Abstract:
A girth adjustable waist belt that easily converts to a diver&#39;s buoyancy compensator with/without integrated weight system and can also easily convert to a utility backpack and belt in which one single size will fit the general population is provided. The mega-adjustable feature also provides secure yet expandable lower back and abdominal support offering physical protection in stressful work conditions. A dive belt is also provided for use by divers during underwater activities, such as scuba diving. The belt comprises a body member and a rapid release weight system which is quickly removal while the belt remains in place on the diver. The belt can also provide for horizontally mounted supplemental air supply system, for use in the event a main air supply is lost or not wanted. In all embodiments, an elastic depth compensator can be built into the belt, insuring a snug fit of the belt at any depth. The belt has a plurality of D-rings for convenient equipment management. A quick release tow clip is attached to the belt and may be used in conjunction with a surface air supply system for pulling the surface air supply system.

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/687,889, filed Oct. 13, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,712,557, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/071,583, filed May 1, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,142, issued Oct. 17, 2000, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/560,329, filed Nov. 17, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,542, issued May 5, 1998. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to diving in which a variety of body sizes and shapes challenge gear manufactures to comfortably and safely provide weight belts, buoyancy compensators, and garments for. The same is true for a wide range of outdoor enthusiast and workers needing to securely carry a variety of items. The present invention also relates to a belt for underwater diving and more particularly to a belt having weights attached for use by underwater divers. The weights are used by divers to overcome the buoyancy force of water. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Belts for underwater diving have been known and used for many years. These belts have been effective in overcoming the buoyancy associated with diving. This buoyancy force makes it difficult for divers to ascend. However, there are situations experienced while diving when the diver needs to access the surface of the water quickly. In which case, the diver needs to rid him or her self of the extra weight associated with the weight belt. This has been done in the past by dropping the entire weight belt. Thus the diver would lose the belt and any equipment attached to it that was not removed before releasing the belt. 
   Since the belt is only dropped in an emergency, speed of weight removal is essential. Therefore, dive belts containing individual pockets of weight also have to be removed entirely as time may be of the essence, thus not allowing for the individual pockets to be emptied. 
   Accordingly, prior dive belts have to be removed entirely in the event of an emergency. These belts often are utilized to carry other equipment, thus in the event of an emergency, both the belt and the equipment are discarded, resulting in not only a loss of the dive belt but also the attached equipment. Hence, if emergency situations occur often and require the weight belt and attached equipment to be lost, the enjoyment and participation in the sport of scuba diving may be prohibited to certain divers due to cost considerations. 
   Furthermore, because the belt may have to be dropped, it could not be used to attach a supplemental air supply system. In that case, the supplemental air supply system must be mounted on the diver separately from the belt causing additional encumbrances during normal dive conditions. 
   Of particular interest in pointing out some of the prior art limitations with previous dive belts are the following U.S. patents. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,935, issued to B. Chanbonnet, is for a belt structure, particularly for accessories thereto. The Chanbonnet reference discloses a belt structure for carrying dive equipment which comprises a closure strap having at least one free portion on the surface of which are secured at least two first securement elements in the form of loops. The second securement is carried by a wing of a substantially rigid dorsal carrying element, so as to modify the effective length of the free portion according to different sizes of the user. The belt structure disclosed is provided to overcome the problems associated with different size users of a belt. Thus, this invention allows divers of various sizes to use the same belt. However, for divers to free themselves of the weight of this belt, it is necessary to remove the entire belt. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,305, issued to W. L. Courtney, is a weight belt for underwater diving. The Courtney reference discloses a weight belt for underwater diving wherein the belt is provided with elongated panels for interconnecting pockets for receiving and containing dive weights. The panels being interconnected by one or more belt portions and adjustable buckles or the like for positioning the panels about the diver&#39;s waist are permitting them to be adjustably positioned in centered relation on the diver&#39;s hips. The panels are preferably formed with multiple pockets facilitating arrangement about the diver&#39;s hips. The lower edge of each panel also has a configuration for conforming with the diver&#39;s hips. This invention provides a weight belt which is adaptable for divers of different sizes and configured to greatly enhance a diver&#39;s comfort. Furthermore, D-rings can also be provided with the weight belt for attaching accessories such as flashlights, cameras, etc. to the weight belt. However, for a diver to get rid of the weight, the entire belt needs have to be removed. Therefore, any accessories attached to the said D-rings are also dropped with the belt. 
   Other references, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,525, issued to H. L. Perla, U.S. Pat. No. 3,713,299, issued to D. B. Duncan and U.S. Pat. No. 3,374,636, issued to D. F. Mason all pertain to diver&#39;s weight belts. These references like the ones mentioned above all suffer from the same limitation, which is that they must be removed entirely in order to get rid of the weights. 
   The divers buoyancy compensator is the foundation for a “set” of scuba gear. The need to match body shapes and sizes has historically been meet with the solution of engineering and constructing a wide range of sizes. This dramatically increases cost and inconveniences throughout the industry and the end user arena. Manufacturers, distributors, retailers, training agencies, rental operations, and consumers have needed to custom match the body size to the device frame. A loose fitting buoyancy compensator or backpack reduces performance and user control. A tight fitting device is now considered a safety hazard due to possible respiratory and abdominal function restrictions. A typical size range of extra small, small, medium, large and extra large with the occasional need for xxs, ml and xxl exist today. The financial and administrative complexity of this dilemma is significant at the business level. At the consumer level the problem manifest in higher cost and lower use rates. For instance, a team or department of municipal divers/climbers would need a specific size for each body type. If the team “on-duty” consisted of three to cover the task at hand per shift with a total of thirty alternating staff members, it is likely that at least three devices of each size would be required to provide safe and effective equipment for all members. The same scenario can be witnessed in groups of friends and families wishing to share or pass along equipment. 
