INTEGRATED DIVE SUIT

Abstract

An integrated dive suit includes at least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel connected with sections of flexible conduit to a manifold. The pressure vessel and sections of flexible conduit are encased in high strength fiber material. The pressure vessels are wrapped in high strength ballistic ribbon material. A weight system is integrated with the pressure vessels. The manifold provides connections for a high pressure regulator and an air fill source. A high pressure hose is connected to the high pressure regulator, a low pressure regulator is connected to the low pressure hose and a mouthpiece connected to the low pressure regulator. A hydrodynamic pressure vessel container is integrally attached to the dive suit. A two part, balanced flexible buoyancy control vest, flexible weight pellet containers and a wireless pressure gauge are integrated with the dive suit. A concentrator is used to pressurize a flexible pressure vessel for charging the vessels in the dive suit.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of self-contained underwater breathing systems or SCUBA equipment, and more specifically to dive suits with integrated breathing and buoyancy control systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The first commercially successful scuba equipment was the Aqualung twin hose open circuit design developed by Emile (Gagnan and Jacques-Yves Cousteau in 1942. Present day scuba equipment is similar to this original design except that virtually all modern scuba equipment uses a first stage pressure regulator positioned at the top end of a back mounted diving cylinder with a small second stage regulator held in the teeth of the diver. Both the original Aqualung equipment and modern day scuba gear employ large, relatively heavy metal or composite diving cylinders that the diver carries on his back, usually in conjunction with a buoyancy control apparatus.

These diving cylinders or tanks are heavy, usually at least 25-30 lbs., bulky and uncomfortable to wear out of the water. The standard diving cylinder is known in the trade as an “aluminum 80” as it contains 80 cubic feet of air at approximately 3000 psi. Women, being of smaller stature, find these tanks especially difficult to handle. Diving cylinders of this type are particularly problematical for certain specialize types of diving such as cave diving or wreck diving in which the diver must often maneuver through tight openings. This type of bulky cylinder can easily become caught in such small openings and represents a threat to the safety of the diver. In addition, the concentration of weight in the diving cylinder makes it especially difficult to maneuver when the diver is not in the water.

Various designs have been attempted to address some of these problems:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,094, issued to Chornyj, is directed to a breathing apparatus and pressure vessels therefore. The garment is a wearable garment with a plurality of compartments disposed about the garment to receive air storage vessels along with the necessary regulators and connecting hoses so that the user may receive an air supply from the storage vessels. The vest apparatus comprises a series of high pressure vessels that are interconnected and contained within a bag. Pressure monitoring sensors and alarms are also included. The pressure vessels are made of a non-metal material in order to reduce the weight and may be capable of sustaining pressures in the range of 4500-7500 PSI. The non-metal material is a carbon fiber epoxy material with a rubber or nylon coating on the inner surface and a second rubber or nylon coating on the outer surface thereof. The shape of the vessels may be a traditional cylindrical shape, but in this case they are made more elliptical so as to more closely fit the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,522, issued to Izuchukwu et al. is directed to a wearable storage system for pressurized fluids and may be used as part of scuba diving equipment and other portable, pressurized oxygen supplies for various applications. In two embodiments of interest are seen wherein a vest includes front panel portions along with a back panel portion that includes a pressure vessel and interconnected chambers. Appropriate valves and regulators are also described.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,399, issued to Scholley is directed to flexible containers for compressed gases which may be carried on a person for various applications including diving. Conventional containers for this purpose are normally cylindrical in shape and usually made of steel or aluminum and thus are cumbersome to wear and relatively heavy in weight. The containers described in this patent are flexible and adaptable to be worn over or with over garments, and thus more convenient.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,428,961, issued to Schueller is directed an emergency respiration apparatus and is simply a lightweight self-contained unit that supplies pressurized breathable gas to be incorporated into a vest or other garment for use in hazardous work areas.

U.S. Pat. No. 65,760, issued to McKeen is directed a diving apparatus and again shows a suit-like garment that may be pressurized and utilized in diving operations. The important embodiments are seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 wherein the pressurized portions are in the form of tubular air-chambers E. Thus, these suits may be worn by a diver keeping hands and arms free to do the necessary work during the diving session.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a lightweight, compact, dive suit for scuba divers that integrates a breathing system into the suit. It is a further objective to provide such a system with an integrated buoyancy control unit. It is a still further objective of the invention to use polymeric pressure vessels that will not explode when exposed to heat, cold or crushing force. It is yet a further objective to provide pressure vessels that will dissipate pressure in a controlled manner. It is another objective of the present invention to provide a vessel manifold that conforms to the diver's back for maximum comfort. Finally, it is an objective to provide a system that can be rapidly filled, is durable, and is inexpensive to produce.

