Abstract: Pivotably connected upper and lower cushions may be sized and shaped to protect chest and lower abdomen areas of a patient, respectively. The cushion structure may be held against the chest and/or abdomen areas of a patient by a combination of an adjustable and disconnectable neck strap attached to an upper portion of the upper cushion, and an adjustable length and resilient strap, such as an elastic belt binder, which may be positioned around the user's waist and the upper cushion. The lower cushion may pivotably move with the patient's legs, allowing the cushion structure to be comfortably used when moving between standing and seated positions, and providing improved protection from automotive seat belts. Pockets may be provided for positioning ice packs proximate the patient's body and for inconspicuously placing a negative-pressure wound therapy vacuum pump or other items.

Abstract: A floatation device includes a body transformable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. A stiffener assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. The stiffener assembly is biased into the second position. The stiffener assembly is operably coupled to the body such that movement of the stiffener assembly between the first position and the second position causes the body to transform between the retracted position and the extended position. During the transformation of the body between the retracted position and the extended position, a partial vacuum is created within the body to inflate the floatation device.

Abstract: An inflatable life vest has first and second sheets that are welded together to form an inflatable compartment. The inflatable life vest further includes an elongate inflation chamber that extends upwardly from the inflatable compartment and towards a neck aperture. An inflation tube is connected to the elongate inflation chamber for inflating the inflatable life vest through the elongate inflation chamber. The vest may further include an indicator for indicating when the vest is fully inflated.

Abstract: A floatation device for use by an individual in a body of water, comprising of an upper body covering and two fabric covered inflatable sleeve elements. The upper body covering contains multiple gussets that hide the male or female end of a clasp device. The fabric covered inflatable sleeves contain the opposite end of the clasp device which allow them to be securely fastened to the upper body covering in one or more locations.

Abstract: A survival vest may include a vest body. The vest body may include a bladder containing pouch extending through left front, left shoulder, scapular, right shoulder and right front sections. That pouch may include a bladder release gap. A plurality of equipment attachment loops may be located on exterior faces of the vest. An inflatable bladder may be contained within the bladder containing pouch and may be configured to expand outside the bladder containing pouch through a bladder release gap upon inflation so as to push a left abdominal section of the vest body to the left and push a right abdominal section of the vest body to the right.

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 device comprising an outer garment and an inflatable bladder comprising a neck region and at least one chest region, the inflatable bladder located adjacent an inner surface of the outer garment and wherein, in use, the inflatable bladder comprises one or more raised support chambers disposed around the neck region.

Abstract: Diving equipment easily operable by disabled persons, aged persons, etc. and wearable by oneself. The diving equipment such as buoyancy controlling device (BCD) has the function to hold a tank on the shoulder of a wearer and the function as a life jacket providing buoyancy to the wearer. In the diving equipment (BCD) of which the overall is formed in a vest-like shape, a tank holding part (2), shoulder parts (3) positioned at the both shoulder portions of a diver, and the portion (4) positioned at the center of the thoracabdominal part of the diver are formed continuously to each other so as to constitute rigid structural members. Most or all operating portions (5) are installed at the portion (4) positioned at the center of the thoracoabdominal part of the diver.

Abstract: This invention describes a buoyancy aid that is pre-formed from a buoyant foam plastic material and has an pre-formed internal tube that is sealed. The internal tube and the pre-formed buoyant foam are all shaped to provide support for a users head, and is designed to keep the users head above water. The buoyancy aid has an external covering that is selected to prevent chafing the user, as well as being water and mold resistant. The buoyancy aid is so designed as to be comfortable to the user, and enhance the wearers use of the buoyancy aid.

Abstract: This invention describes a buoyancy aid that is pre-formed from a buoyant foam plastic material and has an pre-formed internal tube that is sealed. The internal tube and the pre-formed buoyant foam are all shaped to provide support for a users head, and is designed to keep the users head above water. The buoyancy aid has an external covering that is selected to prevent chafing the user, as well as being water and mold resistant. The buoyancy aid is so designed as to be comfortable to the user, and enhance the wearers use of the buoyancy aid.

