diver. The backpack is preferably configured to better support the weight of the scuba gear upon the diver with a trim bladder separately inflatable by the diver and arranged between the backpack and the diver for allowing the diver to adjust for variations in slack, particularly at different diving depths.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator adjustment for a diver's buoyancy compensator having a backpack and a back portion terminating in side and shoulder portions. The shoulder portions and side portions are each secured by straps overlying the chest extending from the side portions to the shoulder portions. The straps are looped through belt loops to provide a bight under tension which is loosened upon lifting or disengaging one of the belt loops.

Abstract: A garment to be worn conveniently and comfortably over the upper body of a seagoing person to gain protection from rain, wind, and/or cold, which includes an interior deflated fluid tight enclosure, i.e. a bladder, to be very quickly inflated inside the garment in a time of emergency. The deflated fluid tight enclosure covers at least the interior upper back portion of this garment and also covers at least the interior of the right and left chest portions of this garment. An inflating subassembly is operatively secured between the deflated fluid tight enclosure and to either the right or left chest portion of this garment. This inflating subassembly has an alternatively usable mouth and lung inflatable valved air intake-discharge communicating with the deflated fluid tight enclosure, and an alternatively usable filled compressed fluid valved cylinder discharge also communicating with the deflated fluid tight enclosure and having a coilable pullable lanyard.

Abstract: A diver's buoyancy compensator belt to be used with a diver's buoyancy compensator of the type that allows for increases and decreases of air to be provided thereto, depending upon the amount of buoyancy that is required. The buoyancy compensator belt has a first belt made of webbing for attachment to a buoyancy compensator and a backpack that in turn receives a tank connected thereto. The buoyancy compensator belt retains the buoyancy compensator around a diver's waist at distinct locations to allow for movement thereof which allows for the belt to expand and contract, due to the belt being made from an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material allows for a stretching and contraction of the belt, due to various pressure conditions and can be made of elastomeric foam having discrete cells therein. As the belt expands and contracts due to the discrete cells being pressurized at various depths, it compensates for the depth.

Abstract: An exposure suit 10 has an attached lifejacket (14) which includes a part-annular rear portion (17) within a sheath (26) secured across the back of the shoulders of the suit 10 and a front portion 16 which is secured at (19) to the chest center of the suit. In a stowed deflated condition (FIG. 1) the portion (16) is folded or rolled to form a package restrained by a restraint such as a flap 31 on one side of a suit fastener (12), inflation of the lifejacket causing it to release its restraint and automatically to adopt a position overlying the chest of the suit (10) and wearer in a body supporting position.

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 personal flotation device is provided with auxiliary pads for partially closing the arm openings. The pads are attached to the back of the flotation device, and a strap is attached to each pad. The pads can be maintained at the lower portion of the arm openings by connecting the straps in front of the flotation device. When the straps are not connected, the pads hang freely from their attachment points at the back.

Abstract: A buoyant vest in which two elongated foam members are encased in a single sheath of coated fabric to form the vest. A single strap secures the vest around the body of the wearer.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a buoyancy compensator bladder and method of manufacture therefor. The bladder has a plurality of gussets implaced therein in order to rigidify and maintain a pre-established general configuration to the bladder. A plurality of insets or pleats are implaced around the shoulder area to provide for a generally arcuate curvilinear conformation therearound. A nylon plastic coated material is used for the gussets having one side that can be bonded to the inner side of the bladder, while the other side is formed from a nylon having a higher melting temperature. The gussets that are made from the nylon coated material are folded and implaced within the bladder or cavity formed from a plurality of sheets, the combination of which is brought together and heatset by means of an RF heater, or other suitable heater.

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

Abstract: 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 buoyant vest for use in a tank of water. 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. Adjustable security lines are attached between the vest loops and anchoring loops located on the tank. An exercise device comprises the combination of the vest and the tank.

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.

Abstract: A hybrid personal flotation device (10) of the type having a required buoyancy is disclosed. The flotation device (10) includes a mass of buoyant material (12a), (12b) and (12c) providing an amount of inherent buoyancy and an inflatable buoyancy chamber (18) cooperatively connected to the mass of buoyant material (12a), (12b) and (12c). The buoyancy chamber (18) is inflated with gas for providing supplemental buoyancy. The buoyancy chamber (18) may be deflated, whereby after the factory testing of said inflatable buoyancy chamber (18) by inflating and deflating the buoyancy chamber (18), a residual amount of gas that is used to inflate the buoyancy chamber (18) remains in the buoyancy chamber (18) after deflation, and provides an amount of residual buoyancy. The inherent buoyancy plus the residual buoyancy being greater than or equal to the required buoyancy. In a preferred embodiment, the buoyancy chamber (18) is covered by a covering panel (32).

Abstract: A personal flotation device of a type designed and structured to be worn about the head and shoulders and upper body portion of the wearer and capable of supporting the wearer in water in a substantially face upright position to provide adequate breathing space even when the wearer is unconscious. The flotation device is further capable of being closed into a carrying case position and otherwise utilized as various type cushion structures such as a seat with accompanying backrest. The structural components of the device include various buoyant portions capable of being specifically disposed about predetermined portions of the wearer's body so as to properly support the upper chest, head, back and chin portions thereby adequately supporting and orienting the wearer in water when worn.

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