Abstract: An invertible floatation garment which alternately can be worn as shorts or as a vest includes a garment front sheet and a garment rear sheet which are laterally interconnected by lateral connecting segments to form a single tubular structure for fitting around the chest or trunk of a wearer. An upright forward slit opening is provided through the center of the front sheet to permit the garment to be opened so that the wearer can take the garment on and off, dividing the front sheet into a front sheet left portion and a front sheet right portion with closure fasteners. An front and rear sheet connecting segment narrower than the front and rear sheets defines on either side of it leg openings which become arm openings when the garment is inverted.

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: 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: An electrically powered and balanced buoyancy and velocity of movement controllable life preserving vest and transport system.

Abstract: An air bag apparatus comprising a front portion, a back portion and a collar portion in inflatable communication with and between the front portion and the back portion. A lumbar attachment portion may be in inflatable communication with a bottom end of the back portion at a mid portion of the lumbar attachment portion and a first end removably attached to the front portion and a second end removably attaches to the front portion at the bottom left of the front portion. An air generator may be communication with at least one of the front portion, back portion and lumbar attachment portion for expanding the air bag apparatus; wherein the at least one air bag is capable of protecting an operator in response to expansion of the air bag by the air generator.

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: A personal flotation device that may be worn alone, as well as fitted into a separate garment, such as a jacket or vest. The personal flotation device may include a wearable inflatable bladder that is selectively adjustable into a retaining configuration that fits to a wearer and into a loosened configuration that is removable from the wearer. A closure system maintains the bladder in the retaining configuration. A first component of a releasable attachment system may be provided with the wearable inflatable bladder, whereby the first component is attachable to a complementary second component of the releasable attachment system that is provided on a separate garment to integrate the inflatable bladder and the separate garment.

Abstract: A personal flotation device, includes a shell defining a cavity having a first portion and a second portion for each receiving a buoyant element where the first and second portions are relatively moveable. Aa fastener for releasably interconnecting the first and second portions having a first and a second part such that when interconnected relative movement of the first and second portions is limited. A safety device is connected to the second portion and is associated with the first part of the fastener for redundant interconnection of the first and second portions in the event that the fastener is unintentionally disconnected.

Abstract: A personal flotation device, includes a shell defining a cavity having a first portion and a second portion for each receiving a buoyant element where the first and second portions are relatively moveable. Aa fastener for releasably interconnecting the first and second portions having a first and a second part such that when interconnected relative movement of the first and second portions is limited. A safety device is connected to the second portion and is associated with the first part of the fastener for redundant interconnection of the first and second portions in the event that the fastener is unintentionally disconnected.

Abstract: A life jacket in including impact absorption materials on both sides of a hard protection material in which a high-impact fiber cloth is incorporated buoyant material on at least one impact absorption material provides buoyancy. The jacket includes front and back bodies of which the back body is longer than the front body and they are parted in the middle at the shoulder region, such that the interior material takes the form of a waist coat. By extending an upper portion of the hard protection material of the back body along a neck region of the front and back bodies, a head region retroversion protective portion is configured. Front and back bodies of the life jacket are fastened to the user by at least one belt.

Abstract: A personal floatation device comprises a wide buoyant collar hinged to a thoracic float. The collar has a front portion projecting forwardly under the chin of the wearer to cooperate with the thoracic float to limit forward tilting movements of the wearer's head. The hinge between the collar and the thoracic floater provides for the combination of the buoyancy of the collar and the thoracic float when a wearer fall face down in the water. The juxtaposition of the collar and the thoracic float contributes to rapidly pivot the wearer's head out of the water. A buoyant flap is articulated to a rear end of the collar so as to be only responsive to backward movements of the wearer's upper body.

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 personal flotation vest device is provided that includes front flotation members that work in conjunction with a buoyant neck stabilizing member extending from the top of the back of the vest portion, and a buoyant buttocks support member extending from the bottom of the back of the vest portion, to provide a comfortable and stable platform for supporting the user in a substantially horizontal position. Adjustable fasteners allow a comfortable fit as the vest is donned. In addition, a whistle is attached to the vest by means of a lanyard for emergency use. A retraction device for retrieving and storing the extended lanyard is also provided. To avoid the onset of dehydration a pocket is provided for storing a fresh water container.

