Abstract: A wrist mounted inflatable floatation device to provide temporary floatation support for a swimmer, boater, wader, or other person who is in the water. A wrist mounted floatation device is conveniently worn when someone is in the water or on a boat. It is attached to the wrist by a wrist strap which is adjusted for a snug fit around wrists of a variety of sizes. Mounted on said wrist strap is a deflated and folded inflatable bladder. Also mounted on said wrist strap are means for inflating said inflatable bladder when need for a floatation device presents itself to a user. The means can be high-tech gas storage devices, such as carbon nanotubes or chemicals, that when triggered produce a chemical reaction to produce either a gas or a gas filled polymer material, or a simple inflation tube and check valve, which allows a user to manually inflate the bladder. The bladder is attached to the wrist strap by a cord. When inflated, the bladder detaches from the wrist but remains attached to the wrist by the cord.

Abstract: A child carrier and swimming aid allows a caregiver to carry a child in pressing relation to the caregiver's torso and allows the device to be used in the water. The adult dons a harness and places the child into a vest, which vest is a personal flotation device. The vest is attached to the harness in order to facilitate normal carrying of the child by the adult. In a body of water, the vest can be detached from the harness allowing the child to float free of the adult, with the vest being tethered to the harness for safety.

Abstract: A personal flotation device is formed with a neck opening defined by a plurality of discrete lobes projecting in toward the inside of said neck opening and including a chin lobe that is positioned to engage the underside of the chin of a user when device is in operative position on said user and inhibit removal of said device over the head of the user. The chin lobe is spaced from adjacent portions of adjacent said lobes to provide spaces therebetween to facilitate donning and doffing of said device when said chin is aligned with one of the spaces. The device is also preferably provided with cover panels that releasably connect together around their peripheries so that the edges of the bladder contained between the cover panels may be folded and retained in folded position when the sides of the over panels are connected.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for providing buoyancy for animals are described. One apparatus includes a strap-like carrier and one or more non-inflatable floatation members secured substantially adjacent the carrier by a cover material stitched to the carrier. Another apparatus includes hook and loop fasteners to both fasten the ends of the carrier together as well as fasten the non-inflatable floatation members to the carrier.

Abstract: An emergency rescue and recovery device includes a portable bundle with an inflatable bladder in a storage position. In one example, the inflatable bladder has a substantially toroid geometry when inflated. The portable bundle further includes a gas canister in communication with the inflatable bladder, and an opening mechanism coupled to the gas canister. A tether is coupled to the inflatable bladder. A manual trigger is coupled to the opening mechanism, and is operable to initiate inflation of the bladder. Optionally, the portable bundle includes a pouch and at least the inflatable bladder, the gas canister, and the opening mechanism are disposed within the pouch. A method for using an emergency rescue and recovery device includes coupling the portable bundle to a vehicle or person. A manual trigger is operated to inflate the bladder. The method includes inflating the bladder into a substantially toroid geometry splitting the enclosure.

Abstract: A protective body garment is provided including a vest having a body with arm holes, the vest having an internal surface and an external surface, and a front that, when worn, is adjacent to a wearer's chest and stomach, sides that, when worn, are adjacent to the wearer's sides, a back that, when worn, is adjacent to the wearer's back, and a pair of shoulders that, when worn, are above the wearer's shoulders. The garment further includes penetration resistant armour located under the external surface of the vest and an inflatable flotation bladder in the form of a bag between the inner surface of the vest and the penetration resistant armour.

Abstract: This lifesaving floatation and breathing device comprises first and second inflatable bags having similar bag volumes, and a mouthpiece communicating with both bags. A pressurized gas cylinder filled with breathable gas is mounted to one of the bags. This pressurized gas cylinder has a gas volume and a gas pressure therein. The device also has an inflator mechanism mounted thereto for transferring the breathable gas from the pressurized gas cylinder into one of the bags. One of the characteristics of the device is that the volume of each bag is a mathematical product of the gas volume inside the cylinder and a ratio of the gas pressure inside the cylinder over atmospheric pressure. Either bags can accept the full content of the cylinder at atmospheric pressure, thereby obviating the need for a pressure regulator or flow control orifice therein.

