Breathing apparatus mask

Abstract

A mask for an underwater breathing apparatus is disclosed. The mask comprises a sealing arrangement configured to provide a seal between the mask and a face of a wearer. The sealing arrangement comprises an outer sealing member extending around an edge of the mask and configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to define an internal volume. An inner sealing member is configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to seal a first portion of the internal volume from a second portion of the internal volume. The first portion of the internal volume is defined around a first portion of the face comprising a mouth of the wearer, and the second portion of the internal volume is defined around a second portion of the face comprising a nose of the wearer.

Description

[0001] BREATHING APPARATUS MASK

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present application relates to a mask for an underwater breathing apparatus. The present application also related to an underwater breathing apparatus and to an air supply module.

[0004] Background

[0005] A full-face mask is used in many underwater operations that involve a wearer being submerged in water for a sustained period of time. The mask typically is connectable to an air supply to deliver air to a wearer of the mask whilst they are performing the underwater operation or task.

[0006] One such air supply is a rebreather. In a rebreather, used gas exhaled by a wearer of the breathing apparatus is recirculated and reused, to permit the rebreathing (i.e. recycling) of the unused oxygen content of the used gas. A rebreather may also typically include a carbon dioxide absorbent unit (often referred to as a “scrubber”), which absorbs carbon dioxide exhaled by the user, in order to avoid build-up of carbon dioxide in the rebreather.

[0007] Rebreathers, and other modern-day underwater air supplies, can provide an individual with an air supply enabling them to perform underwater operations for a long period of time.

[0008] The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] The inventors have found that features in conventional masks for underwater breathing apparatuses have not adapted at the same pace as the rebreathers, and other modern-day underwater air supplies. In particular, features of conventional masks for underwater breathing apparatus may be suitable for a wearer taking on a relatively short underwater operation. However, as the duration of underwater operations increases, the features of conventional masks for underwater operations can become undesirable or uncomfortable for a wearer.

[0011] It is an object of the disclosure to obviate or eliminate at least some of the above-described disadvantages associated with existing techniques.In general terms, examples according to the present disclosure provide a mask for an underwater breathing apparatus that improves comfort for a wearer of the mask.

[0012] According to a first aspect there is provided a mask for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising: a sealing arrangement configured to provide a seal between the mask and a face of a wearer to define an internal volume. The mask further comprises a fluid transfer element comprising a first end portion arranged to extend in the internal volume, and a second end portion located outside the mask and connectable to a fluid source; wherein the fluid transfer element is configured to convey fluid from the second end portion to the first end portion.

[0013] The fluid transfer element may thus transfer fluid from a fluid source connected to the second end portion, to the first end portion located in the internal volume. In the internal volume, the first end portion is receivable in a mouth of the wearer. In this way, the wearer may drink fluid received via the fluid transfer element, whilst wearing the mask and without breaking the seal provided by the sealing arrangement of the mask. In longer underwater operations, this may thus be beneficial to hydrate a wearer of the mask.

[0014] The seal formed by the sealing arrangement may be configured to extend around a portion of the face of the wearer comprising the mouth of the wearer. Thus, the mask may be arranged to cover at least the mouth of the wearer. Accordingly, the internal volume may correspond to a breathing space in the mask. More generally, the internal volume may correspond to a watertight space that is enclosed between the mask and the wearer’s face. In use, the internal volume may be filled with gas (e.g. air).

[0015] In some cases, the mask may be a full-face mask, i.e. the mask may be arranged to cover a mouth, nose, and eyes of the wearer. In such a case, the sealing arrangement may be arranged to extend around the wearer’s face (including their mouth, nose, and eyes). The mask may then comprise a visor. The visor may be formed of a transparent or semitransparent material, so that the wearer can see through the visor. The visor may also be referred to as an eyepiece. The mask may be arranged to hold the visor in front of the wearer’s eyes, in use.

[0016] The sealing arrangement is configured to provide a substantially watertight seal with the wearer’s face. The sealing arrangement may comprise a sealing surface which is configuredto contact the wearer’s face (skin), to form the seal with the wearer’s face. The sealing arrangement may extend around an edge of the mask, so as to form a continuous seal around all or part of the wearer’s face. Thus, in use, the sealing arrangement extends around an edge (periphery) of the internal volume defined by the mask. For example, the sealing arrangement may comprise a continuous sealing strip (which provides the sealing surface) which extends around the edge of the mask. The mask may comprise a main body (or frame) on which the sealing arrangement is disposed.

[0017] The sealing arrangement may be configured to conform to a shape of the wearer’s face, to allow effective sealing with the wearer’s face. Thus, the material of the frame and sealing arrangement may be a highly flexible material.

[0018] In some examples, the mask further comprises an air supply module for supplying air into the internal volume, the air supply module being connectable to an air supply, wherein the first end portion of the fluid transfer element is mounted in the air supply module. In this manner, the fluid transfer element may thus be mounted in the air supply module. In such examples, this may be beneficial because if the air supply module were to be removed the fluid transfer element would be removed with the air supply module. For example, a wearer may remove the air supply module in an emergency scenario where they may wish to remove the air supply module and other breathing apparatus. In such examples, the fluid transfer element would also be removed from the mask due to the mounting in the air supply module. In an emergency situation, the wearer of the mask is unlikely to consider drinking fluid and the fluid transfer element, and fluid reservoir connected to the fluid transfer element, may be cumbersome for the wearer and interfere with the operations of the wearer during the emergency. Therefore, removal of the air supply module may thus additionally remove the fluid transfer element from the mask.

[0019] The air supply module may be connectable to various types of air supply, depending on the type of breathing apparatus used. In some examples, the air supply module may be connectable in a breathing loop of a rebreather apparatus. In other words, the air supply may comprise a rebreather apparatus. For example, the air supply module may comprise a first connecting portion connectable to receive an upstream portion of the breathing loop and a second connecting portion connectable to a downstream portion of the breathing loop.More generally, the air supply module may act as an interface between the mask and the air supply. In some cases, the air supply module may comprise one or more valves, e.g. to control a flow of air between the air supply and the internal volume. The air supply module may comprise a pressure regulator for regulating (controlling, adjusting) a pressure of the air supplied to the internal volume. For the purposes of the present disclosure, references to ‘air’ may refer to any breathable gas. Said breathable gas may comprise any suitable mixture of gas(es) including oxygen, breathable by a wearer of the mask.

[0020] In some examples, the mask comprises a main body on which the sealing arrangement is provided. In some examples, the main body may comprise a housing or support structure configured to support components and features of the mask. In some examples, the main body may thus comprise the visor and a frame within which the visor is mounted. In some examples, the main body may comprise a nasal pocket (e.g. nose cup) configured to receive a nose of a wearer.

[0021] The air supply module may be mounted to the main body. The main body may comprise an opening for air flow between the air supply module and the internal volume, and the first end portion of the fluid transfer element may be arranged to extend from the air supply module through the opening in the main body. For example, the main body may comprise a receiving portion comprising the opening in the main body. The receiving portion may be configured to receive the air supply module. The air supply module may comprise a corresponding mating portion configured to mate with the receiving portion.