While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior art integrated dive suit inventions and satisfies all of the objectives described above.

(1) An integrated dive suit providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. A dive suit is provided. The dive suit is formed of flexible material and shaped to fit about a diver's body. At least one flexible pressure vessel is provided. The vessel has a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second ends has an attached section of flexible conduit. Each of the sections of flexible conduit is attached to either of a sealing fitting, an inlet fitting, another section of flexible conduit attached to another vessel or a manifold. The at least one pressure vessel and the sections of flexible conduit are encased in high strength fiber material. The at least one pressure vessel is wrapped with a high strength ballistic ribbon material. A manifold is provided. The manifold is connected to the section of flexible conduit connected to the at least one pressure vessel, and provides connections for a high pressure regulator and an air fill source.

A high pressure regulator, a high pressure hose connected to the high pressure regulator, a low pressure regulator connected to the high pressure hose and a mouthpiece connected to the low pressure regulator are provided. A high pressure regulator manages vessel pressure ranging from approximately 0-12,000 psi. Low pressure regulator manages pressures of approximately 100-150 psi. A hydrodynamic pressure vessel container is provided. The container is formed of resilient material, and is sized and shaped to accommodate the at least one pressure vessel, the sections of flexible conduit and the manifold. The hydrodynamic container is integrally attached to the dive suit, sized and shaped to present a minimized cross-sectional area for a diver using the dive suit. The container has openings sized and shaped to accommodate passage of at least one connecting hose and connection to the air fill source.

(2) In a variant of the invention, the pressure vessel container includes at least one flexible joint.

(3) In another variant, the at least one pressure vessel further includes a weight member.

(4) In still another variant, the weight member includes metallic overbrading of the at least one pressure vessel.

(5) In yet another variant, the weight member includes a contoured metallic fitting for the at least one pressure vessel.

(6) In a further variant, a pressure transducer is provided. The pressure transducer detects pressure levels within the at least one pressure vessel and includes a wireless signal transmission mechanism.

(7) In still a further variant, a remotely mounted pressure display device is provided. The display device receives wireless signals from the pressure transducer and displays a pressure reading.

(8) In yet a further variant, the pressure display device further includes additional diving information display features. The features include any of depth gauge, compass, timer, gas mixture or dive table information.

(9) In another variant of the invention, a buoyancy control device is provided. The buoyancy control device includes an inflatable bladder, a low pressure connection to the high pressure regulator, an inlet valve and an exhaust valve.

(10) In still another variant, the buoyancy control device is formed as a vest worn over the integrated dive suit and removably connected to the high pressure regulator.

(11) In yet another variant, the inflatable bladder includes a flexible cell airpark.

(12) In a further variant, the buoyancy control device includes at least one flexible joint.

(13) In still a further variant, the buoyancy control device includes first side and second side portions and an integrated air transfer coupler. The coupler balances air levels between the first and second side portions.

(14) In yet a further variant, the at least one pressure vessel is located in a dorsal portion of the dive suit.

(15) In another variant of the invention, the pres at least one pressure vessel is located in a leg portion of the dive suit.

(16) In still another variant, the at least one pressure vessel further includes a tube coiled about the weight member.

(17) In yet another variant, the at least one pressure vessel includes any of an elongated cylindrical shape, an ovoid shape or a spherical shape.

(18) In a further variant, the at least one pressure vessel includes a tube coiled and stacked in a pyramidal shape.

(19) In still a further variant, the high strength fiber material is selected from the group consisting of: rayon, nylon, glass or Kevlar® (aramid) fiber.

(20) In yet a further variant, the high strength ballistic ribbon material is selected from the group consisting of: prepreg carbon fiber or prepreg glass fiber.

(21) In another variant of the invention, the manifold includes a member of flexible material. The member mounts at least one connection for the section of flexible conduit connected to the at least one pressure vessel, a connection for the high pressure regulator and the connection for the air fill source, The flexible member permits the manifold to conform to a back of a diver.

(22) In still another variant, the manifold further includes an integral high pressure regulator.

(23) In yet another variant, the high pressure regulator further includes a second connection for a high pressure hose. The second connection provides an emergency air source for a second diver.

(24) In a further variant, the manifold further includes an overpressure rupture fitting.

(25) In still a further variant, the at least one pressure vessels includes an overpressure rupture fitting.

(26) In yet a further variant, the at least one polymeric pressure vessel is formed as seamless cylindrical body that have semi-spherical ends. Each of the ends has a central opening connected to the sections of flexible conduit.