   Thus what is needed in the art is a dive belt having removable weight members, which can be discarded without removing the entire dive belt. What is also needed is a buoyancy compensator, utility backpack, transport harness, inflatable personal flotation device (“PFD”) or other garment in which one size easily adjusts to fit a wide range of users. 
   It is therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings that the present invention is directed. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally discloses a dive belt constructed for quick removal of preferably a pair of weights, associated with the belt, in the event of an emergency. The belt remains in place and is not discarded as the weights are quickly and easily dropped. Thus, a diver can access the surface quickly, without worrying about the typical problems associated with dropping the entire weight belt. The invention also allows the weights to be dropped by the simple procedure of pulling a rip cord to free the weight contained in a pouch which is normally housed within a pocket secured to the belt. The invention further allows the attachment of a supplemental air supply system. The air supply system is positioned on the belt, horizontally across the diver&#39;s back such that a standard dive tank could be worn in conjunction with the supplemental air system. This mounting configuration of the supplemental air system has the advantage of greater mobility for the diver when wearing the present invention. 
   The supplemental air system could also be utilized as a primary tank for short duration dives so that a standard tank system which is typically much larger and separately mounted on a diver&#39;s back would not be needed. 
   The invention is constructed to allow the belt to contract when a diver reaches superior depths. As a diver ascends in water, compression decreases the diver&#39;s waist size and an elastic depth compensator of the present invention allows the belt to contract with the diver&#39;s waistline, insuring proper fit at any depth. 
   Finally, the invention as described below, allows for operation in conjunction with the surface air supply system. The hose that typically runs from a surface air supply system is attached to the belt and then used by the diver through a mouthpiece. In past use, the hose would go from the air supply system directly to the diver&#39;s mouthpiece. This configuration suffers the problem of the hose tugging directly on the mouthpiece being utilized by the diver. By attaching the hose to the dive belt, any tugging occurs at the waist of the diver. Therefore, the present invention can alleviate the discomfort of mouthpiece tugging and stop the mouthpiece from being dislodged altogether. 
   Another embodiment of the present invention also provides for tool-free, fast, intuitive, and simple adjustment of the waist and height dimension for the diver, tool-belt, and backpack user. Furthermore, a significant increase in lower back and abdominal comfort and safety are afforded by the ability to precisely adjust the device to an exact tension and allow for instant expansion in the event the wearer bends over or moves in such a way as to hyperextend the abdominal area. 
   The wide range of easy waist adjustment is preferably accomplished by a three part construction, consisting of two side belts that pass through a wire loop fixture and return against the inside of the belt being secured by hook and loop fastener which is further secured and locked in place by the compression created by wearing the device. The hook and loop construction also allows for a comfortable finish against the body at the area where the adjustment material is exposed. 
   The third component of the belt section is an elastic center—center, which acts as an automatic tensional or expansion device (girth adjuster). The elastic component allows the user to tension the belt beyond the limit that a purely static section would. The elastic member also allows for expansion beyond the user set point without need for frequent adjustment. The outside (opposite the body) of this third member allows a variety of devices to be attached at will via a simple zipper or other mechanical fastening means. In addition to one or more zippers, other mechanical fastening means which can provide rapid and secure attachment can include, but are not limited to, standard industrial fasteners such as side release buckles, flip post and grommet, hook and loop, Zeus fasteners, quick turn screw devices, and push-on post locks, etc. which facilitate a wide range of detachable devices. The belt can be worn as a simple weight belt, tool belt, or abdominal/back support and at any point converted into a mega (girth adjustable) backpack, buoyancy compensator, inflatable PFD, harness, utility transport system, etc. by simply removing a “blank” zipped-on cover panel and zipping on the balance to a backpack, buoyancy compensator, inflatable PFD, harness or other back mounted utility device. The addition of two front mounted shoulder straps are also preferably incorporated into the conversion assembly. The shoulder straps can be looped at the belt end and simply threaded onto the waist belt or a belt loop with a mechanical release can be threaded over the waist belt to receive the shoulder strap. The mechanical release can be a side-release buckle, tri-glide webbing connector, screw and nut, d-ring with snap bolt, pop-rivet, hook and loop, rope/webbing clamp, etc. The shoulder straps preferably include means for adjustment of length to further compliment the one-size fits all design. This is accomplished most easily by means of the side-release buckle with the slide thru webbing lock feature. 
   It is one the objects of this invention to provide a belt with an integrated weight system, balanced for proper trim and with in either hand, quick ditch system, to release the weight system quickly and easily, while allowing the belt to remain in place. 
   It is also an object of the invention to provide a belt that is less costly to use in scuba diving by preventing the need to discard the belt and any equipment attached thereto in the event of an emergency. 
   It is also an object of the invention to provide a belt that is less costly to use in scuba diving by allowing the belt to be reused after dropping weights by securing new weights to belt. 
   It is an object of the invention to provide a belt that can be used for attaching equipment and providing a management system for managing said attached equipment and air hoses. The equipment and management system will not discarded with the weights in the event of an emergency. 
   Another object of the invention is to allow attaching a piece of equipment known as a supplemental air system. The supplemental air system is a small tank that is positioned horizontally on the belt across a diver&#39;s back, allowing for increased mobility. 
   It is also an object of the invention to provide a girth or mega adjustable waist belt that easily converts to a diver&#39;s buoyancy compensator with or without an integrated weight system. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide a girth or mega adjustable waist belt that easily converts to a utility backpack, transport harness, inflatable PFD, and other similar or like garments. 