[0022] In some examples, the air supply module may be removably mountable to the main body. For example, the mating portion of the air supply module may be detachably mated with the receiving portion. For example, the mating portion may comprise a portion that clips into the receiving portion. For example, the receiving portion may comprise at least one groove element such as an O-ring groove. The mating portion may thus comprise a corresponding male portion that may be push fit into the groove element. As described above, this may enable a wearer to remove the air supply module from the mask, e.g. if they wish to swap to an alternative air supply, or to remove the air supply in an emergency situation. Integrating the fluid transfer element in the removable breathing module may facilitate installing and removing the fluid transfer element in the mask, without having to make any modifications to the main body of the mask. This may facilitate retrofitting an existing mask with the fluid transfer element.In some examples, the second end portion extends out of the air supply module. For example, the air supply module may comprise an opening (e.g. channel, passageway) through which the second end portion may extend out of the air supply module. The opening may thus be configured to form a (watertight) seal with the fluid transfer element to seal the internal volume from the exterior of the mask.

[0023] In some examples, the fluid transfer element comprises a tube. The tube may comprise any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular, rectangular etc. In some examples, the tube may comprise a flexible tube. This may facilitate inserting the first end portion of the tube into the user’s mouth, e.g. by facilitating bending of the tube. In other examples, at least a portion of the fluid transfer element may comprise a rigid structure. For example, the first end portion and / or the second end portion may comprise a rigid structure. In some examples, the fluid transfer element may comprise a combination of flexible and rigid sections. For example, the first end portion may comprise a flexible section and the second end portion may comprise a rigid section. The flexible first end portion may comprise a convenient means for the wearer to receive the first end portion in their mouth and the rigid second end portion may comprise a convenient means to connect to an extension element for connection to a fluid reservoir.

[0024] In some examples, at least a portion of the fluid transfer element may comprise a flexible material. The flexible material may comprise for example a rubber material. In some examples, the flexible material of the fluid transfer element may comprise a material more flexible than other portions of the mask, such as the body portion of the mask and / or a body of the air supply module. In some examples, the flexible material of the fluid transfer element may flex to facilitate movement of the fluid transfer element. For example, the first end portion may comprise a flexible material, which is configured to flex as the first end portion is moved between a drinking position and a storage position.

[0025] In some examples, the mask comprises an external surface and a recess on the external surface for receiving the second end portion of the fluid transfer element. For example, the recess may be shaped in a corresponding manner to an exterior profile of the tube to accommodate the tube. In some examples, the second end portion is moveable between a stowed position in the recess and an operational position out of the recess. In other examples, however, the second end portion may be moveable between the stowed position and the operational position using a fixing means other than a recess. For example, the externalsurface of the mask may thus comprise a fixing means and the second end portion may thus be movable between a stowed position in the fixing means and the operational position out of the fixing means.

[0026] In some examples, the mask may further comprise a valve configured to control fluid flow in the fluid transfer element; wherein the valve is moveable between an open position for permitting fluid flow and a closed position for blocking fluid flow. For example, when a wearer of the mask is finished drinking from the first end portion of the fluid transfer element, they may operate the valve to the closed position to prevent fluid from passing out of the first end portion. Similarly, when the user seeks to drink from the first end portion, they may operate the valve from the closed position to the open position.

[0027] In some examples, a control means (e.g. actuator) configured to move the valve between the open position and the closed position may thus be positioned on an exterior of the mask to enable a wearer to control the valve. In some examples, the control means may be located on an exterior of the air supply module. In some examples, the control means may comprise a rotatable knob.

[0028] In some examples, the fluid transfer element comprises a seal for sealing the second end portion. In some examples, the seal comprises a stopper, e.g. which is insertable into the second end portion of the fluid transfer element to seal the second end portion of the fluid transfer element. In some examples, it may not be desirable to connect the fluid transfer element to a fluid source. For example, a wearer may be wearing the mask during an underwater operation, which is relatively short. In such examples, the second end portion may thus not be connected to a fluid source and may instead be sealed by, for example, a stopper inserted into the second end portion.

[0029] In some examples, the mask further comprises an actuator that is operable to move the first end portion. In this manner, the first end portion can be moved by operating the actuator, without breaking the seal between the sealing arrangement and the wearer’s face. In particular, the actuator may be accessible (i.e. operable) from an outside of the mask. This may enable the wearer to adjust the position of the first end portion, e.g. to facilitate drinking and / or to move the first end portion out of the way when they are not drinking. Additionally, positioning the actuator on an exterior of the mask may provide a visual aid to another personto indicate whether the wearer of the mask is drinking from the fluid reservoir. Said indication may be indicated by the positioning of the actuator.

[0030] In some examples, the actuator is operable to move the first end portion between a drinking position and a storage position, wherein the first end portion is arranged closer to a mouth of the wearer in the drinking position than in the storage position. In some examples, in the drinking position, the first end portion may thus be receivable in a wearer’s mouth and, in the storage position, the first end portion may not be receivable in the wearer’s mouth. For example, when a wearer wishes to drink from the first end portion they may move the first end portion to the drinking position. However, when the wearer has finished drinking, they may wish to move the first end portion to the storage position. This may avoid the first end portion interfering with a wearer’s mouth when they do not wish to drink form the first end portion.

[0031] In some examples, operation of the actuator to the drinking position may be configured to move the valve to the open position to allow fluid to flow from the second end portion of the fluid transfer element and out of the first end portion of the fluid transfer element. Similarly, operation of the actuator to the storage position may be configured to move the valve to the closed position. In this manner, the actuator may thus provide dual control to operate both the position of the fluid transfer element and the position of the valve.

[0032] In some examples, the actuator comprises a rotatable knob configured to move the first end. For example, the rotatable knob may pivot the first end portion between the drinking position and the storage position. In some examples, the actuator may be located on an exterior of the mask. The wearer may thus control the actuator with, for example, their hand to control positioning of the first end portion. Where the first end portion of the fluid transfer element is mounted in the air supply module, the actuator may be disposed on the air supply module, e.g. on an exterior of the air supply module.

[0033] In some examples, the mask further comprises a fluid reservoir connectable to the second end portion. In such examples, the fluid transfer element may thus be configured to convey fluid from the fluid reservoir to the first end portion, such that a wearer is able to drink from the first end portion. A length of the fluid transfer element may be adapted to facilitate storage of the fluid reservoir in a convenient location. For example, the fluid reservoir may be wearable on a back of the wearer.According to a second aspect there is provided an air supply module for an underwater mask comprising: a connector for connecting the air supply module to an air supply; a mounting interface for mounting the air supply module to a main body of the underwater mask, the mounting interface comprising an opening for air flow between the air supply module and an internal volume of the underwater mask; and a fluid transfer element comprising a first end portion extending through the opening in the mounting interface, and a second end portion connectable to a fluid source located outside the underwater mask, wherein the fluid transfer element is configured to convey fluid from the second end portion to the first end portion. In this manner, the fluid transfer element is thus mounted in the air supply module. Removal of the air supply module may thus remove the fluid transfer element from the mask. In this manner, when the air supply module is removed from the mask, for example, in an emergency, the fluid transfer element may also be removed from the mask. Were it present in the mask, the fluid transfer element may undesirably interfere with the wearer, during the emergency.