Abstract: Personal water equipment (1) designed to extend a user's hand (M), comprising an upper surface with a zone for receiving a user's fingers, comprising means of holding a user's fingers, a zone for receiving said user's palm comprising means of holding the user's palm, these holding means (4.1, 4.2) extending on either side of the upper surface, approximately above the latter so as to provide a space for inserting the user's hand (M). This personal water equipment (1) is coupled with flotation means (10) to which said personal water equipment is removably fastened by fastening means arranged such that the upper surface of the personal water equipment is in contact with the flotation means. Use in particular in water activities such as swimming, diving, surfing and in lifesaving.

Abstract: A jacket having a buoyancy compensating function has a pocket into which a weight can be inserted and a flap. A first locking member is attached to outer surface of the pocket and a second locking member adapted to be engaged with the first locking member is attached to outer surface of the flap. The second locking member comprises a pair of elastic arms adapted to be guided along grooves of the first locking member and stopper means adapted to be forced into a space defined between these elastic arms and thereby to prevent the elastic arms from being elastically deformed. The weight is provided with a band strip adapted to extend outward from the pocket through a gap defined between the first locking member and the stopper means after the weight has been inserted into the pocket.

Abstract: An anti-exposure flotation suit for children is fabricated from water impermeable fabrics, and is sealed at various openings to prevent water from leaking into the enclosed interior. Elongated sleeves and a bottom of the suit are enclosed to prevent water leakage. A watertight zipper may be used to close an opening through which a child is placed for donning the suit. A flexible collar and hood seals the neck area from water leaking into the suit. The length of the sleeves and suit are adjustable to fit various sizes of children.

Abstract: A support collar having a bladder and a shell. The bladder is adapted to be inflated by a fluid. The shell is adapted to be attached to a harness. When inflated, the bladder is shaped by the shell to form an air chamber. The air chamber is characterized by a cross-section having a center of gravity and a dimension through the center of gravity. The dimension is larger at an open end than at the close end.

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

Abstract: A safety device includes a base and a cap pivotably connected to the base at one end thereof. The cap has a watch on a top thereof and a protrusion extending from an underside thereof. A pressurized air container has its sealed end inserted in an opening of the protrusion and a distal end of the container extends from the cap. A passage is defined in the protrusion and a cylindrical member is movably received. The cylindrical member includes a probe which is located in the chamber of the protrusion and beside the sealed end of the container. An inflatable piece is received in the base and has an inlet member which is engaged with the chamber defined in the protrusion. A link is pivotably connected between the cylindrical member and the cylindrical member such that when pivoting the container, the link moves the cylindrical member to let the probe break through the sealed end of the container such that the inflatable piece is inflated.

Abstract: A buoyancy aid (1) comprises an integrally formed a body (10) having an inner space (14) formed therein. The body (10) has a spherical portion (11) and a stopper portion (12), and a connection portion (13) formed therebetween to join them together and form the continuously smooth outer surface of the body (10). A hole (16) is formed at one end of the spherical portion (11) to communicate the inner space (14) with the outer circumstance. A plug (2) is installed in the hole (16) to seal the hole (16) if necessary and the plug (2) can be pulled out to allow water or air from the outer circumstance to enter the inner space (14) so as to adjust buoyancy of the buoyancy aid (1). Two layers (15) of specially treated material is mounted respectively on two opposing lateral faces of the connection portion (13) to provide a soft and easily holding surface thereon for legs of a swimmer so as to facilitate the use of the buoyancy aid (1) during swimming.

Abstract: A buoyancy aid (1) having an integrally formed body (10) with an inner space (14) formed therein. The body (10) has a spherical portion (11) and a stopper portion (12), and a connection portion (13) formed therebetween to join them together and form the continuously smooth outer surface of the body (10). A hole (16) is formed at one end of the spherical portion (11) to communicate the inner space (14) with the outer circumference. A plug (2) is installed in the hole (16) to seal the hole (16) if necessary and the plug (2) can be pulled out to allow water or air from the outer circumference to enter the inner space (14) so as to adjust buoyancy of the buoyancy aid (1). Two layers (15) of specially treated material is mounted respectively on two opposing lateral faces of the connection portion (13) to provide a soft and easily holding surface thereon for legs of a swimmer so as to facilitate the user of the buoyancy aid (1) during swimming.

