JC Higgins Diving Lung
The JC Higgins Diving Lung single-hose regulator, produced around 1960, was a collaborative effort between Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Healthways. Sears marketed this regulator under their JC Higgins brand, a name honoring a notable Sears employee. This partnership aimed to make scuba diving equipment more accessible to the general public during the sport’s rise in popularity.
Design and Features:
- Single-Hose Configuration: Unlike the prevalent double-hose regulators of the time, this model featured a single-hose design, simplifying use and maintenance.
- Integrated J-Valve: Some Healthways single-hose regulators from that era incorporated a J-valve, serving as a reserve system to provide divers with an emergency air supply when tank pressure dropped to a certain level.
- Sonic Reserve Feature: Certain models included a “sonic reserve” that produced a noticeable shuddering sensation when tank pressure fell to approximately 300 psi, alerting divers to low air supply.
Historical Context:
Healthways was among the early innovators in scuba technology, introducing various single-hose regulators in the early 1960s. Their designs often featured unique elements like the integrated J-valve and sonic reserve, enhancing diver safety and equipment functionality. The collaboration with Sears under the JC Higgins brand facilitated wider distribution and accessibility of scuba gear to recreational divers.
Collectibility:
Today, the JC Higgins Diving Lung single-hose regulator is considered a rare and valuable piece among vintage scuba equipment collectors. Its limited production run, distinctive features, and association with the early days of recreational diving contribute to its desirability. Collectors appreciate such regulators for their historical significance and the innovative spirit they represent in the evolution of diving technology.
Follow us