[0034] The air supply module of the second aspect may be used as part of the mask described in the first aspect above. Accordingly, any features described in relation to the air supply module in the first aspect are equally applicable to the second aspect.

[0035] According to a third aspect there is provided a mask for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising: a sealing arrangement configured to provide a seal between the mask and a face of a wearer. The sealing arrangement comprises: an outer sealing member extending around an edge of the mask and configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to define an internal volume; and an inner sealing member configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to seal a first portion of the internal volume from a second portion of the internal volume; wherein the first portion of the internal volume is defined around a first portion of the face comprising a mouth of the wearer, and the second portion of the internal volume is defined around a second portion of the face comprising a nose of the wearer.

[0036] In this manner, when mounted on a wearer’s face, the mask encloses a first portion (e.g. an ‘oral portion’) defined around a wearer’s mouth and a second portion (e.g. a ‘nasal portion’ or ‘nasal-ocular portion’) defined at least around a wearer’s nose. The wearer’s mouth and nose may thus be separated from one another via the sealing arrangement. The oral portion of the internal volume may be small for the delivery of air into the oral portion. The oral portion of the volume may be small enough such that air can be delivered to the mouth of a wearer without the use of a bite-mouthpiece.Many conventional breathing apparatuses include a mouthpiece, which the wearer bites down on in order to receive and expel air from their lungs. The mouthpiece comprises a small volume for the delivery of air to a wearer. In all masks for underwater breathing apparatuses, the internal volume of the mask is designed carefully to prevent excess CO2 build up which can become dangerous for a wearer. The mouthpiece helps achieve the small volume to avoid excess CO2build up. However, the mouthpiece is therefore kept in the wearer’s mouth throughout an underwater operation. This can lead to discomfort for a wearer due to jaw fatigue. The mouthpiece can also prevent a wearer from taking on fluid and prevent oral communication.

[0037] A mask according to the third aspect can thus form a first portion or ‘oral portion’ of an internal volume around a mouth of a wearer for the delivery of air to and from the mouth of the wearer. As the oral portion of the internal volume is separated from the nasal portion of the internal volume, the oral portion may be relatively small (e.g. compared to the overall internal volume of the mask). The small size of oral portion avoids or reduces build-up of excess CO2in the oral portion. In this way, the mask according to the third aspect can enable a wearer to breathe with an underwater breathing apparatus without the use of a bite-mouthpiece. Thus, the wearer does not feel discomfort from jaw fatigue. Furthermore, the wearer can freely take on fluid and communicate.

[0038] Any of the features described above in relation to the first and second aspects of the invention are equally applicable to the third aspect of the invention (and vice versa). For example, features described in the first aspect relating to the structure of the mask (e.g. sealing arrangement, main body, air supply module, etc.) are applicable to the mask of the third aspect. Likewise, the sealing arrangement of the mask in the first aspect may be as described in the third aspect.

[0039] The sealing arrangement comprising the inner sealing member is configured to provide a substantially airtight seal with the wearer’s face. The sealing arrangement may comprise a sealing surface which is configured to contact the wearer’s face (skin), to form a seal with the wearer’s face.

[0040] The outer sealing member of the sealing arrangement may extend around an edge of the mask, so as to form a continuous seal around at least a portion of the wearer’s face comprisingthe wearer’s mouth and nose. The outer sealing member is arranged to extend around an edge (periphery) of the internal volume defined by the mask. For example, the outer sealing member may comprise a continuous sealing strip (which provides the sealing surface) which extends around an edge of the frame.

[0041] The first portion of the internal volume may be a breathing space, e.g. the mask may be configured to receive an air supply into the first portion of the internal volume. Thus, in use, the wearer may breathe the air supplied into the first portion of the internal volume with their mouth, with the second portion of the internal volume being sealed off from the first portion.

[0042] As described in relation to the first aspect, the mask may comprise a main body on which the sealing arrangement is disposed.

[0043] The outer sealing member may be configured to conform to a shape of the wearer’s face, to allow effective sealing with the wearer’s face. Thus, the material of the main body and the outer sealing member may be a highly flexible material.

[0044] In some examples, the inner sealing member is configured to provide a seal with the wearer’s face between the nose and an upper lip of the wearer. For example, the area of a user’s face between the nose and upper lip may provide a convenient location for forming a seal with a face of the wearer. This area may also keep the first portion of the internal volume small around the mouth of the wearer. The inner sealing member may thus additionally comprise a sealing surface which is configured to contact the wearer’s face (skin) between the nose and an upper lip of the wearer to form a seal. The inner sealing member may thus additionally be configured to conform to a shape of the wearer’s face, to allow effective sealing with the wearer’s face. Thus, the material of the main body and the inner sealing member may be a highly flexible material.

[0045] In some examples, the inner sealing member is curved to fit the face of the wearer. In this manner, the inner sealing manner may provide a seal with a wearer’s face and fit comfortably against the wearer’s face.

[0046] In some examples, the sealing arrangement further comprises at least one webbed portion (or rib portion) configured to provide a seal between the mask and a cheek of the wearer. In some examples the at least one webbed portion comprises two webbed portions. The two webbedportions may thus be located on opposite sides of the sealing arrangement to contact the two cheeks of the wearer. In some examples, the at least one webbed portion may thus further improve sealing between the first portion of the internal volume and the section portion of the internal volume. The webbed portions may comprise similar sealing surfaces and flexible material, as described above for the outer sealing member and inner sealing member.

[0047] In some examples, the outer sealing member and the inner sealing member are integrally formed as a single piece of material. In some examples, the integral formation of the outer sealing member and the inner sealing member and the inner sealing member may further improve the seal between the first portion of the internal volume and the second portion of the internal volume. In some examples, the at least one webbed portion may further be integrally formed with the outer sealing member and the inner sealing member

[0048] In some examples, the mask further comprises an air supply module arranged to supply air into the first portion of the internal volume, the air supply module being connectable to an air supply. As described above, the air supply module may be detachably connectable to a main body of the mask. For example, the air supply module may comprise a mating portion configured to mate with a receiving portion of the main body, as described above.

[0049] As described above, the air supply module may thus not comprise a mouthpiece. The air supply module may thus supply air directly into the first portion of the internal volume. In such examples, the first portion of the internal volume may thus be small to prevent excess CO2build up. For example, the first portion of the internal volume may comprise a volume of less than 300 ml. In some examples, the first portion of the internal volume may be defined between an interior surface of the air supply module and the mouth of the wearer.

