A back plate for a breathing apparatus comprises a back plate frame for supporting a cylinder of breathable gas; and a pressure reduction valve configured to receive breathing gas from a cylinder of breathable gas; and a resiliently deformable element configured to support the pressure reduction valve on the back plate frame so as to permit relative movement between the pressure reduction valve and the back plate frame.

Described herein is a support for a breathing apparatus comprising: a cylinder cradle comprising a retaining surface for retaining a cylinder of compressed gas; and a cylinder glider comprising a gliding element, the gliding element configured to support the cylinder above the retaining surface; wherein the cylinder glider is longitudinally separated from the retaining surface of the cylinder cradle. Also described is a breathing apparatus, optionally a self-contained breathing apparatus, comprising a support.

Disclosed is a cylinder-retaining apparatus for a breathing apparatus comprising first and second fixing point and a strap apparatus secured to the first fixing point and the second fixing point. The strap apparatus forms a main strap loop for extending around and securing one or more cylinders. The cylinder-retaining apparatus is configurable in: i) an expanded configuration in which the main strap loop provides a first effective length for securing a first number of cylinders; and ii) a contracted configuration in which a portion of a strap of the strap apparatus is folded to form a secondary strap loop and the secondary strap loop is secured to a third fixing point such that the main strap loop forms a second effective length which is shorter than the first effective length and for securing a second number of cylinders less than the first number of cylinders.

There is disclosed a harness for breathing apparatus comprising a structural support member for supporting a vessel of breathable gas, a waist belt, and a pivot joint mechanism coupling the structural support member to the waist belt. The pivot joint mechanism comprises a release part which is movable to decouple the structural support member from the waist belt.

Disclosed is a support frame for a breathing apparatus comprising a cylinder cradle for supporting a compressed gas cylinder, a cylinder-retaining strap having a first end secured to the support frame at a first fixing point and a second end adjustably secured to the cylinder-retaining strap between the first and second ends, wherein the adjustable strap loop is secured to a second fixing point so as to form an effective strap length between the first and second fixing points, and a releasable third fixing point, wherein the effective strap length is adjustable by adjusting a position of the second end along the strap to thereby adjust a size of the adjustable strap loop, and releasably securing the adjustable strap loop to the third fixing point.

There is provided a back carrier that does not hinder the movement of a wearer. A back carrier having a gas cylinder attached thereto, and carried on wearer's back, the back carrier including: a main body to which the gas cylinder is attached; and an adjuster including a regulator and a pressure demand valve attached to the main body and integrated with each other.

A harness may be used to carry a breathable air system. Generally, the harness may comprise at least one shoulder strap and a plurality of attachments configured to attach the at least one shoulder strap to the breathable air system. Additionally, the plurality of attachments may allow the breathable air system to be configured into a plurality of strap configurations. For example, the plurality of strap configurations may include a hip configuration, a waist configuration, a leg configuration, and/or a back configuration. In some configurations, an additional/accessory strap may be used to more securely carry the breathable air system in the plurality of strap configurations.

A buoyancy control device having a back panel and including at least one flotation bladder, which at least one flotation bladder is configured with the device for controllable inflation and deflation, and connected thereto a harness arrangement for securing the device to a body of a user, the device having a cylinder-mounting mechanism arranged to enable front or side mounting of at least one breathable gas cylinder is useful for snorkeling and diving or repeated diving from snorkeling. A particularly preferred configuration provides a lightweight device of less than 5 kg and an apparatus of no more than 10 kg whereby carriage to and from snorkeling and/or diving location is simplified.

A back pack cinch for a strap securing a breathing tank, and an associated buoyancy compensation device worn by a driver are provided. The back pack cinch includes a cinch body. A cover is rotatably mounted to the cinch body. The cover has an open position and a closed position. The cover in the closed position is configured to tension a strap. A tab is rotatably mounted to the cinch body. The tab has an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, a portion of the strap is pressed against the serrated bearing surface by the tab to hold the portion of the strap in a fixed position.

There is disclosed a harness for breathing apparatus comprising a structural support member for supporting a vessel of breathable gas, a waist belt, and a pivot joint mechanism coupling the structural support member to the waist belt. The pivot joint mechanism comprises a release part which is movable to decouple the structural support member from the waist belt.