   In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 
   BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
   The invention may be better understood by reference to the drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1   a  is front elevational view of the interior side of a dive belt in accordance with the present invention having an elastic section in a relatively unexpanded position; 
     FIG. 1   b  is front elevational view of the interior side of a dive belt in accordance with the present invention having an elastic section in a relatively expanded position as compared to  FIG. 1   a;    
     FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the exterior side of the dive belt of  FIG. 1 , including breaking views of the removable weight means and pocket members in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 3   a  is a sectional view of the removable weight member of the present invention having the removable weight bag disposed within in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 3   b  is a sectional view of the removable weight member of the present invention having the removable weight bag removed in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 4  is a perspective view, without depth, of the dive belt in accordance with the present invention, showing the horizontally mounted sleeve member exploded off from the dive belt; 
     FIG. 5   a  is a front elevational view of the interior side of a second embodiment body member for the dive belt showing the adjustable section of the body member removed from the remaining portion of the dive belt; 
     FIG. 5   b  is a front elevational view of the interior side of a second embodiment body member for the dive belt illustrating the first step to attaching the adjustable section of the body member to the remaining portion of the dive belt; 
     FIG. 5   c  is a front elevational view of the interior side of a second embodiment body member for the dive belt illustrating the second step to attaching the adjustable section of the body member to the remaining portion of the dive belt; 
     FIG. 5   d  is a front elevational view of the interior side of a second embodiment body member for the dive belt illustrating the third step to attaching the adjustable section of the body member to the remaining portion of the dive belt; 
     FIG. 5   e  is a front elevational view of the interior side of a second embodiment body member for the dive belt illustrating the fourth step to attaching the adjustable section of the body member to the remaining portion of the dive belt; 
     FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the exterior side of the second embodiment body member for the dive belt also illustrating a second embodiment for the removable attachment of the weight means to the pocket member; 
     FIGS. 7   a  through  7   f  illustrates the various steps which are performed for rapidly removing the weight means from the pocket member for the second embodiment removable attachment of the weight means to the pocket member. 
     FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of the interior side of the adjustable section of the second embodiment body member illustrating a single hook and loop fastening means; 
     FIG. 9   a  is a front elevational view of the interior side of a portion of the second embodiment body member illustrating a removable and adjustable pocket member attached to the adjustable section of the second embodiment body member; 
     FIG. 9   b  is a front elevational view of the interior side of a portion of the second embodiment body member illustrating the first step for adjusting the adjustable pocket member along the adjustable section of the second embodiment body member; 
     FIG. 9   c  is a front elevational view of the interior side of a portion of the second embodiment body member illustrating the second step for adjusting the adjustable pocket member along the adjustable section of the second embodiment body member and also showing the adjustable pocket member removed from the adjustable section of the second embodiment body member; 
     FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of the multi function waist belt of the present invention which serves as the adjustable one size component for a buoyancy compensator, utility backpack, transport harness or the like garment for use by a wide range of individuals; 
     FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of a center portion of the waist belt of  FIG. 10 ; 
     FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of the female buckle component and strap of the waist belt of  FIG. 10 ; 
     FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of a pull-out pocket for the waist belt of  FIG. 10 ; 
     FIG. 14  are several views of the right side portion of the waist belt of  FIG. 10 ; 
     FIG. 15  are several views of the left side portion of the waist belt of  FIG. 10 ; 
     FIG. 16  are several views of the center portion and part of the right side portion of the waist belt of  FIG. 10  illustrating one of the waist adjustment components of the waist belt; 
     FIG. 17  are several views of the center portion and part of the left side portion of the waist belt of  FIG. 10  illustrating one of the waist adjustment components of the waist belt; 
     FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a buoyancy compensator or similar garment having an attached girth adjusting waist belt, such as the waist belt of  FIG. 10 ; 
     FIG. 19  are perspective views of a buoyancy compensator or similar garment having an attached girth adjusting waist belt, such as the waist belt of  FIG. 10 , where the attachment is made by two zipper assemblies, though such is not limiting; 
     FIG. 20  are perspective views of a backpack or similar garment having an attached girth adjusting waist belt, such as the waist belt of  FIG. 10 , where the attachment is made by two zipper assemblies, though such is not limiting; 
     FIG. 21  are perspective views of a buoyancy compensator or similar garment having an attached girth adjusting waist belt, such as the waist belt of  FIG. 10 , where the attachment is made by a single zipper assembly, though such is not limiting; 
     FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an inflatable personal flotation device having an attached girth adjusting waist belt, such as the waist belt of  FIG. 10 ; 
     FIG. 23  is another variation of a multi-function waist belt illustrating a snap attachment assembly for the center portion as opposed to the zipper attachment assembly of  FIG. 10 ; and 
     FIG. 24  is another variation of a multi-function waist belt illustrating a buckle attachment assembly for the center portion as opposed to the zipper attachment assembly of FIG.  10 . 

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   As seen in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , a first embodiment of the removable weights dive belt is generally shown at  10 . Belt member  10  includes a body member  12  having a first main section  14  and a second main section  16 . First section  14  includes a hidden first end  18  and an exposed second end  20 , while second section  16  includes a hidden first end  22  and an exposed second end  24 . 
   Hidden first ends  18  and  22  are conventionally attached to respective ends of an elastic section  24  so that elastic section  24  is interposed between sections  14  and  16 . Sections  14  and  16  and elastic section  24  are collinear and form or define the circumference of dive belt  10 , when wrapped around a diver&#39;s waist when in use. Hidden first ends  18  and  22  and elastic section  24  are disposed within a sleeve member  26 . Sections  14  and  16  and sleeve member  26  can be constructed from conventional materials commonly used in making dive belts. 
   End  22  is also attached to an adjacent portion of sleeve member  26  by conventional means such as sewing or stitching. Thus, second main section  16  remains in a fixed or permanent position, and first main section  14  is slidable or movable in conjunction with the stretching or contracting of elastic section  24 . 
   Elastic section  24  allows for the reduction is circumference size of belt  10  when a diver, wearing belt  10 , reaches superior depths. Thus, at superior depths, elastic section  24  contract with the diver&#39;s waistline, insuring proper fit at any depth.  FIG. 1   a  illustrates elastic section  24  in a contracted position, while  FIG. 1   b  illustrates elastic section  24  is a relatively stretched position, as compared to  FIG. 1   a.    