Abstract: A vest-type personal flotation device saver includes: (a) a main body comprising: (1) a saver pillow portion, (2) two substantially mirror image saver tail portions extending from the pillow portion, and (3) a central open neck, (4) a gap extending down from the open neck between two closed sides of the tail portions, (5) a closed tail end pocket at the end of each saver tail portion, and (6) three closable, adjacent sides of the main body; (b) a releasable closure mechanism on the main body; (c) a releasable saver waist strap device attached to the saver tail portion; and (d) a locking mechanism on the main body adjacent the closure mechanism; and preferably (e) a conversion grab strap, (f) a storage pocket, and (g) a conversion flotation liner; wherein the main body has open and closed positions. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A vest personal flotation device saver includes: (a) a saver pillow portion, and two substantially mirror image saver tail portions extending from the pillow portion, with at least four substantially parallel body strap slots; (b) a central open neck; (c) an open-ended gap extending down from the open neck between the two tail portions; (d) three closable, adjacent body sides; (e) a central main chamber; and (f) a releasable closure mechanism attached to each of the body sides; wherein the personal flotation device saver has an open position and a closed position. The vest-type personal flotation device saver may include a closed tail end pocket at the end of each tail portion, a releasable saver waist strap device attached to the tail portion; and a locking mechanism adjacent the closure mechanism. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifejacket used in the field of safety equipment aboard a boat. The jacket comprises an inflatable vest having two faces opposite one another, which can be housed, folded, in a protective envelope, which comprises an external peripheral opening fitted with temporary closing means by which the vest can expand when inflated. The jacket also comprises a carrying harness to which the envelope can be fixed. The vest comprises inside at least one non-inflatable zone in which its two faces opposite one another are assembled, especially by thermowelding. Thus, this non-inflatable zone, inside the vest and not on its periphery, allows it to have a hooking zone for correct attaching of the vest, the protective envelope and the harness.

Abstract: A clothing item such as a shirt is combined with a concealed and entrapped bladder which can be inflated in the event of an emergency. The shirt can be of fashionable appearance and the buoyance function disguised to make the buoyancy device more attractive to those who otherwise may be inclined to take risks on or in water.

Abstract: A flotation collar includes an exterior cover and a bladder with two cells separated by a baffle. The exterior cover includes circumferential cover zippers which unzip if the bladder is inflated, and bottle access zippers to allow, for example, CO2 bottles to be removed and replaced. Each cell has a manual inflation valve stem for manual inflation, and an automatic inflation valve stem for automatic inflation by the bottles. The baffle forms a vertical separation in a neck portion of the bladder, and a diagonal separation in lower portions of the bladder. The vertical separation allow either cell to fill the neck portion of the bladder if the other cell is deflated, to adequately carry the wearer's head above water, and the diagonal separation allows either cell in the lower portions of the bladder to retain sufficient volume if the other cell is deflated, to provide auto-rotation of the wearer.

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 floatation device 10 includes a buoyant foam member 20 enclosed within inner and outer layers 52, 54 of a garment 50. The foam member 20 can be cut as an initially flat member, which can then be folded to fit around and conform to the wearer's upper torso. The folded foam member 20 is held in a folded configuration by the multi-layer outer garment 50. The buoyant foam 20 bears against the wearer's upper body to hold the head above water. The buoyant foam includes segments 38, 40 fitting over the wearer's shoulders and wings 42, 44 extending beneath the wearer's arms. This personal floatation device 10 is especially suited for use by small children.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a user afloat in a fluid environment is disclosed. The system includes multiple chambers such that if one chamber fails to operate, redundant chambers will function to maintain the user afloat in a face-up position. In a preferred embodiment, there are multiple activation mechanisms to ensure inflation of the chambers if a single activation mechanism fails to function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a personal floatation device comprising a back floatation package extending horizontally, latitudinally (when worn) across an upper back shoulder portion of the vest from an upper right back shoulder portion to an upper left back shoulder portion. The back floatation package of the present invention has a lower edge that extends horizontally (latitudinally) from a rear left-arm mid-sleeve position to a rear right-arm mid-sleeve position. The present invention further comprises a back non-floatation anchoring means that is connected to the lower edge of the back floatation package. The back non-floatation anchoring means extends vertically (longitudinally) from the lower edge of the back floatation package to a waist of the vest. In various embodiments, the back non-floatation anchoring means may comprise a panel of material, a panel of mesh material, a configuration of straps, either adjustable or non-adjustable, or other anchoring means.

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 low-profile life vest particularly suitable for use by pilots having helmets with integrated display and sighting systems. The life vest comprises an inflatable bladder and a generally U-shaped cover that houses the bladder in the deflated condition so that the bladder is as compact as possible. When the inflatable vest is activated, the bladder must have a means for egress or expansion through the cover, conveniently a zippered opening that extends longitudinally along the life vest. On the portion of the life vest that passes over the pilot's shoulder, the zippered opening is formed on one of the sides of the life vest and is spaced apart from its peripheral edge.