(27) In another variant of the invention, the at least one polymeric pressure vessel are formed as a pair of two part shells. The shells are welded together and reinforced with a two part ring assembly.

(28) In still another variant, the at least one polymeric pressure vessel is formed as an elongated tube with reduced diameter ends for connection to either of coupling, inlet or sealing fittings.

(29) In yet another variant, the at least one polymeric pressure vessel is formed as an elongated, corrugated tube with reduced diameter ends for connection to either of coupling, inlet or sealing fittings.

(30) In a further variant, the integrated dive suit further includes at least one weight pocket. The weight pocket includes a weight reservoir for pelletized weights, a downward facing weight release flap and a control apparatus for opening and closing the flap.

(31) In still a further variant, the integrated dive suit further includes an auxiliary air pack. The auxiliary air pack includes at least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel, a high pressure regulator connected to the at least one pressure vessel, a high pressure hose connected to the high pressure regulator, a low pressure regulator connected to the high pressure hose, a mouthpiece connected to the low pressure regulator, and a hydrodynamic pressure vessel container. The container is sized and shaped to contain the at least one pressure vessel and to be worn about the waist of a diver while presenting a minimal cross-sectional area.

(32) In yet a further variant, the integrated dive suit further includes a concentrator. The concentrator includes a compressor. The compressor has a rotational power source, a low pressure input and a high pressure output. At least one concentrator polymeric pressure vessel is provided. The pressure vessel is fluidly connected to the high pressure output. A high pressure regulator is provided. The regulator is fluidly connected to the pressure vessel. A high pressure connection is provided. The high pressure connection is fluidly connected to the high pressure regulator and connectable to the inlet fitting.

(33) In another variant of the invention, the concentrator further includes an inlet air filter and a pressure gauge. The pressure gauge measures pressure in the at least one concentrator pressure vessel. A shut-off valve is provided. The shut-off valve controls the high pressure connection.

(34) In still another variant, the at least one concentrator pressure vessel is formed as a seamless cylindrical body that has semi-spherical ends, each of the ends has a central opening connected to the sections of flexible conduit.

(35) In yet another variant, the at least one concentrator pressure vessel is formed as a pair of two part shells. The shells are welded together and reinforced with a two part ring assembly.

(36) In a further variant, the at least one concentrator pressure vessel is formed as an elongated, tube with reduced diameter ends for connection to either of coupling, inlet and sealing fittings.

(37) In still a further variant, the at least one concentrator pressure vessel is formed as an elongated, corrugated tube with reduced diameter ends for connection to either of coupling, inlet or sealing fittings.

(38) In yet another variant, the at least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel is formed as a seamless cylindrical body that has semi-spherical ends. Each of the ends has a central opening connected to the sections of flexible conduit. The conduit is connected to the manifold. The manifold is located to fit adjacent a spine of a diver with the at least one pressure vessel extending laterally from it.

(39) In another variant, the at least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel is formed as a seamless cylindrical body that has semi-spherical ends. Each of the ends has a central opening connected to one of the sections of flexible conduit. The conduit is connected to the manifold. The manifold is located to fit across shoulders of a diver with the at least one pressure vessel extending downwardly from it.

(40) In a final variant, an integrated buoyancy control device includes a buoyancy control vest. The vest is sired and shaped to fit over a conventional dive suit and has an internal air bladder, an inflator valve and an exhaust valve. The inflator valve connects to a low pressure hose. At least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel is provided. The vessel has a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second ends has an attached section of flexible conduit. Each of the sections of flexible conduit is attached to either a sealing fitting, an inlet fitting, another section of flexible conduit attached to another vessel or a manifold. The at least one pressure vessel and the sections of flexible conduit are encased in high strength fiber material. The at least one pressure vessel is wrapped with a high strength ballistic ribbon material.

A manifold is provided. The manifold is connected to the section of flexible conduit connected to the at least one pressure vessel and provides connections for a high pressure regulator and an air fill source. A high pressure regulator is provided. A high pressure hose is connected to the high pressure regulator. A low pressure regulator is connected to the high pressure hose and a mouthpiece is connected to the low pressure regulator. A pressure gauge is connected to the at least one pressure vessel. A hydrodynamic pressure vessel container is provided. The container is formed of resilient material and is sized and shaped to accommodate the at least one pressure vessel, the sections of flexible conduit and the manifold. The hydrodynamic container is integrally attached to the buoyancy control vest. The container is sized and shaped to present a minimized cross-sectional area for a diver using the vest. The container has openings sized and shaped to accommodate passage of at least one connecting hose and connection to the air fill source.