[0050] In some examples, the mask comprises a visor and wherein the second portion of the internal volume is defined in part by the visor. Thus, the second portion of the internal volume may be defined around the eyes and nose of the wearer. The second portion may thus define an ocular-nasal section of the mask. In such examples, the visor may comprise an anti-fogging material or coating on an interior of the visor to prevent fogging. Configuring the nasal portion and the ocular portion such that they are not sealed from one another, may provide advantages in an emergency situation. For example, if a portion of the mask were to fail such that water were to enter into the ocular portion, a wearer of the mask may push water out of the ocular portion by expelling air through their nose.In some examples, the mask further comprises a nasal pocket for receiving the nose; wherein the second portion of the volume is defined in part by the nasal pocket (or nosecup). The nasal pocket may provide a casing to accommodate the nose of the wearer.

[0051] In some examples, the inner sealing member comprises a first end connected to a first side of the outer sealing member located on a first side of the mask; a second end connected to a second side of the outer sealing member located on a second side of the mask. In some examples, the first side may be a left-hand side and the second side may be a right-hand side of the mask (e.g. as defined with respect to the wearer). In such examples, the inner seal may thus extend across the mask to divide the internal volume into the first and second portions.

[0052] In some examples, the inner sealing member comprises a midsection between the first end and the second end; wherein a thickness of the midsection is greater than a thickness of the first end and the second end. In other words, the inner sealing member may have a thickness that increases towards the midsection of the inner sealing member. The increased thickness of the inner sealing member towards its midsection may contribute to reducing the volume of the first portion, as well as facilitate bringing the midsection into contact with the wearer’s nose. In this manner, the midsection of the inner sealing member can be brought into contact with the wearer’s nose, e.g. to block their nostrils for performing a Valsalva manoeuvre. In some examples, the midsection comprises a shelf portion extending outwards from the inner sealing member and away from a face of the wearer. The shelf portion may extend into the nasal pocket. In some examples, the shelf portion may define a lower surface of the nasal pocket. In some examples, movement of the midsection may cause the shelf portion to be brought into contact with the wearer’s nose to block the nostrils for performing the Valsalva manoeuvre. Thus, in some examples, the inner sealing member is movable to bring the midsection of the inner sealing member into contact with the nose to block one or both nostrils. For instance, the inner sealing member may be flexible to bring the midsection of the inner sealing member into contact with the nose.

[0053] Commonly, a user of an underwater beathing apparatus may desire to equalise the pressure in their inner ear cavities by performing the Valsalva manoeuvre. To perform this manoeuvre the user blocks their nose. Conventional full-face masks for underwater breathing apparatuses achieve nose blocking by sealing the nostrils with nose buds or by incorporating mechanical pinchers or tongs into the mask for a wearer to squeeze to block their nostrils. However, thewearer of the mask generally performs the Valsalva manoeuvre infrequently during an underwater operation. Therefore, the conventional methods for sealing a wearer’s nose may be uncomfortable for a wearer over an extended period of time.

[0054] The inner sealing member may thus be movable to bring the midsection of the inner sealing member into contact with the nose to block one or both nostrils. In this manner the wearer of the mask may be able to perform the Valsalva manoeuvre. The inner sealing member may thus be moveable between a resting position wherein the midsection does not contact the nose of a wearer and a contact position wherein the midsection contacts the nose to block one or both nostrils of the wearer. The inner sealing member may thus be biased towards the resting position, such that, the midsection does not contact the wearer’s nose for an extended period of time, which may cause discomfort for a wearer. During the movement of the inner sealing member for the Valsalva manoeuvre, the inner sealing member is configured to maintain the seal to separate the first portion of the internal volume from the second portion.

[0055] In some examples, the midsection comprises a ridge extending from the midsection. In some examples, the ridge extends from the shelf portion of the midsection. In some examples, the midsection comprises two ridges extending from the midsection and a valley between the two ridges. In some examples, the shelf portion comprises the two ridges and the valley. In some examples, the valley and ridge(s) may be configured to block the nostrils of the wearer. For example, the valley may contact a septum of the wearer’s nose and the extending upward construction of the ridges either side of the valley may seal the nostrils of the wearer.

[0056] According to a fourth aspect there is provided a mask for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising: a sealing arrangement configured to provide a seal between the mask and a face of a wearer, the sealing arrangement comprising: an outer sealing member extending around an edge of the mask and configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to define an internal volume; and an inner sealing member configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to seal a first portion of the internal volume from a second portion of the internal volume; wherein the inner sealing member comprises a cable pass-through for receiving a cable extending between the first portion and the second portion of the internal volume, the cable pass-through being sealable around the cable.

[0057] It is becoming increasingly desirable to incorporate one or more electrical components into a mask for an underwater breathing apparatus. For example, the mask may comprise acommunications module for a wearer of the mask to receive and transmit messages. Additionally, the mask may comprise a heads-up display (HUD) configured to show a wearer of the mask information. Previously, HUDs have been positioned on an exterior of a visor of a mask. However, it is becoming increasing desirable to incorporate HUDs into an interior of the mask. In some examples, the mask may thus comprise a plurality of electrical components, where said electrical components are connected to further electrical components, such as a control unit or power unit, located exterior to the mask. The mask could comprise a plurality of external cable pass-throughs for connecting each internal electrical component of the mask to the external electrical component(s). However, providing a plurality of external cable passthroughs may increase the risks of leak paths into the mask.

[0058] The mask according to the fourth aspect thus comprises an inner seal configured to seal a first portion of the inner volume from a second portion of the internal volume and a cable pass-through for extending a cable between the first portion and second portion, and being sealable around the cable. In this manner, the mask may comprise a single external cable-pass through configured to extend a cable from an exterior of the mask into the internal volume of the mask. Said cable may subsequently be extended through the cable pass-through located in the inner seal. In this manner, a single exterior cable pass-through may be provided in the mask for bringing a set of cables into the internal volume of the mask. A cable of the set of cables may further be extendable through the cable pass-through of the inner seal for connection to an electrical component located in the first portion of the internal volume or the second section of the internal volume. In this manner, the leak paths to the mask are reduced compared to providing a plurality of external cable pass-throughs for connecting to separate sealed internal volumes of the mask.

[0059] Any of the features described above in relation to the preceding aspects of the invention are equally applicable to the fourth aspect of the invention (and vice versa). For example, features described in the preceding aspects relating to the structure of the mask (e.g. sealing arrangement, main body, air supply module, etc.) are applicable to the mask of the fourth aspect. The outer and inner sealing members may be as described in the third aspect of the invention. Likewise, the sealing arrangement of the mask in the preceding aspects may be as described in the fourth aspect.The cable pass-through may, for example, comprise an opening (or aperture) in the inner sealing member, through which the cable can pass between the first and second portions of the internal volume. A size of the opening may be adapted to a size of the cable used.

[0060] The cable pass-through is arranged to form an airtight (and watertight) seal around the cable, e.g. to prevent air flow between the first and second portions of the internal volume. Additionally, in some examples, a wearer of the mask may remove the air supply module whilst underwater. In such examples, water may thus enter the oral portion (first portion of the internal volume) of the mask, however, the cable pass-through is configured to prevent water passing from the oral portion and into the nasal-ocular portion (second portion of the internal volume) due to the seal formed around the cable. Various mechanisms may be used for forming the seal between the cable pass-through and the cable. For instance, the cable pass-through may comprise an elastic material (e.g. an elastomeric material) which is configured to form a seal around the cable when the cable extends through the opening. Additionally or alternatively, a clamp or tie may be used to seal the cable pass-through against the cable.