   First section  14  has an interior surface  30  and an exterior surface  33 , while second section  16  has an interior surface  32  and an exterior surface  31 . Interior surfaces  30  and  32  are adjacent to the diver&#39;s body when dive belt  10  is properly positioned on the diver. Dive belt  10  is provided with means for removably connecting generally sections  14  and  16  together and more particularly end  20  of section  14  with end  24  of section  16 . In the preferred embodiment, a hook and loop fastenings means  40  and  42  (VELCRO strips) are provided along the interior surface  30  of section  14  and the exterior surface  31  of section  16 , respectively. VELCRO strip  40  can be substantially centered on first section  14  extending axially along a portion of first section  14 . Similarly, VELCRO strip  42  can be substantially centered on second section  16  extending axially along a portion of said second section  16 . Fastening means  40  and  42  provide an adjustable interlock for snugly securing and wrapping dive belt  10  around a diver&#39;s waist. 
   In addition to fastening means  40  and  42 , a conventional adjustable quick release clip member  50  is provided, having a female clip receptacle  52  associated with end  20  of section  14  and a male insertion member  54  associated with end  24  of section  16 . However, it is to be understood that the positions of receptacle  52  and insertion member  54  could be reversed and such is within the scope of the invention. Insertion member  54  is received within receptacle  52  and locked by conventional means to help further properly secure dive belt  10  around the waist area of the diver, particularly in the event that fastening means  40  and  42  become disconnected from each other. Insertion member  54  can be released from its locked position, by the depression of flange members  58  protruding from and associated with female receptacle  52 . Insertion member  54  is adjustable to be properly sized with respect to the diver. To achieve adjustability, insertion member  54  is slidably mounted along an exterior strap  56  attached to section  16 . Insertion member  54  is slidably mounted also to accommodate maximum and minimum overlap of fastening means  40  and  42 . 
   The exterior surface  28  of sleeve member  26  also provides a supplemental air supply mounting area for horizontally mounting a compressed gas cylinder, including, but not limited to an oxygen tank, or a tank having a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen or a mixture of helium and oxygen. The horizontal mounting of the compressed gas cylinder provides the diver with greater mobility. As seen in  FIG. 4 , a flexible tank receiving sleeve member  170  is provided having a body member  172  and an open end and a closed end  174 . Closed end  174  can be provided with a vent member  176 . Strap members  182 ,  186  and  190  are attached to body member  172  by conventional means such as stitching. Strap members  182 ,  186  and  190  are provided with hook and loop fastening means  184 ,  188  and  192 , respectively, on their respective inside surfaces. Body member is provided with hook and loop fastening strips  178  and  180  for mating with hook and loop fastening means  190  and  188 , respectively, to securely retain a compressed gas cylinder (not shown) within body member  172 . A third hook and loop fastening member (not shown) is provided on body member  172  for mating with hook and loop fastening means  184  of strap  182 . A tightening strap  194  is attached at near its first end to body member  172  by conventional means, such as stitching, and has its first end sewn to its to form a loop which is attached to a first rod portion of a strap guide member  196 . The first end of strap  194  is inserted through guide member  196  and around the first rod portion prior to sewing or stitching the first end of strap  194  to itself. Strap  194  is provided for tightening at least a portion of body member  172  around the compressed gas cylinder disposed within body member and also serves to help horizontally mount tank receiving sleeve member  170  to sleeve member  26 , which will be discussed below. Strap  194  can also be provided with a hook and loop fastening member disposed at the unattached end of strap  194  for mating with a hook and loop fastening member disposed along a portion of strap  194  intermediate the attached and unattached ends of strap  194 . Before attaching strap  194  to body member  172 , strap  194  is inserted through d-ring  130 . 
   Sleeve  26  has a first strap  134  attached to outside surface  28 , near the first end of sleeve member  26 , by conventional means such as stitching  136  to provide loops at each of strap  134  for securely retaining rings  130  and  132 . Preferably, rings  130  and  132  are conventional D-rings. A second strap  150  is attached to outside surface  28  near its opposite second end, by conventional means such as stitching  152  and  154  and defines a first strap passageway between stitching  152  and  154 . A third strap  140  is attached to outside surface  28  intermediate straps  134  and  150 , by conventional means such as stitching  142  and  144  to define a second strap passageway. 
   After being attached to guide member  196  and body member  172 , the unattached end of strap  194  is inserted through d-ring  132 . Strap  194  is then inserted through guide member  196 , intermediate the attachment of the first end of strap  194  to guide member  196  and the first end of guide member. Strap  194  is then folded over the first end of guide member  196  and inserted through d-rings  130  and  132 . Strap  194  is then inserted through guide member  196 , thus tightening at least a portion of body member  172  over the compressed gas cylinder, and folded over a second rod portion of guide member  196  and inserted back through guide member for the mating the hook and loop fastening means of strap  194 . The rod portion of guide member is disposed intermediate the second end of guide member  196  and the attachment of the first end of strap  194  to guide member  196 . Thus, at this point closed end  174  of body member  172  is attached to sleeve member  26 . 
   Preferably, after the attachment of closed end  174 , strap  182  is inserted through the strap passageway of strap  140  and attached back to body member  172  by mating hook and loop fastening means  184  with the hook and the third (not shown) hook and loop fastening means of body member  172 . Lastly, straps  186  and  190  are inserted through the strap passageway of strap  150 , then crossed over each other and attached back to body member  172 , having the compressed gas cylinder disposed within, by mating hook and loop fastening means  188  of strap  186  with hook and loop fastening strip  180  and by mating hook and loop fastening means  192  of strap  190  with hook and loop fastening strip  178 , to securely retain the compressed gas cylinder with body member  172 . 