An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away rear elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating flexibly joined pressure vessels, hydrodynamic pressure vessel container and a high pressure hose;

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a joint between dive suit material and the hydrodynamic pressure vessel container taken along the line A-A;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a flexible joint of the hydrodynamic pressure vessel container taken along the line B-B;

FIG. 2 is a close-up partial sectional view of a corrugated polymeric pressure vessel illustrating overbrading with high strength material;

FIG. 3 is a close-up partial sectional view of the FIG. 2 embodiment illustrating further overwrapping with ballistic ribbon material;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of rear view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating the hydrodynamic pressure vessel container;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of a first embodiment of the polymeric pressure vessels connected to a manifold;

FIG. 6 is rear elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the invention with the polymeric pressure vessels connected to a centrally disposed flexible manifold;

FIG. 7 is rear elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the polymeric pressure vessels connected to a manifold illustrating flexibly joined pairs of pressure vessels;

FIG. 8 is an exploded rear elevational view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating the assembly of the polymeric pressure vessels and the hydrodynamic pressure vessel container;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the invention illustrating curved, flexibly joined polymeric pressure vessels and a remotely mounted pressure display device;

FIG. 9A is a close-up view of an enhanced remotely mounted pressure display device illustrating additional display functions;

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional side elevational view of another embodiment of the polymeric pressure vessel illustrating a tubular pressure vessel wound around a central metallic weight and overwrapped with high strength materials;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 10 embodiment;

FIG. 12 partial sectional side elevational view of another embodiment of the polymeric pressure vessel illustrating a tubular pressure vessel wound in a spiral and overwrapped with high strength materials;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a series of ovoid polymeric flexible pressure vessels illustrating a rupture fitting and overwrapped with metallic weight material;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a series of tubular polymeric overwrapped with high strength materials;

FIG. 15 is a front view of a two part buoyancy control vest and emergency air supply device on a diver;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the FIG. 15 embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of another embodiment of the invention illustrating a series of ovoid polymeric flexible pressure vessels disposed in back and leg portions of the dive suit.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the FIG. 17 embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a cutaway top view of the hydrodynamic flexible pressure vessel container illustrating a coiled tubular polymeric flexible pressure vessel;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a corrugated tubular polymeric flexible pressure vessel;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of a pair of corrugated tubular polymeric flexible pressure vessels connected by a flexible conduit;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged detail of one end of the FIG. 20 embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of a flexible weight control system illustrating an emergency release;

FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a flexible weight control system illustrating a series of weight pockets and an emergency release;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the end of the FIG. 23 embodiment illustrating weight pellets and the emergency release;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of a concentrator/air compressor illustrating its input, output and connections;

FIG. 27 is a plan view of the polymeric flexible pressure vessels of the FIG. 9 embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28 is a front view of a diver with an integrated buoyancy control device illustrating a buoyancy control vest, controls, at least one polymeric pressure vessel and integrated hydrodynamic pressure vessel container;

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the FIG. 28 embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a pressure vessel formed as a seamless cylindrical body that has semi-spherical ends;

FIG. 31 is an exploded side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a pressure vessel formed as a pair of two part shells;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the FIG. 31 embodiment welded together and reinforced with a two part ring assembly;

FIG. 33 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a pressure vessel array in which the pressure vessels are formed as pairs of two part shells welded together and reinforced with a two part ring assembly; and

FIG. 34 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a pressure vessel of the FIG. 33 embodiment taken along the line 34-34.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(1) FIGS. 1, 8 and 9 illustrate an integrated dive suit 10 providing the desired features that may be constructed from the following components. A dive suit 14 is provided. The dive suit 14 is formed of flexible material 18 and shaped to fit about a diver's body 22. At least one flexible polymeric pressure vessels 26 is provided. The vessel 26 has a first end 30 and a second end 34. Each of the first 30 and second 34 ends has an attached section of flexible conduit 38. Each of the sections of flexible conduit 38 is attached to either of a sealing fitting 42, an inlet fitting 44, a coupling fitting 48, another section of flexible conduit 38 attached to another vessel 26 or a manifold 46. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the at least one pressure vessel 26 and the sections of flexible conduit 38 are encased in high strength fiber material 50. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the at least one pressure vessel 26 is wrapped with a high strength ballistic ribbon material 54. As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, a manifold 46 is provided. The manifold 46 is connected to the section of flexible conduit 38 connected to the at least one pressure vessel 26, and provides connections 58 for a high pressure regulator 62 and an air fill source 66.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a high pressure regulator 62, a high pressure hose 70 connected to the high pressure regulator 62, a low pressure regulator 74 connected to the high pressure hose 70 and a mouthpiece 78 connected to the low pressure regulator 74 are provided. A hydrodynamic pressure vessel container 82 is provided. The container 82 is formed of resilient material 86, and is sized and shaped to accommodate the at least one pressure vessel 26, the sections of flexible conduit 38 and the manifold 46. The hydrodynamic container 82 is integrally attached to the dive suit 14 and is sized and shaped to present a minimized cross-sectional area 28 for a diver 16 using said dive suit 10. The container 82 has openings 90 sized and shaped to accommodate passage of at least one connecting hose 94 and connection 98 to the air fill source 66.