[0061] In some examples, the cable pass-through comprises a tube section for receiving a portion of the cable, wherein the tube section extends from the inner sealing member and is sealable against the portion of the cable. For example, the tube section protrudes from the inner sealing member. Providing the cable pass-through with a tube section may improve a quality of the seal between the cable and the cable pass-through, e.g. by increasing a contact area between the cable and the cable pass-through. The tube section may also serve to guide the cable between the two portions of the internal volume, e.g. to avoid the cable getting in the way of the wearer. The tube section may be formed integrally with the inner sealing member. This may improve an integrity of the seal around the cable.

[0062] In some examples, the tube section may thus comprise a flexible (e.g. elastic, elastomeric) material. The tube section may thus flex to allow the cable to be inserted into the tube section, but also to form back into a shape to form a seal with the cable.

[0063] In some examples, the tube section comprises a first tube section extending from the inner sealing member into the first volume and a second section extending from the inner sealing member into the second volume. In this manner, the seal of the cable pass-through may formed on both sides of the inner seal, which may reduce the risk of leak paths forming in the cable pass-through.In some examples, the mask further comprises a clamp (or tie) configured to seal the tube section against the portion of the cable. In this manner, the clamp may further reduce the risk of leak paths forming in the cable pass-through. In some examples, the clamp may comprise a cable tie arrangement.

[0064] In some examples, the second portion of the internal volume is defined around a portion of the face of the wearer comprising an eye of the wearer. In some examples, the portion of the face of the wearer further comprises a nose of the wearer.

[0065] In some examples, the mask further comprises a visor, wherein the second portion of the internal volume is defined in part by the visor, the mask comprising a heads-up display (HUD) located in the second portion of the internal volume, wherein the HUD is connected to a cable passing through the cable pass-through. Thus, the HUD is located in a part of the mask comprising the visor and may be interfaced with the visor. The HUD is further configured to receive a cable passing from the first portion of the internal volume to the second portion of the internal volume via the cable pass-through. In this manner, no external cable pass-through may be required for the second portion of the internal volume.

[0066] In some examples, the mask further comprises a second cable pass-through in a body of the mask, the second cable pass-through being configured to receive a cable extending from outside the mask into the internal volume, the second cable pass-through being sealed around the cable. As described above, a single external cable pass-through may be provided in the mask for bringing one or more cables from an exterior of the mask to the internal volume of the mask. In some examples, the second cable pass-through may be mounted in an accessory port of the mask. In some examples, the second cable pass-through may be configured to bring one or more cables from the exterior of the mask into the first portion of the internal volume or the second section of the internal volume. Thus, the one or more cables may enter the first or second portions of the internal volume via the external (second) cable pass-through, and one of the one or more cables may extend through the internal (first) cable pass-through to into the other portion of the internal volume.

[0067] The second cable pass-through is configured to form (provide) a watertight seal around the one or more cables. In this manner, water is prevented from entering the internal volume via the second cable pass-through. In some examples, the second cable pass-through may bemounted in an accessory port of the mask. The accessory port may thus be configured to form (provide) a watertight seal around the second cable pass-through.

[0068] In some examples, the mask further comprises: a first electrical component in the first portion; a second electrical component in the second portion; a set of cables passing through the second cable pass-through from the outside of the mask into the internal volume; the set of cables comprising a first cable connected to the first electrical component and a second cable connected to the second electrical component; wherein the first cable or the second cable extend through the cable pass-through. As described above, in this manner, a single external cable pass-through may be provided to bring a set of cables into the mask from an exterior of the mask. The single external cable pass-through can reduce the risk of leak paths into the mask. The single external cable pass-through can bring the set of cables into the first portion or the second portion. A cable of the set of cables may subsequently be provided through the first cable pass-through of the inner seal into the other of the first portion orthe second portion.

[0069] In some examples, the first electrical component comprises a communications module and the second electrical component comprises a heads-up display (HUD).

[0070] In some examples, the mask further comprises an external control unit, located on an exterior side of the mask, connected to the first cable for controlling the first electrical component and connected to the second cable for controlling the second electrical component.

[0071] According to a fifth aspect there is provided a mask for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising: a sealing arrangement comprising an outer sealing member around an edge of the mask configured to provide a seal between the mask and a face of a wearer to define an internal volume; a dividing portion configured to divide the internal volume into a first section and a second section; wherein the first section is defined around a first portion of the face comprising a mouth of the wearer and the second section is defined around a second portion of the face comprising a nose of the wearer; wherein the dividing portion comprises an upper surface movable to bring the upper surface into contact with the nose to block one or both nostrils.

[0072] As described above, the inner sealing member may comprise a portion moveable to contact a nose of a wearer of the mask to perform the Valsalva manoeuvre. However, in other examples, the mask may not comprise an inner sealing member configured to seal the firstand second portions of the internal volume of the mask. Instead, the mask may comprise a dividing portion that may sit between a wearer’s mouth and nose, but may not seal the wearer’s mouth and nose, when the mask is worn by the wearer. However, said dividing portion may still comprise an upper surface movable to bring the upper surface into contact with the nose to block one or both nostrils for the wearer to perform the Valsalva manoeuvre.

[0073] In some examples, the dividing portion comprises a first end connected to a first side of the outer sealing member located on a first side of the mask; a second end connected to a second side of the outer sealing member located on a second side of the mask.

[0074] In some examples, the dividing portion comprises a midsection between the first end and the second end; wherein a thickness of the midsection is greater than a thickness of the first end and the second end; and wherein the midsection comprises the upper surface.

[0075] In some examples, the midsection comprises at least one ridge extending from the midsection; and the at least one ridge comprises the upper surface. In some examples, the at least one ridge comprises two ridges with a valley between the two ridges.

[0076] In some examples, the dividing portion is curved relative to the face of the wearer.

[0077] In some examples, the outer sealing member and the dividing portion are integrally formed as a single piece of material.

[0078] According to a sixth aspect there is provided an underwater breathing apparatus comprising the mask according to any preceding aspect.

[0079] The breathing apparatus may comprise an air supply that is connectable to the mask, for supplying air into the internal volume. Where the internal volume is divided into a first portion (e.g. around the mouth) and a second portion (e.g. around the nose), air may be supplied into the first portion.

[0080] The air supply may comprise a rebreather. The mask may be connectable in a breathing loop of the rebreather. For example, an air supply module of the mask may be connectable in the breathing loop. In other examples, the underwater breathing apparatus may comprise an open circuit breathing apparatus or surface supplied breathing apparatus.A pressurised oxygen supply tank may be connected to the breathing loop via a supply valve, to supply oxygen into the breathing loop. The breathing loop may further comprise a carbon dioxide absorbent unit (also referred to as a “scrubber”) that is arranged to absorb carbon dioxide exhaled by the wearer.