   A quick release tow clip  60  can be provided and, preferably, includes a female receptacle  61  disposed at and attached to mounting exterior surface  28  via a strap  62  and stitching and a male insertion member (not shown) associated with a surface air system. Tow clip  60  is used to harness and tow the surface air system which is providing a source of oxygen to the diver through an air supply line. Clip  60  can be structurally similar to clip  50  and also operates similar. Furthermore, a clip  200  can be provided and can be attached by conventional means, such as swivel and hook assembly  204  and  206  to any of the rings of belt  10 . Clip  200  also includes an air tube or air hose connection piece  202  for removable attachment of a portion of the air hose (not shown). A second air hose connection piece can be provided for the air hose associated with horizontally mounted compressed gas cylinder. Thus, when moving the surface air system, any tugging takes place at tow clip  60  and possibly clip  200 , preventing tugging of the diver&#39;s mouthpiece which is connected to the air hose and is also associated with the surface air system. In lieu of the surface air system, the diver can utilized the horizontally mounted compressed gas cylinder, discussed above, normally providing a secondary source as its primary source. 
   Dive belt  10  is provided with at least one pocket member  70  for the receipt of a quick release weight means  90 . Pocket member  70  is attached to dive belt  10  by conventional means such as stitching or sewing. Preferably, two pocket members  70  and associated quick release weight means  90  are provided. A first pocket member  70  being attached to exterior surface  33  of first section  14 , preferably at its backside and a second pocket member  70   b  attached to exterior surface  31  of second section  16 , preferably at its backside. Pockets  70  are preferably sewn closed along three sides, while having an open end  74  for the receipt of respective quick release weight means  90 , discussed in detail below. 
   A first flap member  76  is attached to pocket member  70  at open end  74 . Flap member  76  includes an outer surface  78  and an inner surface  80 . First flap closing means can be provided and preferably comprises hook and loop fastening means  82  and  84  attached to inner surface  80  of flap member  76  and an outer surface  75  (adjacent open end  74 ) of pocket member  70 , respectively. A relatively smaller second flap member  85  having an inner surface and an outer surface  86  can be provided near or at closed end  72  of pocket member  70 . Flap member  75  is provided to house a handle means  100 , when not in use. Though flap member  85  is preferably provided at end  72 , other locations along belt  10  or pocket member  70  are within the scope of the invention. Second flap closing means can be provided and preferably comprises hook and loop fastening means  87  and  88  attached to the inner surface of flap member  85  and an outer surface  75  (adjacent a portion of closed end  72 ) of pocket member  70 , respectively. 
   Quick release weight means  90  includes a weight member or bag  92 , weight receiving pouch member  94  connected to a handle means  100 . Handle means  100  can include a small strap member attached to one end to pouch member  94  by conventional means such as stitching  98  and a triangular shaped gripping member  102  having a gripping surface  101 . Gripping member  102  is attached to the opposite end of strap  96  by conventional means such as stitching  104 . Bag member  92  can contain any conventional materials utilized for providing weight such as sand, concrete, beads, marbles, etc. 
   In non-emergency underwater situations, bag member is disposed within area  95  of pouch member  94  and pouch member is disposed within its respective pocket member  70 . Pouch  94  is disposed within pocket  70  such that the open end of pouch  94  is directed toward flap  76 . When properly disposed strap  96  protrudes out of pocket member  70 . To maintain pouch  94  within pocket  70 , strap  96  is folded over, followed by folding over flap  76  to allow hook and loop fasteners  82  and  84  to mate, thus, securely retaining pouch  94  within pocket  70 . To provide addition securement, flap  85  is inserted through handle member  100  and folded over a portion of gripping surface  101  to allow hook and loop fasteners  87  and  88  to mate. This additional securement also prevents straps  96  from hanging or dangling, which could bother the diver or inadvertently cause pouch  94  to be removed from pocket member  70 . 
   In an emergency situation, where the diver needs to quickly rise to the water&#39;s surface, the present invention allows the diver to rapidly remove one or both weight means  90  from belt  10  without removing belt  10  from around the diver&#39;s waist. To remove weight means  90  the diver grabs handle means  100  at gripping surface  101  and pulls handle means  100  with a normal tugging motion force, first breaking the attachment of fastening means  87  to fastening means  88  and then breaking the attachment of fastening means  82  to fastening means  84 , and causing weight means  90  to be rapidly removed from pocket members  70 . Once removed, weight means  90  can be dropped by the diver and thus the diver does not lose the entire belt in the emergency situation. Furthermore, if time permits, the diver can remove weight bag  92  from pouch  94  and simply drop weight bag  92 , thus only losing weight bag  92  which comprises the majority of the weight of weight means  90 . 
   As seen in the drawings various d-rings can be attached to belt  10  by conventional means and are provided for removably attaching various equipment or articles to belt  10 . 
     FIGS. 5   a  through  5   e  illustrate a second embodiment body member for dive belt  10 . In this embodiment, an adjustable body member  300  which includes a fixed section  316 , adjustable and removable section  400 , attachment section  336  and an elastic member  324  which is disposed within attachment section  336 , when belt  10  is properly constructed. 
   As seen in  FIG. 5   a  adjustable section  400  has a first end  404  and a second end  406 . A first hook and loop fastening means  410  and a second hook and loop fastening means  408  are disposed on a first surface  402  of adjustable section  400 . (In lieu of second hook and loop fastening means  408 , first hook and loop fastening means  410  can be extended along substantially the entire length of first surface  402  of adjustable section  400 , see FIG.  8 ). Padding can be provided within at least the portion of adjustable section  400  which is adjacent first hook and loop fastening means  410  ( FIG. 5   a ). Furthermore, the portion of adjustable section  400  which is adjacent hook and loop fastening means  408  can have its outer edge slightly taper to end  406 , to help hide this portion of the adjustable section behind the remaining portion of the adjustable section, when the adjustable section is properly attached, as well as allowing the tapered portion to be more easily inserted through strap passageway  334 , described in detail below. 