Abstract: A pleomorphic inflatable device that first helps the victim through the need for corrective turning during water entry by placing buoyancy high on the chest optimizing corrective turning. After the victim is stabilized face up the bladder then can be reconfigured to provide incremental improvements in freeboard and surface positioning. The bladder can be removed and converted into a distress marker to signal a rescuer and mark the victim's location. The buoyancy of the marker can also be converted into a fully submerged bladder providing optimal freeboard to assist scanning for other vessels while enhancing lateral stability that supports a Heat Escape Lessening Posture position. If the seaway is growing increasingly rough the bladder can be reconfigured to once again prioritize corrective turning over vertical freeboard.

Abstract: Inflator regulator having a threaded sleeve and a plurality of different size adapters for connection to a plurality of different size BC hoses. Connecting the inflator regulator to a selected BC hose is accommodated by selecting the corresponding size adapter. The selected adapter is inserted concentrically through the threaded sleeve and then mechanically affixed, such as by a plastic cable tie, to the end of the BC hose. The sleeve is then threaded onto the inflator regulator. In the event that it is desired to connect to a different size BC hose, the above process is simply reversed and repeated using an appropriately selected different adapter.

Abstract: A windsock for inflating a personal life raft. The windsock gathers wind and with sufficient wind velocity such that it will blow through a flapper valve. If the wind is not strong enough to open the flapper valve, the windsock is used to scoop up air and the opening is closed by one hand while the other hand slides down the windsock transferring the air through the one-way flapper valve into the raft. As the pressure mounts in the first chamber a medium pressure valve opens into the adjacent raft tube in the bulkhead allowing air to fill both portions of the raft's perimeter tube.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensating jacket is provided on a waist portion with a pocket having a first flap, a pouch having a flat cord adapted to be inserted into and taken out from the pocket with a weight packed into the pouch. As a guide means for the flat cord, at least one of a substantially C-shaped guide ring provided at a distal end of the first flap substantially in the vertically middle and a groove formed on an outer surface of the pocket and/or an inner surface of the first flap substantially in the vertically middle.

Abstract: The invention relates to diving apparatus (2) comprising a pump (4) that is actuated by muscular force. Diving apparatus (2) of this type is considered to be particularly dangerous, which prevents its widespread use. The aim of the invention is to improve on the disadvantages of diving apparatus of this type to such an extent that diving with such apparatus is made safer and the user is able to react appropriately to unforeseen circumstances. To achieve this, the diving weights (14) are fastened to the fresh-air tank (3) by means of surface zip fasteners (15), the traction element (6) lying between the pump (4) and the limbs, to which it is attached, has a quick-release device (19), the float is surrounded by a net, the float has a seat located below the surface of the water and each of the straps (20), which are used to fasten the fresh-air tank (3) to the diver (1), has at least one quick fastener (21), which can be opened easily by the diver (1).

Abstract: An orally inflated, flush mounted, bladder; configured, supported and protected by the external fabric shell of the underlying inherently buoyant pfd. The fabric shell of the foam PFD can be extended and cut to distribute and allocate the orally inflated buoyant moments to augment the buoyancy deficits of the specific underlying foam PFD design in order to create improved corrective turning, head angle, mandibular support and freeboard. The fabric shell while shaping the bladder, bears the strain of the oversized inflated bladder protecting the bladder film and seams from rupture. The internal orally inflated hybrid bladder is protected by the external fabric shell and or foam layer from UV radiation, abrasion and puncture allowing use of films or thin films as well as UL approved fabric supported laminates for construction of the hybrid bladder. An expiratory pump converts the released bladder into a self-bailing life raft.

Abstract: A personal wear throw bag lifeline rescue apparatus provides a lifeline-containing bag member arranged for quick release attachment to a wearer, the lifeline being secured at one of its ends to the interior of the bag member and arranged at its opposite outer, free terminal end for secure attachment to the wearer, whereby in an emergency situation the bag member may be grasped and pulled off of the wearer and thrown, carried or otherwise moved to a distant location defined by the overall length of the lifeline cord where a rescuing person may pull on the lifeline to pull the wearer connected to the lifeline to safety.

Abstract: Buoyancy control jacket for underwater activity provided with an inflatable bag having two arms in the shape of a U or a horseshoe made up of an outer bag and an inner air tube. In the vicinity of the ends of the two arms of the outer bag of the jacket there are two relatively short openings that extend approximately along the directrices of the said outer bag, each opening having a robust zip giving access to the interior of the said jacket. Advantageously, the said openings extend along a region located between the ends and the centre line of the lateral arms of the jacket, on the rear part of the jacket.