Abstract: A personal flotation device having adjustable flotation layers is disclosed. The personal flotation device includes at least one back body portion, at least one front body portion opposite the back body portion, shoulder portions connecting the at least one back body portion and the at least one front body portion, and side portions connecting the at least one back body portion and the at least one front body portion. At least one of the front body portion and the back body portion includes a first flotation layer, a second flotation layer opposite the first flotation layer and a low friction interface layer extending in a plane between the first flotation layer and the second flotation layer. At least one of the first flotation layer and the second flotation layer is movable relative to the low friction in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

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 marine protection jacket comprising two front flaps, a fastener on the front, which jacket can be worn over an inflatable lifejacket comprising two lungs arranged on the lateral and front portions of the user's thorax. According to the invention, both front flaps are interconnected via a piece of fabric forming bellows, whereas the said jacket must be slipped on as a jumper, the said bellows are arranged inwardly with respect to the fastener and the fastener comprises two fastening means, the first means showing a resistance to forced opening of the flaps that is lower than that of the second means, the first fastening means being arranged toward the upper portion of the fastener and the second fastening means being arranged toward the lower portion of the fastener, the second fastening means enabling to close the jacket up to height corresponding substantially to the lower extremity of the lifejacket in order to avoid compression of the user when the lifejacket is inflated.

Abstract: An inflatable personal flotation device that is reversible and comparatively easily to put on and secure even under difficult conditions. The device can be donned and worn with either side to the front. The personal flotation device of the present invention uses a harness rather than a belt to secure the device in place on the user. The harness preferably also includes a keeper configured to locate the strap always within reach of the user once the device is slipped over the user's head to make it easier to buckle the harness to secure the device. The reversible nature of the invention allows the user to don the device without having to contemplate which way the device should be oriented.

Abstract: A hydrostatic balancing jacket includes a dorsal element ending into two shoulder strips and two pectoral-abdominal strips. The dorsal element is equipped, on its outer side, with two wing-shaped strips. The wing-shaped strips are connected to the dorsal element along one of their rims. The wing-shaped strips are symmetrically located with respect to the longitudinal axis of the element and are inflatable.

Abstract: A swimming exercise and training apparatus having a flotation member constructed of a generally lightweight, semi-rigid, buoyant material and sized and shaped so that it may be positioned against a portion of a person's upper torso, a plurality of straps structured to removably secure the flotation member to the person's upper torso and a pair of cords structured to retain the flotation member, and consequently, the swimmer wearing the flotation member, substantially in place. Each cord includes a first end attached to the flotation member and an opposite second end attached to a suction cup or a stake member having a generally flat horizontal surface on its upper portion and a hook on its lower portion.

Abstract: A personal floatation device comprising an improved float to provide buoyant lift to the body of the wearer of the device when in water and a strap assembly to connect the improved float about the wearer. The improved float includes a front sized to generally overlay the front torso of a wearer, a head support to generally overlay the shoulder region, and a neck opening sized to loosely confront the neck of the wearer, with a portion of the neck opening disposed in the front and in the head support, and further, includes an inner neck contacting surface about a perimeter of the neck opening. The improved float includes a back sized both to overlay a portion of the back of a wearer and dwell at least partially within the neck opening, with the back being movably connected to the head support and movable between a first position wherein it dwells within the neck opening and another position wherein the neck opening is fully opened to permit a wearer's head to pass therethrough.

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: 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 multipurpose float is provided which employs a rotatable bar attached to a main body of the float. Four bolts, each having a snap ring disposed at the bolt head, are located in four deep holes respectively formed in four sides of the main body. The rotatable bar can be set perpendicular to the main body to prevent the float from jumping out from between the thighs of a user. Further, a plurality of the floats can be combined to form a large sized floating bed.

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: The present invention relates to a life float. The life float comprises a stretching capsule and a string or cord starting at the ends thereof, arranged to pass around over a shoulder and under an arm. The watertight capsule consists of a part resembling a test tube and a cap in the shape of a test tube bottom. The inside of the capsule includes a float to be filled, a small gas capsule and a pricking mechanism therebetween for the gas capsule, a pressure reducer, an air vale, and a whistle. The capsule is to be placed close to the chest so that a person can reach it with his hands. When needing the float, the person catches the capsule and pushes it further off from his/her body. Hereby, the cap of the watertight capsule opens, owing to the pulling movement caused by thread 1, and the threads pull the entire float out. The rest of the inside remains within the capsule. As the float is extracted, the mechanism pricks the gas container, thus making the float to be filled.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a novel inflatable floatation device and a method of forming the same. The device is formed of a one piece double woven fabric having first and second layers which are separable from each other to form a chamber capable of accepting and retaining a gas from an inflation device. The first and second layers are formed by using warps and wefts of yarn that interlace with each other in such a manner as to form separate layers of fabric. The two separate layers of fabric are joined at the periphery of the device via an alteration of the warp and weft interlacing sequence which forms an outer margin. The fabric may be coated with an elastomeric or thermoplastic material to ensure the device is air and water tight.