   Fixed section  316  has an exposed first end  308  and a second end  322  which is secured to attachment section  336  by conventional means such as stitching. Elastic section  324  has a first end  328  which is also secured to attachment section  336 , adjacent fixed section end  322  by conventional means, such as stitching. A loop member  331  is formed at end  328  of elastic section  324 , preferably by securing a fabric member to section  324  by conventional means, such as stitching  332 . A guide member  330  is retained within loop member  331 , and defines an adjustable section passageway  334  between guide member  330  and end  328 , for the insertion of end  406  of adjustable section  400 . Preferably, guide member  330  is constructed from stainless steel, however, other conventional materials can be utilized and are considered within the scope of the invention. 
   A first flap member  338 , having a first surface  339 , is secured to attachment section  336  along a first fold line  341 . A second flap member  340 , having a first surface  342 , is secured to attachment section  336  along a second fold line  343 . Hook and loop fastening means  344  is provided along first surface  343 . 
   Adjustable body member  300  allows divers of various waist sizes to utilize the same dive belt by simply moving adjustable section  400  to allow for a proper fit. For purposes of showing how section  400  is attached to the rest of body member  300 , point  412  is selected as the point on adjustable section  400 , which section  400  is folded, described above, to provide a proper fit around the diver&#39;s waist. However, it should be understood that the selection of this point is not limiting and only selected for example purposes. 
   As seen in  FIG. 5   b , when attaching section  400  to the rest of body member  300 , a portion of section  400 , starting from end  406 , is inserted within passageway  334 , until the desired point  412  is aligned with guide member  330 . Once aligned, the inserted portion of is folded over guide member  330 , to allow hook and loop fastening means  408  to mate with itself ( FIG. 5   c ).  FIG. 5   c  also illustrates a portion of a second surface  414  of adjustable section  400 . Once the inserted portion is folded over and secured by the mating of hook and loop fastening means  412 , flap  338  is folded inward, along fold line  341  ( FIG. 5   d ). As seen in  FIG. 5   d , hook and loop fastening means  348  are disposed on a second surface  346  of flap  338 , for the eventual mating with hook and loop fastening means  344  of flap  340 . Once flap  338  has been folded, flap  340  is folded inward, along fold line  343  ( FIG. 5   e ) thus allowing hook and loop fastening means  348  to mate with hook and loop fastening means  344 .  FIG. 5   e  also illustrates a second surface  350  of flap  340 . 
   It should also be noted that hook and loop fastening means  344  could be disposed on second surface  350  instead of surface  342  and hook and loop fastening means  348  be disposed on surface  339  instead of surface  346 . In this situation, the order of folded inward flaps  338  and  340  would be reversed to allow hook and loop fastening means  344  to still mate with hook and loop fastening means  348 . 
   To adjust section  400  to compensate for diver&#39;s of larger or smaller waist sizes, the diver merely follows the reverse order as shown in  FIGS. 5   a  through  5   e . Thus, flap  340  is folded outward, along fold line  343 , breaking the attachment of hook and loop fastening means  344  and hook and loop fastening means  348 . Next, flap  338  is folded outward, along fold line  341 . After such, the inserted portion is folded back to the position shown in  FIG. 5   b , thus, breaking the attachment of hook and loop fastening means  412  to itself. Once in the position shown in  FIG. 5   b , adjustable section  400  is repositioned to properly fit the different waist size diver, and then the steps shown in  FIGS. 5   c  through  5   e  are performed to securely and safely attach adjustable section  400  to the rest of body member  300 . 
   Accordingly, flaps  338  and  340  help to assure that adjustable section is securely and safely attached to the rest of body member  300 , while also providing protection to elastic section  324  and guide member  330 . Furthermore, the embodiment of body member  300  shown in  FIG. 5 , still allows for compensation through elastic section  324 , as described above for the first embodiment body member, when the diver dives to significant depths underwater. The rest of the features of the dive belt, not discussed in this second embodiment for the body member of the dive belt, are structurally similar, as well as operating similarly, to like features of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 . 
   As seen in  FIG. 6 , in lieu male insertion member  54  being slidably adjustable along a strap member for mating with female receiving member  52 , an elastic strap  504  can be provided having a first end  506  attached to body member  300  adjacent end  322  of fixed section  316  and a second end  508  attached to a male insertion member  500 . Male insertion member  500  is similar in structure and operation as insertion member  54  and is inserted within female receiving member  502 , attached via a strap means  510  to adjustable section  400 . Thus, instead of sliding the insertion member along a strap member elastic section  504  is simply stretched, thus strap member  56  is eliminated. Also seen in  FIG. 6 , is a second embodiment for the pocket member and is generally designated at  450 . One of pocket members  450  is shown removed in  FIG. 6  to illustrate elastic section  504 . However, pocket members  450  are attached to the respective sections  316  and  400 , by conventional means, such as stitching  452 . 
   As seen in  FIGS. 7   a  through  7   f , the steps required for removing weight means  470  from pocket member  450  are illustrated, as well as illustrating the structure of pocket member  450  and weight means  470 . As seen in  FIGS. 7   a  through  7   f , pocket member  450  is shown having an outer surface  451 . A hook and loop fastening means  458  is provided on outer surface  451  adjacent the open end of pocket member  450 . A pocket flap member  452  is provided having an outer surface  454  and an inner surface  460 . A first flap hook and loop fastening means  455  is provided on outer surface  454  and a second hook and loop fastening means  462  is provided on inner surface  460 . Either of the pocket members  70  and/or  450  can be provided with perforated portions. 
   Weight means  470  includes a pouch member  472 , which houses a weight bag or other weight member (not shown but similar to a weight bag  92 ), a strap member  474  and a handle means  480 . Preferably, the weight bag is removable from pouch member  472 . A hook and loop fastening means  476  is provided on a first surface of strap member  474  and hook and loop fastening means  478  and  480  are provided on a second surface of strap member  474 . A first end of strap member  474  is attached to pouch member  472  and a second end of strap member  474  is attached to handle means  480  by in conventional means. Handle means  480  includes a triangularly shaped gripping member  482  having a gripping surface  484 . 