(2) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the pressure vessel container 82 includes at least one flexible joint 102.

(3) In another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the at least one pressure vessel 26 further includes a weight member 106.

(4) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the weight member 106 includes metallic overbrading 110 of the at least one pressure vessel 26.

(5) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 10-12, the weight member 106 includes a contoured metallic fitting 114 for the at least one pressure vessel 26.

(6) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a pressure transducer 118 is provided. The pressure transducer 118 detects pressure levels (not shown) within the at least one pressure vessel 26 and includes a wireless signal transmission mechanism 126.

(7) In still a further variant, a remotely mounted pressure display device 130 is provided. The display device 130 receives wireless signals (not shown) from the pressure transducer 118 and displays a pressure reading 138.

(8) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the pressure display device 130 further includes additional diving information display features 142. The features 142 include any of depth gauge 146, compass 150, timer 154, gas mixture display 158 or dive table information 162.

(9) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, a buoyancy control device 166 is provided. The buoyancy control device 166 includes an inflatable bladder 170, a low pressure connection 174 to the high pressure regulator 62, an inlet valve 178 and an exhaust valve 182.

(10) In still another variant, the buoyancy control device 166 is formed as a vest 186 worn over the integrated dive suit 10 and removably connected to the high pressure regulator 62.

(11) In yet another variant, the inflatable bladder 170 includes a flexible cell airpark 190.

(12) In a further variant, the buoyancy control device 166 includes at least one flexible joint 194.

(13) In still a further variant, the buoyancy control device 166 includes first side 198 and second side 202 portions and an integrated air transfer coupler 206. The coupler 206 balances air levels between the first 198 and second 202 side portions.

(14) In yet a further variant. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, 6, 89, 17 and 18, the at least one pressure vessel 26 is located in a dorsal portion 210 of the dive suit 14.

(15) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the at least one pressure vessel 26 is located in a leg portion 214 of the dive suit 14.

(16) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the at least one pressure vessel 26 further includes a tube 218 coiled about the weight member 106.

(17) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, the pressure vessel 26 includes any of an elongated cylindrical shape 222, an ovoid shape 226 or a spherical shape (not shown).

(18) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the at least one pressure vessel 26 includes a tube 218 coiled and stacked in a pyramidal shape 234.

(19) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the high strength fiber material 50 is selected from the group consisting of: rayon, nylon, glass or Kevlar® (aramid) fiber.

(20) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the high strength ballistic ribbon material 54 is selected from the group consisting of: prepreg carbon fiber or prepreg glass fiber.

(21) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the manifold 46 includes a member of flexible material 238. The member 238 mounts at least one connection 242 for the section of flexible conduit 38 connected to the at least one pressure vessel 26, a connection 246 for the high pressure regulator 62 and the connection for the air fill source 66. The flexible member 238 permits the manifold 46 to conform to a back 250 of a diver 16.

(22) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 7 the manifold 46 further includes an integral high pressure regulator 258.

(23) In yet another variant, the high pressure regulator 62 further includes a second connection 262 for a high pressure hose 70. The second connection 262 provides an emergency air source (not shown) for a second diver (not shown).

(24) In a further variant, the manifold 46 further includes an overpressure rupture fitting 274.

(25) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the at least one pressure vessel 26 includes an overpressure rupture fitting 278.

(26) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 30, the at least one polymeric pressure vessel 26 is formed as seamless cylindrical body 282 that has semi-spherical ends 286. Each of the ends 286 has a central opening 288 connected to the sections of flexible conduit 38.

(27) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 31-34, the at least one polymeric pressure vessel 26 is formed as a pair of two part shells 290. The shells 290 are welded together and reinforced with a two part ring assembly 294.

(28) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the at least one polymeric pressure vessel 26 is formed as an elongated tube 298 with reduced diameter ends 302 for connection to either of coupling 48, inlet 44 or sealing fittings 42.