Abstract: Inflating device for balancing jackets for diving activities equipped with at least partially horseshoe-shaped inflatable chamber comprising two descending branches communicating one with the other on their upper portion, characterized in that on the connection of the inflating valve ending on the base of one of the branches of the inflatable chamber of the jacket is arranged a tubular connection with a substantially T-shaped branch comprising a first tube portion ending directly on the basis of said first chamber, and a second tube portion covering the whole ascending arch of said first chamber and at least part of the descending arch of the second chamber of the jacket until it ends on the base of the second inflatable chamber of said jacket.

Abstract: A buoyancy control device includes a buoyancy compensator to be worn by a scuba diver, a compressed air tank, a depth or pressure gauge and a valve connecting the buoyancy compensator and compressed air tank for releasing air into and out of the buoyancy compensator. A microprocessor is connected to the depth gauge and the valve for controlling the amount of air in the buoyancy compensator in response to the depth of the diver. In addition, the microprocessor is programed for automatically controlling the rate of ascent of a diver under normal conditions and for a faster rate of ascent under emergency conditions. The device also includes an override function which allows a second diver to override the normal rate of ascent and to initiate the faster rate of ascent in an emergency.

Abstract: A life preserver for use by a four-legged animal for supporting the animal in a generally horizontal, partially submerged state of floating equilibrium in a body of water. The life preserver includes an inflation chamber; and a harness system connected to the inflation chamber for attaching the life preserver to an animal, wherein when worn inflated, the life preserver maintains an animal at or near the surface of the water, with the animal's head out of the water. The harness system comprises at least one adjustable harness for encircling the chest and waist areas of an animal. The inflation system includes at least one of a manual inflation system, an automatic inflation system and an oral inflation tube. When uninflated, the inflation chamber is adapted to be folded over and packed within a shroud. The inflation system may be automatic CO2 inflation system or a manually activated CO2 inflation system.

Abstract: A life preserver for use by a four-legged animal for supporting the animal in a generally horizontal, partially submerged state of floating equilibrium in a body of water. The life preserver includes an inflation chamber; and a harness system connected to the inflation chamber for attaching the life preserver to an animal, wherein when worn inflated, the life preserver maintains an animal at or near the surface of the water, with the animal's head out of the water. The harness system comprises at least one adjustable harness for encircling the chest and waist areas of an animal. The inflation system includes at least one of a manual inflation system, an automatic inflation system and an oral inflation tube. When uninflated, the inflation chamber is adapted to be folded over and packed within a shroud. The inflation system may be automatic CO2 inflation system or a manually activated CO2 inflation system.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator jacket for scuba divers comprises a back portion from two opposite sides of which there extend side portions capable of laterally enveloping the diver's trunk and being connected to each other more or less on the diver's chest. On each of said side portions there is provided a main pocket and a weight pocket with a top opening, said weight pocket being arranged externally with respect to the main pocket and is capable of accommodating a bag containing weight elements. Means for closing the top opening of the weight pocket are also provided. The main pocket forms a compartment for concealing the closure means of the top opening. On the outside of the weight pocket there are arranged engagement means for engaging alternatively, either with complementary engagement means arranged on the closure means, or with complementary engagement means associated with the weight bag to keep it in position within the weight pocket.

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

Abstract: An internal compression buoyancy compensation device is provided with at least one bladder and a plurality of pairs of internal compression straps. Expansion of the deflated or partially inflated buoyancy compensation device is restrained by the internal elastic compression straps designed for even distribution of gas, a streamlined and low profile, and a reduced risk of entanglement on external objects.

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

Abstract: A personal flotation device is provided with a shell including a pair of elements joined to form a continuous pocket for receiving buoyant materials. The shell has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first and second end portions have a first part and a second part. Each second part has a strap connected thereto, such that the straps extend away from the second parts to a first coupler defining a neck hole. The intermediate portion has a strap extending away therefrom to a second coupler. Connecting the first and second couplers defines a pair of opposing armholes.

Abstract: A ditchable trim weighting device for scuba tanks, comprised of a length of curved tubing made of elastic material (preferably rubber) filled with shot or a combination of lighter material, sealed flat on the ends which are threaded as straps to the male and female elements of a quick-release buckle (preferably side-release) providing a stretched, snug grip when fastened around a standard diameter scuba tank.