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 body surfing device 10 consisting of a board 12 and a harness 14 secured to the board 12 for strapping the board to the front torso part of a person's body. The board 12 has an upper face 16, a lower face 18, a leading end 20, a trailing end 22 and two sides 24. The board 12 is of waterproof foam rubber having a plastics sheet element attached to the underside thereof, which defines the lower face 18 of the board 12. The harness 14 is attached to the board 12 at four attachment locations and comprises two shoulder straps 40 which are disposed to extend around the shoulders of a person when the board is strapped to him, a waist strap 42 disposed to extend around the person's waist and two connecting straps 44 which are formed integrally with the shoulder straps 40 and which are connected to the waist strap 42.

Abstract: The invention provides an inflatable life jacket which is held in a horse-shoe shaped cover from which the jacket breaks free when inflated. The jacket has two legs (34, 36) and a rear jacket (44,46). The rear portion (44, 46) fits behind the user's head and the legs (34,36) locate to opposite sides of the user's chest. The legs (34,36) are approximately of equal length, but their inner edges are profiled so that one has a major section (42) which extends across the user's chest and a minor lobe (40) which lies adjacent the user's neck and the other leg (36) has a major lobe (38) which also extends across the user's chest and registers with a narrow portion of the other leg lying between the major section (42) and inner lobe (40) so as to interfit with said narrow portion and to underlie (at least partially) said other leg (36) to prevent the formation of a water channel between the legs (34, 36). the rear portion has extension lobes (44,46) to increase buoyancy behind the head.

Abstract: An inflatable flotation device having a belt for securing same to the user. A pair of VELCRO.TM. carrying flaps are secured to the belt and overlap a folded inflatable bag. A release mechanism is carried by the belt and a manifold secured to the release mechanism extends through the belt and into the bag to secure the release mechanism and the bag to the belt. When the release mechanism is activated the bag inflates and opens the flaps.

Abstract: A water exercise device to be worn by a person who is desirous of acquiring increased buoyancy while exercising in water. The device includes a waist-encircling band of flexible buoyant material such as elastomeric foam through which is intertwined a flexible and inextensible belt to be strapped around the user's wait. The buoyant band extends circumferentially behind the wearer from just forward of each hip where it terminates in an enlarged lobe portion. Thus the stomach and general body area in front of the wearer are free from interference and the buoyancy of the two lobe portions and interconnecting back band tend to raise the wearer to a vertical position as opposed to a naturally occurring forward face to the water position.

Abstract: A vest of the type having an inflatable bladder providing selectable degrees of buoyancy, such as for snorkeling. The vest comprises an elastic upper body garment for encircling the chest and back of the user and an airtight inflatable bladder, secured at discrete locations to the chest-covering region of the garment by at least a pair of elastic straps for limited movement relative to the garment. The bladder is substantially flat against the garment when deflated and is free to move relative to the garment while being inflated. Attachment of the bladder to the underlying garment is provided by means of a plurality of elastic straps which permits the relative movement of the bladder and the underlying vest-shaped garment. As a result, inflation of the bladder has little or no effect upon the fit of the underlying garment on the user. Attachment of the bladder and the underlying vest-shaped garment is also provided by an area of Velcro fasteners on the mating surfaces of the bladder and underlying garment.

Abstract: A dive vest and snorkel system is provided. The dive vest is constructed of air and water impervious material having an inflation chamber capable of receiving and storing air and further having an exhaust port which automatically exhausts the air stored in the inflation chamber when the wearer of the dive vest places the headmost end of the dive vest lower than the exhaust port prior to diving below the water's surface.The snokel has a tube with a mouthpiece at one end and has means for constricting the opening at the other end of the tube. These means may be either placing the snorkeler's hand in sealing contact with the end of the tube or placing a cap in sealing contact with the end of the tube by pulling a pull ring connected to pull cords which are in turn attached to the cap.