(29) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 20-22, the at least one polymeric pressure vessel 26 is formed as an elongated, corrugated tube 300 with reduced diameter ends 302 for connection to either of coupling 48, inlet 44 or sealing fittings 42.

(30) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 23-25, the integrated dive suit 10, further includes at least one weight pocket 318. The weight pocket 318 includes a weight reservoir 322 for pelletized weights 326, a downward facing weight release flap 330 and a control apparatus 334 for opening and closing the flap 330.

(31) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the integrated dive suit 10 further includes an auxiliary air pack 338. The auxiliary air pack 338 includes at least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel 26, a high pressure regulator 62 connected to the at least one pressure vessel 26, a high pressure hose 70 connected to the high pressure regulator 62, a low pressure regulator 74 connected to the high pressure hose 70, a mouthpiece 78 connected to the low pressure regulator 74, and a hydrodynamic pressure vessel container 342. The container 342 is sized and shaped to contain the at least one pressure vessel 26 and to be worn about a waist 346 of a diver 16 while presenting a minimal cross-sectional area 348.

(32) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 26, the integrated dive suit 10 further includes a concentrator 350. The concentrator 350 includes a compressor 354. The compressor 354 has a rotational power source 358, a low pressure input 362 and a high pressure output 366. At least one concentrator polymeric pressure vessel 370 is provided. The pressure vessel 370 is fluidly connected to the high pressure output 366. A high pressure regulator 62 is provided. The regulator 62 is fluidly connected to the pressure vessel 370. A high pressure connection 374 is provided. The high pressure connection 374 is fluidly connected to the high pressure regulator 62 and connectable to the inlet fitting 44.

(33) In another variant of the invention, the concentrator 350 further includes an inlet air filter 378 and a pressure gauge 382. The pressure gauge 382 measures pressure in the at least one concentrator pressure vessel 370. A shut-off valve 386 is provided. The shut-off valve 386 controls the high pressure connection 374.

(34) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 27, the at least one concentrator pressure vessel 370 is formed as a seamless cylindrical body 282 that has semi-spherical ends 286, each of the ends 286 has a central opening 288 connected to the sections of flexible conduit 38.

(35) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 31-34, the at least one concentrator pressure vessel 370 is formed as a pair of two part shells 290. The shells 290 are welded together and reinforced with a two part ring assembly 294.

(36) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 26, the at least one concentrator pressure vessel 370 is formed as an elongated tube 298 with reduced diameter ends 302 for connection to either of coupling 48, inlet 44 and sealing 42 fittings.

(37) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 20-22, the at least one concentrator pressure vessel 370 is formed as an elongated, corrugated tube 300 with reduced diameter ends 302 for connection to either of coupling 48, inlet 44 or sealing fittings 42.

(38) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the at least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel 26 is formed as a seamless cylindrical body 282 that has semi-spherical ends 286. Each of the ends 286 has a central opening 288 connected to the sections of flexible conduit 38. The conduit 38 is connected to the manifold 46. The manifold 46 is located to fit adjacent a spine 250 of a diver 16 with the at least one pressure vessel 26 extending laterally from it.

(39) In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the at least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel 26 is firmed as a seamless cylindrical body 282 that has semi-spherical ends 286. Each of the ends 286 has a central opening 288 connected to one of the sections of flexible conduit 38. The conduit 38 is connected to the manifold 46. The manifold 46 is located to fit across shoulders (not shown) of a diver 16 with the at least one pressure vessel 26 extending downwardly from it.

(40) In a final variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, an integrated buoyancy control device 306 includes a buoyancy control vest 310. The vest 310 is sized and shaped to fit over a conventional dive suit 314 and has an internal air bladder 318, an inflator valve 322, an exhaust valve 326 and inflation mouthpiece 330. The inflator valve 322 connects to a low pressure hose 326. At least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel 26 is provided. The vessel 26 has a first end 30 and a second end 34. Each of the first 30 and second 34 ends has an attached section of flexible conduit 38. Each of the sections of flexible conduit 38 is attached to either a sealing fitting 42, an inlet fitting 44, another section of flexible conduit 38 attached to another vessel 26 or a manifold 46. The at least one pressure vessel 26 and the sections of flexible conduit 38 are encased in high strength fiber material 50. The at least one pressure vessel 26 is wrapped with a high strength ballistic ribbon material 54.