   In the normal use of the dive belt, pouch member  472  of weight means  470  is disposed within pocket member  450  with strap member  474  and handle means  480  protruding out of pocket member  472 . A portion of hook and loop fastening means  462  mates with hook and loop fastening means  480 , hook and loop fastening means  476  mates with a portion of hook and loop fastening means  458 , and a remaining portion of hook and loop fastening means  462  mates with a remaining portion of hook and loop fastening means  458 , by folding flap  452  inward along fold line  459 . At this point, strap  474  is folded inward over flap  452  to allow hook and loop fastening means  478  to mate with hook and loop fastening means  455  to securely retaining weight means  470  within pocket member  450 , but also allowing weight means to be rapidly removed in an emergency situation. 
   To remove weight means  470  the diver grabs handle means  480  at gripping surface  484  and pulls handle means  480  with a normal tugging motion force, nearly simultaneously breaking the attachment of fastening means  478  to fastening means  455 , fastening means  458  to fastening means  462 , fastening means  476  to fastening means  458  and fastening means  480  to fastening means  462 , allowing weight means  470  to be rapidly removed from pocket members  450 . Once removed, weight means  470  can be dropped by the diver and thus the diver does not lose the entire belt in the emergency situation. Furthermore, if time permits, the diver can remove the weight bag from pouch  472  and simply drop the weight bag, thus only losing the weight bag which comprises the majority of the weight of weight means  470 . 
   It should be recognized that pocket member  450  and weight means  470  can also be utilized with body member  12 , and likewise pocket member  70  and weight means  90  can also be utilized with body member  300 . Furthermore, clip means  50 , including female receiving member  52 , male insertion member  54  and strap  56  can also be utilized with body member  300 , and likewise male insertion member  500 , female receiving member  502  and elastic section  504  can also be utilized with body member  12 . 
     FIGS. 9   a  through  9   c  illustrate a removable and adjustable pocket member  600  which is attached to adjustable section  400 , as described above, and replaces pocket member  450  which is permanently attached to adjustable section  400 . The quick release weight means described above is associated with pocket member  600 . The quick release weight means is not shown for purposes of  FIGS. 9   a  through  9   c , as these Figures illustrate the removable and adjustable features of pocket member  600  to adjustable section  400 . However, it is to be understood that the quick release weight means (including a pouch member, weight bag, handle means, etc, rapid release retaining means), described above, is associated with pocket member  600 . Furthermore, pocket member  600  also has a pouch receiving area and flap member, having hook and loop fastening means disposed thereon, which are also not shown for purposes of  FIGS. 9   a  through  9   c , but are similar to like features for pocket member  70  or  450  described above. 
   Pocket member  600  includes an interior surface  602  and has a first flap member  604  and a second flap member  606 . Flap member  604  includes a hook and loop fastening member  608  disposed a first side, while second flap member  606  has a first hook and loop fastening member  610  disposed on a first side and a second hook and loop fastening member  612  disposed on a second side. A miscellaneous or utility D-ring member  620  can be attached to pocket member  600 , preferably middle member  602 , by conventional means, such as strap or fabric material  622  and stitching  624 . 
   Before removably attaching pocket member  600  to adjustable section  400 , adjustable section  400  is properly attached and positioned with respect to the remaining portion of body member  300 . When attaching pocket member to adjustable section  400 , pocket member  600  is first properly positioned along adjustable section to ensure that pocket member  600  and pocket member  450  on fixed section  316  are properly aligned and center forward the diver&#39;s hip area and just above the diver&#39;s waist area, when body member  300  is properly attached around the diver&#39;s waist area. This helps the diver to remain balanced at depth as pocket member  600  and pocket member  450 , with their respective rapid release weight means, are opposing and equally align. Thus, as adjustable section  400  can be adjusted or repositioned depending on the waist size of the diver, associated pocket member  600  is adjusted or repositioned with adjustments to section  400  to maintain pocket member  600  in its equally align position with pocket member  450 . 
   Once pocket member  600  is properly positioned along adjustable section  400  ( FIG. 9   c ), flap member  606  is folded inward over adjustable section  400  to allow hook and loop fastening means  610  to mate with hook and loop fastening member  411  disposed on outer surface  414  of adjustable section  400  ( FIG. 9   b ). This mating connection, prevents pocket member  600  from sliding along adjustable section  400  and out of proper position. After such, flap member  604  is folded inward over attached flap member  606  to allow hook and loop fastening means  608  to mate with hook and loop fastening member  612  disposed on flap member  606  ( FIG. 9   a ). When body member  300  is attached around the waist of the diver, flap member  604  and flap member  606  abut against the diver&#39;s body to ensure that the attachment of flap members  604  and  606  to each other is not inadvertently or accidentally broken. 
   To reposition the attached pocket member  600  ( FIG. 9   a ), flap member  604  is disconnected from its attachment to flap member  606 , by breaking the connection of hook and loop fastening means  608  and  612 , from each other ( FIG. 9   b ). Next flap member  606  is disconnected from its attachment to adjustable section  400 , by breaking the connection of hook and loop fastening means  411  and  610 , from each other ( FIG. 9   c ), thus freeing pocket member  600  from adjustable section  400 . 
     FIGS. 10 through 24  illustrate several variations of another embodiment of the present invention which provides for tool-free, fast, intuitive, and simple adjustment of the waist and height dimension for the diver, tool-belt, backpack user, etc. Furthermore, a significant increase in lower back and abdominal comfort and safety are afforded by the ability to precisely adjust the device to an exact tension and allow for instant expansion in the event the wearer bends over or moves in such a way as to hyperextend the abdominal area. 
   As best seen in  FIGS. 16 and 17  the wide range of easy waist adjustment is preferably accomplished by a three part construction that define a multi-function waist belt  700 , consisting of two side belts  710  and  730  that pass through respective wire loop fixture  712  and  732  preferably contained within a center portion  750  and return against the inside of the belt being secured by hook and loop fastener  714  and  734  which is further secured and locked in place by the compression created by wearing the device  700 . The ends of belt  700  are secured to each other similar to the other belts described above, such as by mating buckle components on each end. Hook and loop fastening construction  714  and  734  also allows for a comfortable finish against the body at the area where the adjustment material is exposed. Though an adjustment component on both sides of belt  700  is preferred, it should be recognized that the invention can be provided with a single adjustment component on either side of belt  700 . 
