Abstract: A water safety and survival system 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 with his/her airway out of the water when at the surface, and provides for a comfortable heads down position during the dive. The scuba diver retains full control and responsibility for conversion of the equipment from face down flotation into face up flotation. The break away counterweight stows the ballast needed to heel the diver into a heads up position in an inactive state, close to the diver's longitudinal axis of rotation. Once released, the counterweight drops away from neutralized central attachment near the diver's axis of rotation out towards the counterweight's posterior attachment point. The counterweight then becomes capable of actively rolling the distressed diver's face out of the water into the heads up position.

Abstract: An elongate, flexible tether line connects to a life jacket a large, brightly-colored balloon that is easy for a rescuer to observe when it is inflated and floating in a body of water. The balloon is stored within an internal cavity of the life jacket in a deflated condition and is inflated upon removal from the cavity. A first end of the tether line is secured to a liner that forms a pocket in the internal cavity so that when the balloon is fully deployed, the liner is turned inside-out to prevent water from the external environment from entering into the internal cavity. A funnel is formed in the balloon and is in fluid communication with a downspout that is in fluid communication with a reservoir formed in the balloon. The funnel collects rainwater and the reservoir stores the rainwater. A drinking spout enables a user to consume the stored water as needed.

Abstract: A life preserver device equipped with a launcher which affords the possibility of the immediate inflating of a float, controlling the distance to which the same is to be launched using a chart of metric notes and a telemetric gauge attached to the float and the launcher by a system of lines which enable joining the float to the roll stand of the launcher, inside the muzzle of which the float is inserted.

Abstract: A water rescue device includes a flotation member, a shoulder strap, an extension strap which connects the floatation member and the shoulder strap, and a slack eliminator, which is connected to the extension material, and mechanically coils any slack extension strap between the flotation member and the shoulder strap, the slack eliminator having a torsion spring, a reel which takes up any slack extension strap under a force of the torsion spring, a plastic housing, and a selectively operable cam lever which allows the extension strap to extend a desired length against the force of the torsion spring.

Abstract: An airplane passenger restraint system is provided that cooperates with an existing seat belt of an airplane seat where the seat belt has two straps which are releasably coupled together. The existing airline seat is typically equipped with an existing seat belt having a first female buckle end and a first male buckle end. The system includes a second male buckle end for mating connection to the first female buckle end of the seat belt and a second female buckle end for mating and releasable connection to the first male buckle end of the seat belt. A first passenger strap is coupled to the second male buckle end and the second female buckle end and extends therebetween. A second passenger strap is coupled to the second male buckle end and the second female buckle end and also extends therebetween. The system further includes a floatation tube secured around the second passenger strap.

Abstract: A tank buoyancy compensator for an underwater breathing tank comprises a ballast boot having a tubular portion to receive the end of the tank remote from the diver's head. The ballast boot includes an end portion that includes weight retention pin for releasably retaining one or more annular ballast weights on the end portion. A connector is attached to the retention pin and is operable by the diver at convenient location on the ballast boot for releasing the retention pin to jettison the weight(s) from the boot, for example, when the diver experiences an emergency situation.

Abstract: A life saving device that can be attached to the body of a user including an attachment strap, a housing, an inflation sac, a rope, a pressure release device and a compressed air cylinder. The attachment strap is attached to the user's body. The housing accommodates the inflation sac, the rope, the pressure release device and the compressed air cylinder. An upper cover of the housing is popped off when the inflation sac is being inflated. The inflation sac envelops the compressed air cylinder and most of the pressure release device with a press element of the latter partly projecting from an opening of the inflation sac. When the press element is pressed, a steel ball stopping the compressed air cylinder is pushed away so that compressed air escapes from the cylinder through a tubular body and an air outlet of the pressure release device into the interior of the inflation sac to form a life ring. The rope is provided to allow the user to pull back the inflation sac if it floats away from him/her.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensation device has a plurality of guide assemblies disposed about its outer and inner periphery, such that a plurality of resilient bands can each be disposed in a pair of complementary guide assembles, the bands biased to restrain expansion of the bladder when deflated or partially inflated to reduce drag, increase comfort and improve air distribution.

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. A boss extends from the cup base outward, generally along the longitudinal axis of the flotation device. In a first embodiment, a trigger actuated, plunger type hand pump for pumping water is pivotally mounted on the boss and may rotate about the boss axis. In a second embodiment, a scrubbing brush is so mounted.