[0081] The invention includes combinations of the aspects and features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

[0082] Brief description of the drawings

[0083] For a better understanding of the techniques, and to show how it may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0084] Figure 1 is a front view of an example mask;

[0085] Figure 2 is a side view of the example mask;

[0086] Figure 3 is an internal view of the example mask;

[0087] Figure 4 is an internal view of an inner sealing member of the example mask;

[0088] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the inner sealing member of the example mask;

[0089] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cable pass-through in the inner sealing member of the example mask;

[0090] Figure 7 is schematic illustration of a connection of electrical components in the example mask;

[0091] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an air supply module of the example mask;

[0092] Figure 9 is an internal view of a fluid transfer element of the example mask;

[0093] Figure 10 is a bottom view of the example mask;Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a connection of the fluid transfer element of the mask to a fluid reservoir;

[0094] Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of an underwater breathing apparatus.

[0095] Detailed Description

[0096] Figures 1 & 2 illustrate an example of a mask 100 for an underwater breathing apparatus.

[0097] Mask 100 comprises a plurality of fixing elements 102 configured to fix the mask 100 to a face of a wearer. In the illustrated example, the fixing elements 102 comprise a plurality of buckles. However, in other examples, the fixing elements 102 may comprise any suitable element for forming part of an arrangement for securing the mask 100 to a head of a wearer. Although not illustrated in Figure 1, one or more straps may be inserted into the fixing elements 102 for strapping the mask 100 to a face of a wearer. In some examples, the fixing elements 102 may be configured to receive a harness arrangement for securing the mask to a head of a wearer.

[0098] Mask 100 further comprises a visor 104. Visor 104 may be configured to sit in front of a wearer’s eyes to enable the user to see out of the mask 100. In some examples, an nasalocular volume may be partially formed between the visor 104 and the eyes of a wearer. Visor 100 may thus comprise a transparent or partially transparent material. In some examples, the visor may comprise polycarbonate, polyurethane or glass. Visor 104 may further comprise an arrangement capable of maintaining a watertight seal to avoid fluid entering the nasal-ocular volume when mask 100 is worn by a wearer.

[0099] Mask 100 further comprises a main body 106. Main body 106 is configured to support various components of the mask 100. For example, visor 104 is mounted onto main body 106. Main body 106 is further shaped to fit around a wearer’s face.

[0100] The main body 106 of the mask 100 further comprises a nasal pocket 108 configured to receive a nose of a wearer. In some examples, the nasal pocket 108 may receive a nose of the wearer. However, an interior surface of the nasal pocket may not contact the nose of the wearer. As will be described in more detail below, mask 100 may comprise a sealing arrangement configured to divide an internal volume of the mask into an oral volume defined between the mask 100 and the mouth of a wearer and a nasal-ocular volume defined between the mask 100 and a nose and eye of the wearer. The oral volume and the nasal-ocular volumeare sealed from one another. As such, nasal pocket 108 may thus partially define the ocularnasal volume of the mask 100.

[0101] Mask 100 further comprises a first accessory connector port 110 and a second accessory connector port 112. First accessory connector port 110 and second accessory connector port 112 may thus be configured to receive connections to electrical components. As will be described in more detail below, the first accessory connector port 110 or the second accessory connector port 112 may be configured to receive an external cable pass-through for extending one or more cables from an exterior of the mask 100 into an interior volume of the mask 100.

[0102] Mask 100 thus further comprises a first port plug 160 mounted in the first accessory port 110 and a second port plug 170 mounted in the second accessory port 112. In some examples, connectors to electrical components may not be mounted in the first accessory connector port 110 or the second accessory connector port 112. The first port plug 110 and the second port plug 170 may thus be mounted in the first accessory port 110 and the second accessory port 112, respectively to seal the first accessory connector port 110 and the second accessory connector port 112. The first and second port plugs 160, 170 may thus be removably mounted in the first and second accessory connector ports 110, 112. In some examples, the first and second port plugs 160, 170 may thus be removably mounted in the first and second accessory connector ports 110, 112 in a nut and bolt configuration.

[0103] Mask 100 further comprises an air supply module 114. Air supply module 114 is connected to the mask 100 via a receiving portion 116 on the main body 106. Receiving portion 116 comprises an opening interfacing with an opening of the air supply module. Air supply module 114 is thus detachably connected to the mask 100 via the receiving portion 116. Referring to Figure 8, air supply module 114 may thus comprise a corresponding mating portion 119 for mating with the receiving portion 116.

[0104] Referring again to Figure 1, air supply module 114 comprises a first connecting portion 103 and a second connecting portion 105 for connecting the air supply module 114 to an air supply. For example, and as will be described in more detail below, air supply module 114 may form part of a breathing loop of a rebreather. For example, first connecting portion 103 may be connected to an upstream portion of the breathing loop of a rebreather and the second connecting portion 105 may be connected to a downstream portion of the breathing loop of the rebreather.Mask 100 further comprises pressure regulator 120. In some examples, the air supply module 114 may additionally be connected to a secondary air supply comprising a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) air supply. Therefore, referring again to Figure 8, air supply module 114 may thus comprise a first secondary air supply connecting portion 115 and a second secondary air supply connecting portion 117 for connecting the air supply module 114 to the SCUBA air supply. In some examples, the wearer of the mask 100 may generally breath from the rebreather. However, in some examples, the rebreather may fail. The wearer may therefore switch to the SCUBA fair supply in case of failure of the rebreather. This switch may be operated by a valve (not shown) located on the air supply module 114. In some examples, the valve may comprise a ball valve. In such examples, the pressure regulator 120 may thus form part of the SCUBA air supply system.

[0105] Figure 3 illustrates an internal view of the mask 100. Mask 100 further comprises a sealing arrangement comprising outer sealing member 122 and an inner sealing member 124. The outer sealing member 122 extends around an edge of the main body 106 of the mask 100, in order to form a seal around the wearer’s face. The sealing arrangement includes a sealing surface (or strip) which is arranged to contact the wearer’s face in use, in order to form a seal against the wearer’s face (skin). The mask 100 and outer sealing member 122 thus define an internal volume of the mask 100, which is a region enclosed by the mask 100 around the wearer’s face when worn. Accordingly, the mask 100 can form a watertight seal over a wearer’s face.

[0106] Mask 100 further comprises an inner sealing member 124. Referring briefly to Figure 4, the inner sealing member 124 comprises a first end 134 connected to a first side of the outer sealing member 122 and a second end connected to a second side of the outer sealing member 122. The first end may thus be connected to, for example, a left-hand side of the outer sealing member 122 and the second end 136 may be connected to a right-hand side of the outer sealing member 122. The inner sealing member 124 and the outer sealing member 122 may thus be integrally formed as a single piece of material. However, in other examples, the inner sealing member 124 and the outer sealing member 122 may be formed of separate pieces of material. The inner sealing member 124 and the outer sealing member 122 may be formed of any suitable flexible material for forming a seal against the wearer’s skin, such as rubber, silicone or the like. In some cases, the sealing arrangement comprising the innersealing member 124 and the outer sealing member 122 may be integrally formed as part of the main body 106 of the mask.