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 life jacket has a plurality of shoulder air bags, a zipper disposed between the shoulder air bags, and a plurality of pockets. Each of the pockets receives an inflated bag. A safety pin is disposed on the inflated bag. An air inlet hose is connected to the respective shoulder air bag and a pressing ball. Each of the shoulder air bags has a hook-and-loop type fastener.

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 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 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: The present invention features a pocket-sized, portable, flotation device that folds into a storage or carrying case, which is the size of a cellular phone. It can be carried upon a person in a shirt pocket or clipped to a waistline belt. The flotation device includes a life vest with a collar having separate cells, each of which is substantially sealed from adjacent cells to prevent deflation of the adjacent cells through puncture to one of the cells. The collar of the life vest inflates, cell by cell, allowing the user to position the vest over his or her head during inflation. The carrying case has a body and a detachable, arch-shaped cover, constructed so that a tether can be inserted into the cover and the device automatically activated by pulling the cover from the body. Moreover, the case includes a belt loop through which the belt of the user can be inserted. The handle can be hollow, to form a loop into which the tether (attached to the life vest itself) can be threaded.

Abstract: A flotation or buoyancy aid comprises an elongate substantially straight flexible strip of closed cell foam material (12) bent into a U-configuration so as to define a pair of arm portions (12A, 12B) extending from a bight portion (34). The bight portion (34) is arranged to rest behind the neck of the user and the arm portions (12A, 12B) are arranged to extend downwardly over the shoulders and chest of the user. A pair of securing straps (16, 24) are passed through reinforced apertures (18, 20, 26, 28) in the arm portions (12A, 12B) so as to hold the arm portions in position against the chest of the user. The invention extends to a method of manufacturing a flotation aid, which includes, inter alia, the steps of cutting the strip from a block of foam material and spraying a conformal coating on the strip so as to form an integral skin.

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: The present invention features a pocket-sized, portable, flotation device that folds into a carrying case, which is the size of a cellular phone or camera. It can be carried upon a person in a shirt pocket or clipped to a waistline belt. The flotation device inflates into a diamond-shaped collar, which is useful in preventing deflation of the device; it uniquely separates the flotation balloon into four separate compartments or cells, each of which is substantially sealed from adjacent compartments to prevent or reduce deflation of the adjacent cells through puncture or other mishap to one of the cells. The carrying case has a body and a detachable, arch-shaped cover, constructed so that a tether can be inserted into the cover and the device automatically activated merely by pulling the cover from the body.

Abstract: The present invention features a pocket-sized, portable, flotation device that folds into a carrying case, which is the size of a cellular phone or camera. It can be carried upon a person in a shirt pocket or clipped to a waistline belt. The flotation device inflates into a diamond-shaped collar. The diamond shape of the flotation collar is uniquely constructed, so as to provide sufficient buoyancy to keep the user's head afloat. The diamond shape is also useful in preventing deflation of the device; it uniquely separates the flotation balloon into four separate compartments or cells, each of which is substantially sealed from adjacent compartments to prevent or reduce deflation of the adjacent cells through puncture or other mishap to one of the cells. The unique sealing construction is operative by the simple means of an approximately sixty-degree construction angle at the apex seam between the lobes.

Abstract: A single inflatable ring-shaped body that can be drawn together and secured at the chest by a closure mechanism so as to form a neck loop and a back loop. The inflatable body can be subdivided into several air compartments, each of which can be inflated using an inflation nozzle.

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: An inflatable life vest comprises two sheets of polymeric material. The es of these sheets are sealed to form an inner cavity with a plurality of discrete, inflatable chambers disposed in a U-shaped pattern to define collar and chest portions of the life vest. A manifold connects to an inflation source and has a plurality of openings. A check valve connects each manifold opening with one of the chambers to permit inflation medium flow into the chamber and to block inflation medium flow outwardly from a chamber into the manifold. This construction isolates the chambers from one another so the rupture of one chamber does not affect the ability of the other chambers to be buoyant.