   As best seen in  FIG. 11 , the third component of the belt section is an elastic center member  752 , which acts as an automatic tensional or expansion device (in use girth adjuster). The elastic component allows the user to tension belt  700  beyond the limit that a purely static section would. Elastic member  752  also allows for expansion beyond the user set point without need for frequent adjustment. The outside (opposite the body) of this third member allows a variety of devices to be attached at will via a simple zipper  754  and/or  756  ( FIG. 11 ) or other mechanical fastening means (for example see FIGS.  22 - 24 ). In addition to one ( FIG. 21 ) or more ( FIGS. 19 and 20 ) zippers, other mechanical fastening means which can provide rapid and secure attachment can include, but are not limited to, standard industrial fasteners such as side release buckles, flip post and grommet, hook and loop, Zeus fasteners, straps, quick turn screw devices, and push-on post locks, etc. which facilitate a wide range of detachable devices. Belt  700  can be worn as a simple weight belt, tool belt, or abdominal/back support and at any point converted into a mega (girth adjustable) backpack  900  (FIG.  20 ), buoyancy compensator  800  ( FIGS. 18 ,  19  and  21 ), inflatable PFD  950  (FIG.  22 ), harness, utility transport system, etc. by simply removing a “blank” zipped-on or otherwise attached cover panel  758  ( FIG. 11 ) and zipping or otherwise attaching on the balance to backpack  900 , buoyancy compensator  800 , inflatable PFD  950 , harness or other back mounted utility device. The addition of two front mounted shoulder straps  722  and  742  are also preferably incorporated into the conversion assembly. Shoulder straps  722  and  742  can be looped at the belt end and simply threaded onto waist belt  700  or a belt loop with a mechanical release can be threaded over waist belt  700  to receive shoulder straps  722  and  742 . The mechanical release can be a side-release buckle, tri-glide webbing connector, screw and nut, d-ring with snap bolt, pop-rivet, hook and loop, rope/webbing clamp, etc. The shoulder straps preferably include means for adjustment of length to further compliment the one-size fits all design. This is accomplished most easily by means of a male or female portion of a side-release buckle  724  and  744  with the slide thru webbing lock feature. Buckle  724  and  744  are releasably attached to mating portions  822  and  824  (buoyancy compensator  800 ),  922  and  932  (backpack  900 ),  962  and  972  (inflatable PFD  950 ), etc. 
   Though not limiting, in one embodiment some of the dimensions for right side portion  730  of belt  700  can be:
         4″ web—28″ length   3″ Velcro hook—(2) 6″ length   3″ Velcro loop—22″ length   2″ web—8″ and 13″ lengths   2″ buckle (male end) two pieces   2″ stainless steel D-ring   2″ stainless steel triglide.       

   Though not limiting, in one embodiment some of the dimensions for left side portion  710  of belt  700  can be:
         4″ web—38″ length   3″ Velcro hook—6″ length   3″ Velcro loop—8″ and 32″ length   2″ web—6″ and 13″ lengths   2″ buckle male and female ends   2″ stainless steel D-ring   2″ stainless steel triglide.       

   All of the dimensions and materials indicated above and on the drawings figures are not considered limiting and are given by way of example. Other dimensions and materials may be used with the present invention and are all considered within the scope of the invention. 
     FIG. 10  shows the left side belt, center and right side belt.  FIG. 11  shows an inside view of the center piece having a removable exterior panel and a padded panel. Dimensions can include, but are not limited to, the following: item (1) 4″ wide elastic, 8″ length—folded for double strength; item (2) 4″ wide webbing, two pieces, 3″ length; item (3) 4″ wide stainless steel loops, three pieces; item (4) male end #10 10″ separating zipper; item (5) female end #10 10″ separating zipper; and item (6) female end 1″ buckle. The padding can be {fraction (l/ 2 )}″ closed cell foam (3½″×8½″). The outside material can be 420 D black nylon. 
     FIG. 12  shows the buckle straps that slide onto the belt for shoulder strap attachment. Dimensions can include, but are not limited to, 2″ web (2) 4″, (2) 9″ and 2″ buckle (2) female ends.  FIG. 13  illustrates the pull-out pocket. The hook and loop can continue inside pocket so contents can be retained at the bottom. Dimensions can include, but are not limited to, 1000 D Cordura Black (2) 5″×16″, (2) 7″×13″; item (1) 2″ wide VELCRO hook (2) 16″; and item (2) 2″ wide VELCRO loop (2) 14″, 2″ mil/spec web (2) 10″, 2″ buckle (2) female end. An ABS plate (2) can also be provided. 
     FIG. 18  illustrates a buoyancy compensator with shoulder straps with fixed loops for multifunction waist belt attachment.  FIG. 19  illustrates the double zipper attachment.  FIG. 20  illustrates a back pack with shoulder strap attachments for multifunction waist belt attachments and a double zipper attachment.  FIG. 21  illustrates a buoyancy compensator with single zipper attachment  FIG. 22  illustrates an inflatable personal flotation device with shoulder strap attachment for attaching to multifunction waist belt.  FIG. 23  illustrates a snap attachment for the multi function waist belt.  FIG. 24  illustrates buckle attachment for multi function waist belt. A loop for a 2″ buckle can be provided. Dimensions can include, but are not limited to 1″ web—6″ length and 2″ web—13″ length. 
   Furthermore, various components of the present invention, such as, but not limited to, the elastic member, adjustable members, weight pockets and/or removable weights, etc. can be used with other types of diving equipment such as, but not limited to, buoyancy compensators, harnesses, personal flotation devices, etc. and all are considered within the scope of the invention. 
   The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.