Abstract: An inflatable life saving belt comprising a gas source linked to a reusable inflatable bag at multiple locations on the belt. The bags are attached to the gas source in a manner such that should one of the bags fail to deploy, the other bags can be activated.

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 weight drop pocket for a SCUBA diver comprising a flap closed pocket for containing a weight with a stiffener secured to the pocket and having an opening through which a projection from a mating element secured to a skin diver apparatus may be inserted with the pocket and mating element retained in a preselected orientation and held in place by a spring biased rod inserted through the projection thereby locking it to the mating element until the rod is withdrawn by a force which overcomes the spring bias.

Abstract: A flotation device useable as a life-preserver and a water toy, the device including a casing formed of water-impermeable synthetic plastic film material shaped to define a pocket for receiving a conventional pillow having a compressible filler. The pocket is provided with a closable inlet which when closed, hermetically seals the pillow-stuffed casing to provide a compressible yet buoyant life-preserver. The casing may be die cut to assume the contours of a humanoid or animal-like figure whereby the floatation device then functions as a water toy.

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: An emergency flotation device securable about the wrist of a user that includes a bracelet assembly including an upper bracelet member and a lower bracelet member that are attached by a flexible bracelet member hinge, that are pivotable into a closed position forming a wrist receiving opening, and that are securable in the closed position by a bracelet member latch; a scored flotation balloon retaining membrane positioned over a flotation balloon deployment window of the upper bracelet member; a valve assembly having a valve intake, a valve outlet and a manually activated valve positioned between the valve intake and the valve outlet; a resilient bladder filled with a pressurized acid solution; a flexible connecting tube in connection between the resilient bladder and the valve intake; an inflatable flotation balloon positioned within the flotation balloon receiving compartment of the upper bracelet member, the inflatable flotation balloon having a balloon chamber having a supply of carbon dioxide generating

Abstract: A flotation supplement to a personal flotation device. The flotation supplement has an inflatable buoyancy chamber mountable upon a buoyant life vest. An air storage container is coupled to the inflatable buoyancy chamber to inflate the buoyancy chamber. The buoyancy chamber is laterally offset upon the life vest to provide asymmetric supplemental buoyancy. When not in use, the inflatable buoyancy chamber is stored in its deflated position and releasably restrained to the life vest.

Abstract: A trigger device enabling a larger actuating force to be restrained by a smaller control force comprises a housing in which is rotatably mounted a primary lever biased to rotate from a cocked position to a firing position by a tension spring. The tension spring is located such that the rotational bias to the primary lever is significantly greater in the firing position than in the cocked position. The trigger device is typically used for both automatic and manual release of compressed gas from a bottle to an inflatable life-saving aid by way of a piercing pin moved by a cam surface on a secondary lever which can be manually rotated by a toggle or automatically by the primary lever on the dissolving of a water-soluble tablet restraining the primary lever in the cocked position.

Abstract: A life-saving aid comprising an elongate inflatable tube provided with an automatic inflation device arranged to release CO.sub.2 gas to inflate the tube when immersed in water or manually triggered. When inflated, the tube forms an elongate substantially linear cylinder sufficiently rigid to at least support its own weight when held horizontally from a proximal end. The tube is compact when deflated, is throwable, has significant tensile strength, and is designed so that after inflation and use, gas may be readily excluded via oral inflation tube by releasing the valve and rolling the tube from distal end toward proximal end.

Abstract: A combination spider and buoyancy compensator having an insertable weight system. The spider includes an insertable weight system disposed preferably within at least one side opening pocket attached to a waistband portion. The side opening pocket can be formed of a piece of material attached to a waistband portion to define a channel in the space between the waistband portion and the piece of material. At least one weight disposed within an envelope, preferably having stiffening material, is removably inserted within the pocket. The envelope containing the weight includes means, preferably including areas of brushed material and hooks, and a handle for inserting, securing, and removably releasing the envelope containing the weight within the pocket. Stiffening within the spider provides an open, formed, shape retaining unit to distribute the weight of the tank and for convenience in putting the spider on.

