F.W. Walter from New Zealand patented an improved diving suit with increased resistance to water pressure. He used metal bands and fabric for this. Later in 1920 he patented a real atmospheric suit made entirely of aluminium. The predecessor from 1917 can be seen on this page.
The invention consists broadly in the construction of the dress with an inner and outer lining each of which is stayed 0r reinforced with metal bands or rings encircling it throughout, and which two linings are so disposed that an air space is provided between them, which when the dress is used, iskept filled with compressed air from the air pumps employed and the degree of compression of which is varied automatically with the variations in outside pressure. This method of construction pro vides a strong resistance to the waters pressure.
The air pressure between the two linings of the dress is governed automatically by valves of special construction arranged to admit air from the outer to the inner lining and to release it through the helmet into a pipe by which it is conveyed to above the water level. Each of these two valves is constructed to open to a more or less extent as the pressure of the surrounding water diminishes or increases with the variation in depth and thus to provide for a greater compression of the air withm the envelop formed by the two linings as the depth of water increases. i 1 support the pressure of the water so that This serves to the diver may work freely.
Walter patent can be found here: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/d7/97/0b/fbd76e7110ca16/US1226148.pdf
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