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

Abstract: A yoke-type life preserver is provided including a relatively thick buoyant filler assembly loosely received within a flexible outer cover panel assembly for the life preserver and with the buoyant filler assembly being constructed to enable the life preserver to be readily flexed in order to conform to the torso curvature of a person wearing the life preserver. In addition, the yoke-type life preserver is constructed to be fully reversable and the attaching strap assembly of the life preserver is specifically designed to enable the strap to be secured about the wearer of the life preserver regardless of which side of the life preserver faces forwardly. In addition, the neck opening of the life preserver, at each end thereof, includes a flexible outstanding collar including a draw strap passing through a tubular collar hem to thereby enable the forwardly and upwardly facing collar of the life presever to be tightened about the wearer.

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

Abstract: 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: An inflatable lifejacket for providing buoyancy in water to a wearer of the lifejacket includes an inflatable buoyancy envelope which is donned by a wearer who passes his head through a neck opening in the envelope to bring a main body portion of the envelope to overlie the chest with a neck portion of the envelope passing round the sides and back of the neck and resting on the shoulders. The neck portion of the envelope is formed by two inflatable neck sections extending upwardly from the main body portion at each side thereof and at their upper ends being connected together in the region of the back of the neck of the wearer by constraining straps which hold the upper ends together in a manner which permits spacing of them when the envelope is uninflated to provide a neck opening through which the wearer can pass his head but which so constrains the two ends when the envelope is inflated as to define a neck opening which obstructs passage of the wearer's head.

Abstract: A flotation vest in the form of a buoyancy compensator for divers or a PFD (personal flotation device) for canoeists and the like including a collar and waistcoat assembly secured to the body of a user by a modified and simplified parachute style harness. The vest and harness configuration assure that a user will float on a water surface in a stable, head up and out of water position. The buoyancy compensation invention is inflatable and includes connectors for securing a scuba backpack directly thereto, thus eliminating the usual waist buckle of the backpack. The buoyancy compensation invention may include an auxiliary equipment strap, a front mounted equipment pocket and a pair of side pockets for trimming weights and/or an extra second stage of a regulator. The PFD invention is filled with a buoyant foam material and includes a lateral fold between the collar and waistcoat to assure proper and comfortable fit of the PFD against the user's body.

Abstract: A safety harness personal flotation device (10) is disclosed. The device (10) comprises a buoyant body portion (12) having front and back sections (14 and 20, respectively) defining armholes (22a and 22b) and a neckhole (24). The device (10) further comprises a harness arrangement (40) located on the inside surface (26) of body portion (12). The harness arrangement (40) includes a floating harness (41) which is carried adjacent to the inside surface (26) but is not otherwise significantly attached to the body portion. The flotation device (10) further comprises straps for carrying the floating harness (41) adjacent to the inside surface (26). A ring-like member (72) is provided for attachment to a safety or rescue line. The ring-like member (72) is connected to the harness arrangement (40) and is readily accessible for attachment to a rescue line.

Abstract: A flotation restraint apparatus for use in a body of water comprising a longitudinal buoy of sufficient buoyancy to provide flotation along the longitudinal axis of a swimmer, an annular flotation collar connecting to the longitudinal buoy and extending about the body of the swimmer, a restraint line having one end attached radially proximate the point of attachment of the longitudinal buoy to the annular float collar, and an anchor connecting the other end of the restraint line to a fixed object.

Abstract: A shirt formed of a woven material which clings when wet and having long sleeves, elastic cuffs, collar and waist band, bears underlying forearm pads on respective sleeves between the elbow and the cuff, and a chest pad is centered on the front of the shirt body. The pads being buoyant and fitted to the shirt provide an extra degree of body lift, flotation, while increasing speed and distance for the body surfer during wave riding.

Abstract: Foam buoyancy sections carried in the front of a flotation vest are formed in four separate pieces that are cut from rectangular sheets of buoyancy material without any waste material.

Abstract: A life jacket manufactured using a continuous length of flexible buoyant material which is encased in a fabric so as to provide buoyant front regions and a buoyant neck region, the length of buoyant material passing from the front of a wearer about the wearer's neck and back down the front of the wearer. The continuous length includes a specially cut region for the neck vicinity to enhance comfort.

Abstract: Foam buoyancy .[.section.]. .Iadd.sections .Iaddend.carried in the front of a flotation vest are formed in four separate pieces that are cut from rectangular sheets of buoyancy material without any waste material.