Abstract: The subject invention is a buoyancy jacket constructed of a pair of separate buoyancy compartments overlying each other. There is an inner buoyancy compartment and an outer buoyancy compartment with the inner buoyancy compartment to be located directly adjacent the skin of the wearer of the jacket. Each of the buoyancy compartments are to be inflated by a separate inflation valve. The body of the jacket includes a plurality of baffles with each baffle including a small loop of sheet material. Each loop is to be fixedly connected between the outer layer of the jacket and the intermediate layer, and also between the inner layer of the jacket and the intermediate layer. It is the function of the loops to limit the expansion of the buoyancy compartments when inflated.

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

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

Abstract: A safety light is provided which is removably securable to a marine safety vest. Marine safety vests commonly include a back panel and two front panels, each of which have a first side and a second side and at least one slot formed therein. The panels are connected by straps which are threaded through the slots. The safety light includes a lamp which is pivotally mounted to an outer surface of a first plate. A threaded shaft extends from the inner surface of the plate to extend through a slot of a front panel of a vest. A battery pack or other energy source is provided to power the lamp. A securing member is provided to be placed against the inner surface of the front panel and includes an internally threaded boss which receives the shaft of the first plate to secure the safety light to the vest.

Abstract: A floating headrest is formed of a unitary member of expanded plastic such as polyethylene. The headrest includes two raised end sections, between which, the rider's head lays. The headrest includes a cylindrical hole bored from the forward surface to the rear surface to allow the insertion of other tubular flotation devices. The headrest is designed such that the center of buoyancy of the combined headrest, said tubular flotation device, and rider is significantly below the surface of the water, leaving the rider's head out of the water.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for floatation is provided in which a compressible and expandable float has a variable volume air chamber enclosed within a tubular main body portion made up of a foldable, cylindrical side wall and opposing end walls. One of the end walls of the floatation apparatus is non-apertured while the other end wall has an aperture therethrough which is openable and closable by means of a cap may be positioned on a spout surrounding the aperture in order to open and close the aperture against movement of air or water in or out of the air chamber. The cap allows for the opening and closing of the aperture in order to expand or compress the tubular body of the floatation apparatus by increasing or decreasing the amount of air in the air chamber.

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: A swimming aid is provided for assisting a user in learning how to swim. The swimming aid includes a first float member having a U-shaped configuration in use. The float member is adapted to be placed against the lower back of a user, to fit around the buttocks of the user and to extend down to the thigh area of the user. Central securing straps extend, in use, around the waist of the user to secure the float member against the lower back. End securing straps are affixed to said float member at opposite ends thereof and extend, in use, around respective thighs of the user. Two further, elongate float members each include two pairs of securing straps for securing the associated float member to the upper arm and forearm of a user.

Abstract: A combination spider and buoyancy compensator having chest portions which include stretchable material to support the breasts of a diver. The buoyancy compensator is secured to the back of a spider and has forward extensions which overlap and are loosely tethered to waistband portions of the spider. The waistband portions of the spider are secured to the back portion of the spider by adjustable means for waist size adjustment.

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: A handle for stabilizing a passenger riding in tandem with an operator of a vehicle has a tubular core made of soft rubber. The tubular core is surrounded by a pliable covering of foamed elastomeric material. A nylon strap extends through, and has an end portion projecting to either side of, the tubular core. The end portions of the strap are provided with snaps which allow the handle to be releasably connected to one or more belts worn by the operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A multiple victim rescue device made of at least three elongate buoyant members each having two ends and at least one planar outer surface. The elongate members can be connected together at their outer planar surface so that one of the elongate members is arranged centrally between the remaining members. A tow line is fixed to one end of the central member and the other end of the central member as well as the ends of the remaining members are provided with either hooks or rings so that the ends can be connected together.

Abstract: A snorkel and buoyancy control apparatus is provided for a snorkeler who employs a snorkel tube assembly for receiving inhaled air. The snorkel and buoyancy control apparatus includes a mouthpiece/selector valve assembly, connected to the snorkel tube assembly, for receiving inhaled air from the snorkel tube assembly and for selectively directing exhaled air to either a one-way valve assembly, e.g. flapper valve assembly, or to a buoyancy control vest. The mouthpiece/selector valve assembly includes a selector valve assembly and a mouthpiece assembly which are connected together. The selector valve assembly includes a first manually-actuated output port selector assembly which enables selective direction of exhaled air either to the flapper valve assembly or to the buoyancy control vest. The flapper valve assembly permits one-way flow of exhaled air from inside the selector valve assembly to outside the selector valve assembly.