Abstract: A vehicle evacuation system for aiding the escape of a person trapped in a motor vehicle having a vehicle seat, a vehicle seat belt and vehicle windows, which has entered a body of water, includes a cutting tool for cutting through a vehicle seat belt; a glass breaking tool for breaking a glass vehicle window for escape; a combined compressed breathable air tank and mouthpiece; an inflatable buoy bag and compressed gas cartridge for lifting the person to the water surface; a distress and position indicating signal generating mechanism for sending an alarm signal to a receiving station, the alarm signal being trackable by a tracking device; and an element unification structure for holding elements of the system together in a readily accessible configuration prior to and during use.

Abstract: A buoyancy control system includes an apparel unit worn by a user and including a front panel, a pocket along the front panel having an interior, a weight pouch configured to hold at least one weight and removably received within the interior of the pocket, a first connector portion coupled to the weight pouch and a second connector portion released the couple to the first connector portion. The first and second connector portions form a mechanical lock actuatable between a connected state in which the lock connects a weight pouch to the apparel unit and a disconnected state in which a weight pouch may be removed from the weight pocket by a single manipulation step of the hand of the diver. In one exemplary embodiment, the device further includes an elastic band coupled between the apparel unit and the second connector.

Abstract: A water safety and survival system is disclosed that provides a multi-chambered personal flotation device and break away counterweight that provides a heads-up righting moment that reliably positions a scuba diver's airway out of the water when at the surface, and provides for a comfortable heads down position during the dive. The break away counterweight stows the ballast needed to heel the diver into a heads up position in an inactive state. Once released, the counterweight drops away and becomes capable of actively rolling the diver's face out of the water into the heads up position. The counterweight is preferably utilized in conjunction with a buoyancy compensator that further provides for rotation of the diver into a heads up orientation, and that can provide buoyancy compensation for the counterweight.

Abstract: An improved rescue device includes a floatation material, a flexible mesh disposed about the floatation material wherein the flexible mesh is in contact with an outer surface of the floatation material, and a bonding material covering the flexible mesh and the floatation material. The floatation material is a closed cell foam material, the flexible mesh is a nylon mesh, and the bonding material is a polyvinyl chloride paint. The rescue device may also include a tow line affixed to one end thereof and a plurality of rings arranged along the length of the tow line. A harness may be coupled to one end of the tow line and a securement device may be coupled to the tow line to retain the tow line in a compressed state. The securement device may be a collar which fastens upon itself by hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: The safety straps for high trousers integrates a life jacket, wherein the life jacket is integral with a belt by at least one belt fastener, the trousers comprise at least one front flap and are held in position by the straps. The straps are U-shaped and include a cover and the life jacket enveloped between an internal layer and an external layer of the cover. The straps are fixed toward the top of the flap by two removable antero-lateral fasteners connected on the external layer of the cover at a distance from the extremities of both branches of the U. The straps at the rear are fixed toward the top of the trousers by at least one removable postero-median fastener connected to the base of the U provided on the rear and lateral sections of the user's neck. The trousers include at the waist loops intended for accommodating the belt.

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 quick release safety mechanism for use with a rescue tube is described herein. A preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates a buoyant support, a connection strap having a distal end and a proximate end, and a means for attaching the shoulder strap. A functional shoulder strap is formed by looping the distal end and attaching the distal end to the proximate end with a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro®. Means for disengaging the hook and loop fastener provides a rescuer with the ability to quickly and easily eliminate the dangers associated with a failed rescue attempt. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the means for disengaging the hook and loop fastener is a toggle attached to the distal end of the shoulder strap. Other means for disengaging the hook and loop fastener include a nylon or cloth loop sewn into the distal end on the shoulder strap or the distal end sewn into itself producing a loop.

Abstract: A composition suitable for use in linings for articles of clothing is disclosed, which is a mixture of a discontinuous solid phase of microballoons, and a viscous liquid continuous phase comprising a polydimethylsiloxane; the polydimethylsiloxane of the continuous phase has a viscosity between 100,000 cs and 2,000,000 cs; the viscosity of the polydimethylsiloxane of the continuous phase is achieved by incorporating polydimethylsiloxane molecules of sufficiently high molecular weight; containment within other materials is optional; additional dyes, pigments, particles, fibers, felts or fabrics can confer additional visibility, strength, stiffness, dryness or friction; accompanying properties of malleability, and thermal, electrical, vibratory, shock and acoustical insulation, also make this composition useful for other applications that require such qualities.