A manifold 46 is provided. The manifold 46 is connected to the section of flexible conduit 38 connected to the at least one pressure vessel 26 and provides connections 58 for a high pressure regulator 62 and an air fill source 66. A high pressure regulator 62 is provided. A high pressure hose 70 is connected to the high pressure regulator 62. A low pressure regulator 74 is connected to the high pressure hose 70 and a mouthpiece 78 is connected to the low pressure regulator 74. A pressure gauge 334 is connected to the at least one pressure vessel 26. A hydrodynamic pressure vessel container 82 is provided. The container 82 is formed of resilient material 86 and is sized and shaped to accommodate the at least one pressure vessel 26, the sections of flexible conduit 38 and the manifold 46. The hydrodynamic container 82 is integrally attached to the buoyancy control vest 310. The container 82 is sized and shaped to present a minimized cross-sectional area 28 for a diver 16 using the vest 310. The container 82 has openings sized and shaped to accommodate passage of at least one connecting hose 94 and connection 98 to the air fill source 66.

The integrated dive suit 10 has been described with reference to particular embodiments. Other modifications and enhancements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

Claims

1. An integrated dive suit, comprising: a dive suit, said dive suit being formed of flexible material and shaped to fit about a diver's body;at least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel, said vessel having a first end and a second end;each of said first and second ends having an attached section of flexible conduit;each of said sections of flexible conduit being attached to either of a sealing fitting, an inlet fitting, another section of flexible conduit attached to another vessel and a manifold;said at least one pressure vessel and said sections of flexible conduit being encased in high strength fiber material;said at least one pressure vessel being wrapped with a high strength ballistic ribbon material;a manifold, said manifold connected to said section of flexible conduit connected to said at least one pressure vessel, and providing connections for a high pressure regulator and an air fill source;a high pressure regulator, a high pressure hose connected to said high pressure regulator, a low pressure regulator connected to said high pressure hose and a mouthpiece connected to said low pressure regulator;a hydrodynamic pressure vessel container, said container being formed of resilient material, and being sized and shaped to accommodate said at least one pressure vessel, said sections of flexible conduit and said manifold; andsaid hydrodynamic container being integrally attached to said dive suit, sized and shaped to present a minimized cross-sectional area for a diver using said dive suit, and having openings sized and shaped to accommodate passage of at least one connecting hose and connection to said air fill source.

2. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said pressure vessel container comprises at least one flexible joint.

3. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one pressure vessel further comprises a weight member.

4. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 3, wherein said weight member comprises metallic overbrading of said at least one pressure vessel.

5. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 3, wherein said weight member comprises a contoured metallic fitting for said at least one pressure vessel.

6. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, further comprising a pressure transducer, said pressure transducer detecting pressure levels within said at least one pressure vessel and comprising a wireless signal transmission mechanism.

7. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 6, further comprising a remotely mounted pressure display device, said display device receiving wireless signals from said pressure transducer and displaying a pressure reading.

8. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 7, wherein said pressure display device further comprises additional diving information display features, said features comprising any of depth gauge, compass, timer, gas mixture and dive table information.

9. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, further comprising a buoyancy control device, said buoyancy control device comprising an inflatable bladder, a low pressure connection to said high pressure regulator, an inlet valve and an exhaust valve.

10. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 9, wherein said buoyancy control device is formed as a vest worn over said integrated dive suit and removably connected to said high pressure regulator.

11. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 9, wherein said inflatable bladder comprises a flexible cell airpark.

12. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 9, wherein said buoyancy control device comprises at least one flexible joint.

13. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 9, wherein said buoyancy control device comprises first side and second side portions and an integrated air transfer coupler, said coupler balancing air levels between said first and second side portions.

14. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one pressure vessel is disposed in a dorsal portion of said dive suit.

15. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one pressure vessel is disposed in a leg portion of said dive suit.

16. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 3, wherein said at least one pressure vessel further comprises a tube coiled about said weight member.

17. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one pressure vessel comprises any of an elongated cylindrical shape, an ovoid shape and a spherical shape.

18. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 17, wherein said at least one pressure vessel comprises a tube coiled and stacked in a pyramidal shape.

19. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said high strength fiber material is selected from the group consisting of: rayon, nylon, glass or Kevlar® (aramid) fiber.

20. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said high strength ballistic ribbon material is selected from the group consisting of: prepreg carbon fiber or prepreg glass fiber.

21. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said manifold comprises a member of flexible material, said member mounting at least one connection for said section of flexible conduit connected to said at least one pressure vessel, a connection for said high pressure regulator and said connection for said air fill source, said flexible member permitting said manifold to conform to a back of a diver.

22. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein, said manifold further comprises an integral high pressure regulator.

23. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said high pressure regulator further comprises a second connection for a high pressure hose, said second connection providing an emergency air source for a second diver.

24. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said manifold further includes an overpressure rupture fitting.

25. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one pressure vessel includes an overpressure rupture fitting.

26. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one polymeric pressure vessel is formed as a seamless cylindrical body having semi-spherical ends, each of said ends having a central opening connected to said sections of flexible conduit.

27. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one polymeric pressure vessel is formed as a pair of two part shells, said shells being welded together and reinforced with a two part ring assembly.

28. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one polymeric pressure vessel is formed as an elongated, tube with reduced diameter ends for connection to either of coupling, inlet and sealing fittings.

29. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one polymeric pressure vessel is formed as an elongated, corrugated tube with reduced diameter ends for connection to either of coupling, inlet and sealing fittings.

30. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, further comprising at least one weight pocket, said weight pocket comprising: a weight reservoir for pelletized weights;a downward facing weight release flap; anda control apparatus for opening and closing said flap.

31. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary air pack, said auxiliary air pack comprising: at least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel;a high pressure regulator connected to said at least one pressure vessel;a high pressure hose connected to said high pressure regulator;a low pressure regulator connected to said high pressure hose;a mouthpiece connected to said low pressure regulator; anda hydrodynamic pressure vessel container, said container being sized and shaped to contain said at least one pressure vessel and to be worn about a waist of a diver while presenting a minimal cross-sectional area.

32. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 1, further comprising a concentrator, said concentrator comprising: a compressor, said compressor having a rotational power source, a low pressure input, a high pressure output;at least one concentrator polymeric pressure vessel, said pressure vessel being fluidly connected to said high pressure output;a high pressure regulator, said regulator being fluidly connected to said pressure vessel; anda high pressure connection, said high pressure connection being fluidly connected to said high pressure regulator and connectable to said inlet fitting.

33. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 32, wherein said concentrator further comprises: an inlet air filter;a pressure gauge, said pressure gauge measuring pressure in said at least one concentrator pressure vessel; anda shut-off valve, said shut-off valve controlling said high pressure connection.

34. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 31, wherein said at least one concentrator pressure vessel is formed as a seamless cylindrical body having semi-spherical ends, each of said ends having a central opening connected to said sections of flexible conduit.

35. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 31, wherein said at least one concentrator pressure vessel is formed as a pair of two part shells, said shells being welded together and reinforced with a two part ring assembly.

36. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 31, wherein said at least one concentrator pressure vessel is formed as an elongated, tube with reduced diameter ends for connection to either of coupling, inlet and sealing fittings.

37. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 31, wherein said at least one concentrator pressure vessel is formed as an elongated, corrugated tube with reduced diameter ends for connection to either of coupling, inlet and sealing fittings.

38. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 21, wherein said at least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel is formed as a seamless cylindrical body having semi-spherical ends, each of said ends having a central opening connected to one of said sections of flexible conduit, said conduit connected to said manifold, said manifold being disposed to fit adjacent a spine of a diver with said at least one pressure vessel extending laterally therefrom.

39. The integrated dive suit, as described in claim 21, wherein said at least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel is formed as a seamless cylindrical body having semi-spherical ends, each of said ends having a central opening connected to said sections of flexible conduit, said conduit connected to said manifold, said manifold being disposed to fit across shoulders of a diver with said at least one pressure vessel extending downwardly therefrom.

40. An integrated buoyancy control device comprising: a buoyancy control vest, said vest being sized and shaped to fit over a conventional dive suit and having an internal air bladder, an inflator valve and an exhaust valve, said inflator valve connects to a low pressure hose;at least one flexible polymeric pressure vessel, said vessel having a first end and a second end;each of said first and second ends having an attached section of flexible conduit;each of said sections of flexible conduit being attached to either of a sealing fitting, an inlet fitting, another section of flexible conduit attached to another vessel and a manifold;said at least one pressure vessel and said sections of flexible conduit being encased in high strength fiber material;said at least one pressure vessel being wrapped with a high strength ballistic ribbon material;a manifold, said manifold connected to said section of flexible conduit connected to said at least one pressure vessel, and providing connections for a high pressure regulator and an air fill source;a pressure gauge, said pressure gauge being connected to said at least one pressure vessel;a high pressure regulator, a high pressure hose connected to said high pressure regulator, a low pressure regulator connected to said high pressure hose and a mouthpiece connected to said low pressure regulator;a hydrodynamic pressure vessel container, said container being formed of resilient material, and being sized and shaped to accommodate said at least one pressure vessel, said sections of flexible conduit and said manifold; andsaid hydrodynamic container being integrally attached to said buoyancy control vest, sized and shaped to present a minimized cross-sectional area for a diver using said vest, and having openings sized and shaped to accommodate passage of at least one connecting hose and connection to said air fill source.