Abstract: A life preserver child bed flotation assembly includes a base having an annular framework encompassing an open central region defined through the base and an annular flotation collar attached to the framework for providing flotation capability to the base, a shell-shaped seat for reclining a child being supported on the base by the annular framework thereof and substantially over the open central region therehrough, and and a life preserver vest for releasably securing the child within the seat. The seat has front, rear and side walls connected together at their respective opposite ends and a bottom wall connected with lower edges of the front, rear and side walls. The bottom wall has forward and rearward reversely inclined portions connected together to permit the reclining of the child within the seat. The front, rear and side walls have inner and outer portions spaced apart so as to define an internal cavity therebetween being filled with a foam-like material for providing flotation capability to the seat.

Abstract: A new and improved snorkel and buoyancy control apparatus includes a snorkel tube for receiving inhaled air, a first one-way air valve connected to the snorkel tube for permitting air flow into the snorkel tube during inhalation, and a mouthpiece for receiving inhaled air and for supplying the inhaled air to the snorkeler's mouth and lungs. The mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece output port for permitting exhaled air to exit from the snorkeler's mouth. A second one-way air valve is connected to the mouthpiece for permitting air flow from the mouthpiece to a selector valve assembly. The selector valve assembly, connected to the mouthpiece by way of the second one-way air valve, receives exhaled air from the mouthpiece and selectively directs exhaled air to either a first selector valve output port connected to a vent or to a second selector valve output port connected to a buoyancy control vest which includes a first port connected to the selector valve assembly.

Abstract: A submerging equipment includes an air tank, a nozzle coupled to the air tank, a water container secured to the air tank and connected to the nozzle, a pump and a battery disposed in the water container, a switch is connected to the pump and the battery for actuating the pump, the pump is connected to the nozzle for pumping water to the nozzle and to the mouth of the diver in order to quench the thirst of the divers.

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

Abstract: A personal flotation device comprises an elongate member for encircling the waist of the user and a belt for securing together its end portions. The member includes buoyancy portions adapted to be disposed substantially at the sides and front of the user, thereby to cause the user to be positioned in a face-up and laid-back position in the water.

Abstract: A survival and training apparatus for children is constructed in the form of a teddy bear. The teddy bear has an exterior casing formed of multiple durable materials including a fluorescent fabric of lime yellow color that is visible during daytime conditions and a reflective fabric to facilitate visibility during nighttime conditions. A third fabric which stores light energy during the day and then emits it at night can also be included in the casing materials. The teddy bear also includes in interior filling material of polystyrene beads that facilitates human body heat insulation when the survival teddy bear is held by the child and imparts buoyancy to enable the survival teddy bear to operate as a floatation device. The survival apparatus hits a pocket formed in the back to receive and warm a child's hands. A whistle is attached via a chord to the pocket and can be alternatively inserted into the pocket for storage and retrieved therefrom for use by the child.

Abstract: A non-mechanical ascent rate indicator for use in saltwater scuba diving. A high density sphere attached by means of a ball chain tether to the gauge, or hose, of a scuba diver has a free rate of ascent of less than 60 feet/minute, the difference in this rate and that of the diver will be shown by the amount to free loop in the tether as it is observed on a horizontal plane even to the diver's eyes. A safe ascent rate will provide a loop of approximately 1 to 11/2 inch.

Abstract: A lightweight, non-inflatable flotation device for assisting a person engaged natatorial activities or one engaged in aquatic therapy who might not otherwise be capable of performing such functions. The flotation device attaches to the extremities of the user to provide additional buoyancy. It is comprised of a elongate piece of relatively soft, pliable material, i.e., closed cell expanded polymer material, which is folded around the hand or foot of the user and held in place by retaining straps.

Abstract: An inflatable swimming support adapted to be worn upon the upper arm of a user, the support comprising a major continuous and closed, torus-shaped air chamber formed of fluid-impervious, flexible material, the major air chamber forming a tubular central arm opening therethrough; a minor continuous and closed, torus-shaped air chamber formed of a strip of fluid-impervious, flexible material, the strip being heat sealed to the material of the major air chamber interiorly along two concentric circular lines and forming a central arm opening therethrough; a first valve means in fluid communication with the major air chamber for the selective inflation and deflation thereof; and a second valve means in fluid communication with the minor air chamber independent of the major air chamber for the selective inflation and deflation of the minor air chamber, the first and second valve means being located in spaced relationship along the length of the central arm opening.