[0107] Referring again to Figure 3, the inner sealing member 124 is configured to provide a seal between the mask 100 and the face of the wearer to seal a first portion of the internal volume of the mask 100 from a second portion of the internal volume of the mask 100. For example, the inner sealing member 124 is configured to define an oral portion 125, of the internal volume, defined around a mouth of the wearer, and an ocular-nasal portion 126 of the internal volume, defined around a nose and eyes of a wearer. As described above, in conventional underwater breathing masks, a wearer bites down on a mouthpiece in order receive an air supply. However, this can be undesirable for a wearer over an extended period of time. The mask 100 thus comprises a sealing arrangement comprising the inner sealing member 124 configured to define an oral portion 125 of an internal volume of the mask 100, which is sealed from a nasal-ocular portion 126 of the internal volume of the mask 100. In this way, the oral portion 125 may comprise a small volume such that an air supply can be delivered into the oral portion 125, without a wearer holding a mouthpiece in their mouth. In some examples, the oral portion 125 may comprise a volume of less than 300 ml. Air supply module 114 may thus be connected to the oral portion 125 to deliver air to a wearer and receive air expelled from a wearer of the mask 100.

[0108] The inner sealing member 124 may be configured to provide a seal located between the nose and upper lip of the wearer. The portion of the wearer’s face may thus provide a suitable location to form a seal such that an oral portion 125 with a small volume may be formed. In some examples, the inner sealing member 124 may thus be curved or contoured to fit across the face of the wearer. Referring to briefly to Figure 5, the inner sealing member 124 may be shaped in a similarly corresponding manner to the portion of the wearer’s face between the nose and upper lip of the wearer. In this manner, the inner sealing member 124 may form the oral portion 125 sealed from the nasal-ocular portion 126 in manner that provides improved comfort for a user.

[0109] Referring again to Figure 3, sealing arrangement of mask 100 further comprises a first webbed portion (or rib portion) 128 and a second webbed portion (or rib portion) 130. First webbed portion 128 and second webbed portion 130 are configured to provide a seal between the mask 100 and the cheeks of a wearer. The webbed portions 128, 130, with the inner sealingmember 124 may thus be configured together to seal the oral portion 125 from the nasalocular portion 126.

[0110] The nasal-ocular portion 126 of the internal volume of the mask 100 may thus be defined between the visor 104, the nasal pocket 108 and the face of a wearer. In this manner, a nasal portion defined between the nasal pocket 108 and the nose of the wearer, and an ocular portion defined between the visor 104 and eyes of the wearer may not be sealed from one another. In some examples, the visor 104 may thus comprise an anti-fogging material or coating provided on an interior surface of the visor 104. The anti-fogging coating or material may prevent fogging of the visor 104, in the event that a wearer of the mask 100 breathes out through their nose. Configuring the nasal portion and the ocular portion such that they are not sealed from one another, may provide advantages in an emergency situation. For example, if a portion of the mask were to fail such that water were to enter into the ocular portion, a wearer of the mask may push water out of the ocular portion by expelling air through their nose. However, in other examples, the nasal portion may be sealed from the ocular portion. For example, the nasal pocket 108 may comprise a nasal sealing member arranged around an interior edge of the nasal pocket 108 configured to form a seal between the nasal pocket 108 and a portion of the face of the wearer comprising the wearer’s nose. For example, the nasal sealing member may be configured to contact a portion of the wearer’s face around the wearer’s nose.

[0111] Referring again to Figure 4, inner sealing member 124 comprises a midsection 138 between the first end 134 and the second end 136. The thickness of the midsection 138 is greater than the first end 134 and the second end 136. As described above, whilst wearing the mask 100, a wearer may wish to perform the Valsalva maneuver to equalize the pressure in the wearer’s inner ear cavities. Inner sealing member 124 thus comprises a thicker midsection 138, which is movable to bring the midsection 138 into contact with the nose to block one or both nostrils of the wearer. Referring briefly to Figure 5, the midsection 138 comprises a shelf portion 139 extending into the nasal pocket 108. In some examples, the shelf portion 139 may thus define a lower surface of the nasal pocket 108. In some examples, the shelf portion 139 may thus be configured to contact the nose of the wearer to block one or both nostrils of the wearer, when the midsection 138 is moved. In some examples, the wearer of the mask 100 may move the midsection 138 by moving an exterior portion of the mask, such as, nasal pocket 108 upwards and / or inwards. In this manner, the wearer can perform the Valsalva maneuver with the shelf portion 139 blocking the nostrils of the wearer. The wearer can subsequently move themidsection 138 and shelf portion 139 away from the wearer’s nostrils once the Valsalva maneuver has been performed. Throughout the movement of the midsection 138 towards and away from the wearer’s nostrils, the inner sealing member 124 maintains the seal between the oral portion 125 and nasal-ocular portion 126. The greater thickness of the midsection 138 means that a wearer can enable a user to move the midsection 138 towards the nostrils to perform the Valsalva maneuver whilst maintaining the seal.

[0112] Referring to Figure 4, the midsection 138 further comprises a first ridge 140, a second ridge 142 and a valley 141 between the two ridges 140, 142. In some examples, the shelf portion 139 may thus comprise the first ridge 140, valley 141 and second ridge 142. The first ridge 140 and second ridge 142 are shaped to protrude from the midsection 138. In use, when a wearer of the mask 100 wishes to perform the Valsalva maneuverer, the midsection 138 is moved upwards and the valley 141 contacts a septum of a nose of the wearer. The protruding ridge portions 140,142, thus extend upwards and act to seal the nostrils of the nose of the wearer, whilst the valley 141 is in contact with the wearer’s septum. In this manner, the wearer’s nostrils are sealed, enabling the wearer to perform the Valsalva maneuver.

[0113] The description above has described the midsection 138, shelf portion 139, first ridge 140, valley 141 and second ridge 142 as being part of the inner sealing member 124. However, in other examples, midsection 138, shelf portion 139, first ridge 140, valley 141 and second ridge 142 may be configured in a mask that does not comprise an inner sealing member 124 for sealing an oral portion 125 from a nasal-ocular portion 126. For example, a mask may comprise a dividing portion, which is configured to divide the internal volume of the mask, defined by the outer sealing member 124, into a first section and a second section. However, the first and second sections may not be sealed from one another. For example, the dividing portion may be configured to sit between a wearer’s upper lip and nose, but may not seal the user’s mouth and nose from one another, when the mask is worn by the wearer. Such a dividing portion may still comprise an arrangement substantially corresponding to the midsection 138, shelf portion 139, first ridge 140, valley 141 and second ridge 142 for a wearer to perform the Valsalva maneuver. Said corresponding arrangement may thus be movable towards and away from a wearer’s nostrils, as similarly described above.

