Diver's buoyancy control device with passive dynamic weight system

Abstract

The weights in a buoyancy compensating device are placed in a pouch or pocket immediately beneath the air cell. The pocket is essentially a non-air holding extension of the buoyancy bag. In this manner, the center of gravity is now moved back, more directly in line with the center of the buoyancy bag. The buoyant forces act to directly counter the forces of the ballast weights. The improved device is more balanced in the water, very comfortable and requires less energy to maintain a diver's selected orientation in the water. The weight holding pockets can be constructed with varying degrees of stiffness relative to the air cell. The weights react to gravity and shift forward or back a few degrees depending upon whether the diver is on his back or on his stomach. The center of gravity shifts to be more in harmony with the diver's desired attitude.

1 . A buoyancy compensating device with an integrated weight system comprising weights in pouches that are attached to an air cell for gravity-induced movement relative to a diver. 
   
   
       2 . The buoyancy compensating device recited in  claim 1  wherein the weight system reacts passively to gravity to dynamically change the position of the weights as the diver changes attitude. 
   
   
       3 . The buoyancy compensating device recited in  claim 1  wherein the gravity-induced movement of the weights changes the center of gravity of the buoyancy compensating device favorably with respect to the desired underwater or surface attitude of the diver. 
   
   
       4 . A buoyancy compensating device comprising an air cell having a lower end to which at least one weight-containing pouch is integrally affixed for limited movement depending the orientation of the buoyancy compensating device, said movement altering the center of gravity of the buoyancy compensating device. 
   
   
       5 . The buoyancy compensating device recited in  claim 4  wherein said movement of said at least one weight-containing pouch is transversely along the hips of a diver wearing said buoyancy compensating device.