Abstract: An auto-inflated life buoy has a belt-like air bag and an air container. The belt-like air bag defines a hollow bag, and has tongue secured on the inside wall of one end and a groove secured on the inside wall of the other end. The air container secured on the outside wall of one end of the belt-like air bag includes an air inlet, an internal chamber and an inlet nozzle. The air inlet coupled to the belt-like air bag is in open communication with the internal chamber which has a press button on the top and a film on the bottom. The lower part of the press button is combined with a pressure spring.

Abstract: A personal inflatable flotation apparatus comprising a flotation unit and an enclosure for the flotation unit. The flotation unit comprises an inflatable flotation bladder of sufficient size to provide flotation support to the user; a cannister of compressed gas for inflating the bladder; and an inflation valve connecting the bladder and the cannister, which when actuated releases the gas from the cannister to inflate the bladder. The enclosure comprises at least first and second enclosure members that interfit to form an enclosure for the flotation unit. The first enclosure member comprises a generally cylindrical hollow member, and the second enclosure member comprises a closure for the first enclosure member. A portion of the flotation unit is attached to the first enclosure member so that as the first and second members are separated the flotation unit is pulled from the first enclosure member.

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 body buoy made of a continuous piece of e.g., one or more inches thick rubberized foam rubber or other buoyant material with shoulder members and arm openings and may be worn as a vest. The lower torso body buoy continues three to six inches above the waistline to give an upper section which provides increased buoyancy and stability to the wearer when in water. This holds the body higher out of the water and completely frees the arms and permits their free use. This is most useful for the wearer when working or playing water sports such as water polo or performing marine maintenance.

Abstract: A life vest having a safety belt harness system. A safety belt of the safety belt harness system is threaded through loops on the life vest and is secured to the vest with a quick release, cam-type buckle. Removably attacheed to the back of the vest is a metal D-ring. The safety harness is threaded through the D-ring. A rope acting as a life line may be attached to the D-ring and then the other end of the rope attached to an object on shore, a helicopter, or to another person during rescue attempts. The rope connected to the D-ring of the life vest will be tensioned, for instance, when a rescuer descends from a helicopter, by the rope, during a rescue attempt. If the person wearing the life vest with the D-ring should get into trouble and need to immediately be detached from the rope to which they are connected, the person can unbuckle the cam-type buckle of the safety strap which, due to the tensioning of the rope connected to the D-ring, will pull the D-ring away from its VELCRO.RTM.

Abstract: Foam is sandwiched between baffles and two sheets of low friction enameled aluminum. The aluminum is bent to form waterproof seams between the sheets along the top edge and small runners along the bottom sheet. The body of the sled is shoulder width and narrow in depth to permit easy and rapid manual propulsion over ice and in water. All seams are riveted together, a top edge seam is a waterproof standing seam and the others are silicone treated for waterproofing. Side handles are secured to the body for carrying the sled. A hand-held combination ice grab and water paddle is secured to each side rail for propelling the sled. A front grasping rail is secured by protrusions from the front of the sled for the rescue. A harness cord with a snap hook at both ends is secured to the protrusions for harnessing the victim to the sled if necessary. A long tow line is attached to a rear hook.

Abstract: A pair of laterally spaced generally cylindrical hollow bodies are provided and connected by a thin connecting flange assembly extending there between and lying along a plane containing the longitudinal center axis of said bodies. One pair of corresponding end walls of the bodies include ingress and egress ports formed therein having removable fluid tight closures engaged therewith whereby the interiors of the bodies may be partially or completely filled with liquid to vary the buoyancy of the bodies. Adjacent portions of the bodies, on opposite sides of the connecting flange assembly, defined outwardly opening channels in which the adjacent portions of the thighs of a swimmer may be seated with the swimmer's thighs seated primarily against the bodies rather than being primarily seated against the connecting flange assembly.

Abstract: Life preserver collar for use in preventing drowning and to be worn by an individual around the neck, the collar (10) being provided with means to deliver fluid under pressure and with expansible envelope means and consisting of two identical elements (11) connected together as an extension of each other to form the collar (10), the elements (11) being separable from each other at least at a reciprocal joint so as to enable the collar (10) to be put about the neck of the user, each element (11) comprising a container (13) of an expansible envelope (20) and a container (12) of fluid.

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.