Abstract: A buoyancy control system includes an apparel unit worn by a user and including a front panel, a pocket along the front panel having an interior, a weight pouch configured to hold at least one weight and removably received within the interior of the pocket, a first connector portion coupled to the weight pouch and a second connector portion released the couple to the first connector portion. The first and second connector portions form a mechanical lock actuatable between a connected state in which the lock connects a weight pouch to the apparel unit and a disconnected state in which a weight pouch may be removed from the weight pocket by a single manipulation step of the hand of the diver. In one exemplary embodiment, the device further includes an elastic band coupled between the apparel unit and the second connector.

Abstract: The invention provides for a fluid ballast, alone or in combination with a solid ballast means, that is functionally directed to different locations within the boater's personal flotation device (“PFD”) or diver's Buoyancy Compensator BC through a rigid or flexible container. Complementing the effect of the shifting ballast on the PFD's airway protective turning action is the torque generated by the structurally enhanced buoyant means. The invention allows both the amount of ballast and buoyancy needed to effect reliable face flotation to be reduced to their minimum by a disclosed inverted configuration of the buoyant moment. Shifting the center of buoyancy away from the axis of rotation creates a longer arm and thus more torque per unit of displacement. The invention provides a vertically eccentric PFD, combining inferior and anterior shift in the center of buoyancy with superior posterior shift in the center of gravity, generating torque needed for improved corrective righting action of the PFD.

Abstract: A protective body heat retaining pod that is carried in a folded condition within a pod containment envelope at the rear of a personal floatation device (i.e. a lifejacket) so as to be accessible to and worn over the lifejacket by both civilian and military personnel who find themselves in or about to enter a cold water environment while awaiting rescue from an emergency situation. A hood to be pulled over the head of the wearer is carried in a rolled up condition within a fold-over collar of the lifejacket. The protective pod creates a sealed chamber around the wearer within which a small volume of water is trapped and heated by the wearer's body heat to slow a drop in the wearer's body temperature to better enable him to survive his environment while awaiting rescue.

Abstract: A sea rescue signaling system including a personal flotation device equipped with a GPS receiver, a satellite radio-telephone, a hydrostatic pressure detector, and a controller. When the pressure detector senses a minimum specified submersion of the device for a minimum specified duration, the controller energizes the GPS and the radio-telephone, then dials a rescue service and transmits a distress signal and position data.

Abstract: An end portion of an elongate personal flotation device includes a hand-held tool. In one embodiment, a hand-held tool head assembly has a mounting cup with a cylindrical wall and a flat cup base. The cup is fitted over an end portion of a flexible, cylindrical, noodle-type flotation device. In an alternative embodiment, a squeeze-ball bladder pumping device in located within an end portion of an elongate personal flotation devise formed of resilient deformable material such that, when the end portion is squeezed, a stream of fluid id expelled through an orifice in a surface of the end portion. In another embodiment, the end portion is of a paddle tool shape and may be used to propel a flotation device user through the water in which the device is afloat.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator jacket comprising at least one air chamber (3) associated to a back portion (2) of the jacket and a couple of quick-release valves (6, 7), arranged on an outer face (2a) of said back portion (2), respectively near the upper and lower edges (2b, 2c) thereof. Respective ropes (8, 9) extend from the valves (6, 7) for the operation thereof. A supplementary operation rope (11) extends from the lower valve (7), the supplementary rope (11) of the lower valve (7) and the rope (8) of said upper valve (6) being mutually connected at least in correspondence to the free ends, whereby the air chamber (3) can be deflated through both valves (6, 7) by means of a single action.

Abstract: A fashionable life saving device utilizes the look of casual clothing such as shorts, pants, bathing suits or skorts to disguise inflatable chambers, a gas canister and safety devices including a manual inflation tube, thereby providing a subtle way to ensure safety in and around the water. When inflated, the chambers rest under the users arms, but are safely attached to his waist or the lower part of his body for security and safety.

Abstract: A personal flotation device is configured and sized so that it is adapted to be positioned beneath a person's body to cause the person to be suspended in equilibrium in a partially-submerged state. The device includes a ring-shaped body and a plurality of side floats extending radially away from the ring-shaped body.

Abstract: An insulated flotation garment that has an insulating element and a flotation element bonded together by perimeter stitching to protect persons by keeping them warm and preventing them from being submerged in cold water.