Abstract: A lifesaving apparatus for a human in the form of a waist pack adapted to be worn about the waist of a human. The waist pack has an inflatable vest located therein in a non-inflated/collapsed position. The opening into the interior chamber of the waist pack, where the vest is located, is normally closed by a flap. Extending exteriorly of the waist pack is a manually movable handle. Sufficient manual movement of the handle will cause the vest to inflate, open the flap with the vest being located exteriorly of the pack to then be placed about the head of the human.

Abstract: A rescue buoy package for use on a boat for marking the location of a person overboard and for remaining in that location until help can arrive includes an outer cylindrical tube that is mounted within arm's reach of the ship's helm and an inner cylindrical tube that fits into the outer tube and to which a heavily weighted cap is affixed. The cap extends downwardly over the open upper end of the outer tube keeping the contents dry and secure. The contents include an inflatable mast and a vest-type flotation device. The buoy can be packaged in a normal mode in which it must be deployed manually or in a second mode in which deployment is automatic. In the normal mode the buoy is deployed by pulling upwardly on a knob on the cap to remove the inner tube, the mast and the flotation device from the outer tube, and throwing the inner tube and its affixed cap into the water along with the mast and flotation device.

Abstract: A life jacket of the type made from a foam buoyant material includes a transversely disposed yoke member having parallel ends which extend from the upper ends of two symmetrically opposed front panels. A body strap and a unique snap and D-ring assembly are also provided. The life jacket provides the wearer a more comfortable position at which to float while more effectively utilizing the buoyancy of the life jacket.

Abstract: A one-piece swimsuit having a lower pants portion and a two-ply upper portion is provided with a one-piece floatation member between the two plies of the upper portion of the floatation member. The floatation member may be of floatation foam rubber and extends over the chest, upper back and shoulders of a wearer. The two-ply fabric may be an open mesh knitted or woven fabric.

Abstract: The present invention, in it several embodiments, provides a harness-type structure for securing equipment, pouches, mountings of safety harnesses to, but not limited to, a personal flotation device in a compact, easily accessible system. The invention is adaptable for use with various types of clothing devices and carrying devices, a preferred such device being a personal flotation device, and where the wearer wishes to expand the capabilities of these devices for carrying or supporting valuables, accessory equipment, or emergency equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed and method for using same wherein a life vest is formed by a single heat sealing operation which effectively forms a front and rear sealed chamber for flotation and effectively interconnects a neck member therebetween for providing a neck gusset also heat sealed in place simultaneously therewith. The apparatus includes a heat sealing body jig for simultaneously sealing of four layers of pneumatically impervious material with respect to one another to form two flotation chambers. Also a neck sealing jig is included as a two member configuration pivotally secured with respect to one another to allow a neck member to be stretched thereover to facilitate attachment thereof by sealing with respect to both flotation chambers. The neck jig includes attachment means for quickly securing the neck material in place.

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: The specification herein sets forth a combination buoyancy compensator, backpack and suspension system for divers. The suspension system incorporates a spider which is made of elastomeric foam and a knitted material that conforms closely to a user's body. The backpack is formed from an inverted T, the lateral portions of which surround a user's waist and the upright portion is adapted for receipt of a cylinder of breathing gas. The buoyancy compensator is attached to the spider at the shoulder portions and the waistband portions. The attachment is by means of adjustable loops which allow for independent suspension of the buoyancy compensator so that when it is filled it does not bind a diver. The straps interconnecting the spider, shoulder portions and the waistband portion are in a crisscross configuration to allow for freedom of movement of a diver's arms.

Abstract: A life vest of the inflatable type is disclosed in which the inflation cell or cells are combined with a back panel and a single-attachment, single-adjustment, waist strap. The single-attachment waist strap may be permanent, or alternatively separable. The waist strap is stitched or otherwise non-movably connected to the inflatable cell or cells, and has a sliding connection to the back panel, for self-adjustability when tightened about the waist of the user, in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a buoyancy compensator for a diver having a single thickness wall formed of substantially non-stretchable material that has been coated with a meltable plastic. The buoyancy compensator walls on the interior portion with the meltable plastic are adhered to each other in rounded areas or ribs having rounded ends to avoid stress when the buoyancy compensator is under pressure and provide a conformation to the buoyance compensator with a limitation of expansion in different areas of the walls of enhancement of the overall configuration and improved buoyancy relationship of a diver at a particular portion of the buoyancy compensator. The entire buoyancy compensator is served by inflation means and overexpansion gas valving means. The buoyancy compensator is fitted and secured by means of belts and shoulder straps for respective waist adjustment and shoulder and side portion adjustment.

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: 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 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: 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.