[0114] Figure 6 illustrates another example view of the mask 100. As illustrated in Figure 6, inner sealing member 124 of the mask 100 comprises a cable pass-through 146. Cable pass-through 146 is thus configured to receive a cable extending between the oral portion 125 andthe nasal-ocular portion 126. The cable pass-through 146 is sealable around the cable extending between the oral portion 125 and the nasal-ocular portion 126. In this manner, when a cable is disposed in the cable pass-through 146, the oral portion 125 may still be sealed from the nasal-ocular portion 126. As described above, it can be desirable to integrate a heads-up display (HUD) with an interior surface of the visor 104, for presenting information to a wearer. Therefore, the cable in the cable pass-through 146, extending between the oral portion 125 and the nasal-ocular portion 126 may thus connect to the HUD.

[0115] As illustrated in Figure 6, cable pass-through 146 comprises a first tube section 148 that extends from the inner sealing member 124. First tube section extends from the inner sealing member 124 into the nasal-ocular portion 126. The first tube section 148 is configured to form a seal with a portion of the cable. The first tube section 148 may thus be flexible to allow the cable to be inserted into the cable pass-through, but then bias back to a shape to form a seal with the portion of the cable inserted into the cable pass-through 146.

[0116] In some examples, cable pass-through 146 further comprises a second tube section. Second tube section extends into the oral portion 125. Second tube section may comprise substantially the same functionality as first tube section 148 described above. Second tube section may thus be configured to form a seal with a portion of the cable inserted into cable pass-through 146. In other examples, however, cable pass-through 146 may not comprise a second tube section and may alternatively comprise an orifice in the underside of the inner sealing member 124 for receiving a cable.

[0117] In some examples, mask 100 may further comprises a clamp (not illustrated) configured to seal the first tube section 148 or the second tube section 149. For example, the clamp may comprise an element configured to tighten the first tube section 148 or the second tube section 149 against the cable. In some examples, the clamp may comprise a cable tie. In some examples, the mask 100 may comprise a first clamp configured to seal the first tube section 148 and a second clamp configured to seal the second tube section 149.

[0118] A use of the cable pass-through 146 is shown in Figure 7, which provides a schematic illustration of mask 100. Mask 100 further comprises an external cable pass-through 150 in the body 106. For example, the external cable pass-through 150 may be mounted in one of the accessory ports 110, 112 provided in the main body 106 of the mask 100. An example of an external cable-pass through is an earphone / microphone assembly provided by OceanTechnology Systems. External cable pass-through 150 is configured to receive a first cable 702 and a second cable 704 extending from outside the mask into the oral portion 125. The external cable pass-through 150 is configured to form a seal with (i.e. around) the first cable 702 and the second cable 704 to seal the oral portion 125 from the exterior of the mask 100. In some cases, the first cable 702 and the second cable 704 may be housed in a common sheath (not shown) which passes through the external cable pass-through 150, with the external cable pass-through 150 forming a seal around the sheath. The second cable 704 thus enters the oral portion 125 from an exterior of the mask 100 through the external cable pass-through 150, and further extends from the oral portion 125 and into the nasal-ocular portion 126 through the cable pass-through 146. In this manner, only a single external cable pass-through 150 can be provided in order to connect to electrical components in different sealed portions of the mask 100. The oral portion 125 may comprise a first electrical component 706, such as a communications module, and the nasal-ocular portion 126 may comprise a second electrical component 708, such as a HUD. As an example, the communications module may comprise a vibration sensor (e.g. microphone) for detecting a voice of the wearer. The communications module may also comprise a transmitter for transmitting a voice signal detected by the vibration sensor. The first cable 702 may connect to the first electrical component 706, whilst the second cable 708 may inserted through the cable pass-through 146, from the oral portion 125 and into the nasal-ocular portion 126, to connect to the second electrical component 708. In this manner, a single external cable pass-through 150 exists in the mask to connect to electrical components in separate sealed-off portions of the mask. This reduces the risk of leak path formation compared to, for example, providing a first external cable pass-through for the oral portion 125 and a second external cable pass-through for the nasal-ocular portion 126.

[0119] The external cable pass-through 150 and the internal cable pass-through 146 are sealable against the cables, to prevent leakage into the mask and between the sealed portions 125, 126. In some examples, the mask may thus further comprise a control unit 710, located on an exterior side of the mask 100. The control unit 710 may be connected to the first electrical component 706 and the second electrical component 708 via the first and second cables 702, 704, respectively. The control unit 710 may, for example, comprise a power source (e.g. battery) for powering the first electrical component 706 and / or the second electrical component 708. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 710 may comprise a controller configured to control operation of the first electrical component 706 and / or the second electrical component 708Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the air supply module 114. Air supply module 114 comprises a fluid transfer element 152, which may be a flexible tube.

[0120] Fluid transfer element 152 comprises a first end portion 154 extending through a mating portion 119 for mounting the air supply module 114 to the main body 106 of the mask 100. The first end portion 154 of the fluid transfer element 152 is thus arranged to extend into the oral portion 125 of the internal volume of the mask 100, as illustrated in Figure 9.

[0121] Referring now to Figure 10, the fluid transfer element 152 further comprises a second end portion 156 extending outside of the air supply module 114. Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of the mask 100 with the fluid transfer element 152. As shown in Figure 11 , the second end portion 156 is connectable to a fluid reservoir 158 located outside the mask 100. The fluid transfer element 152 may thus be configured to convey fluid from the fluid reservoir 158 to the first end portion 154 located in the oral portion 125. For example, a wearer may place the first end portion 154 in their mouth and may draw fluid from the second end portion 156 connected to the fluid reservoir 158 by sucking on the first end portion 154. In this manner, the fluid transfer element 152 may thus enable a wearer of the mask to drink fluid, whilst the mask 100 is worn by the wearer.

[0122] The first end portion 154 may thus extend into the oral portion 125 through the receiving portion 116 of the mask. In this manner, the first end portion 154 may thus be removable from the mask 100 by removal of the air supply module 114 from the mask 100.

[0123] As illustrated in Figure 8, the fluid transfer element 152 comprises a tube. The tube may comprise any shape with any suitably shaped cross-section, such as a circular cross-section. In some examples, the fluid transfer element 152 may comprise a flexible tube. For example, this may provide a convenient means for a wearer to receive the flexible first end portion 154 in the mouth of the wearer. A flexible second end portion 156 may provide a convenient means for the second end portion 156 to connect to the fluid reservoir 158 exterior to the mask 100. In other examples, the fluid transfer element may comprise a combination of flexible and rigid sections. For examples, the first end portion 154 may comprise a flexible section and the second end portion 156 may comprise a rigid section. The flexible first end portion 154 may provide a convenient means for a wearer to receive the first end portion in their mouth, whereas a rigid second end portion 156 may provide a convenient means for the second endportion to form a seal with an extension element, such as a hose, for connection to the fluid reservoir.

[0124] In some examples, the mask 100 may comprise a recess (not illustrated) for receiving the second end portion 156, or an extension to the second end portion 156. The second end portion 156 may be moveable between a stowed position in the recess and an operational position out of the recess. In some examples, the fluid transfer element 156 may be present in the air supply module, but a wearer may not wish to connect the second end portion 156, or an extension of the second end portion 156, to a fluid source during an underwater operation. As such, the second end portion 156 may thus be stowed in an external recess in the mask 100.

[0125] In some examples, the mask 100 may further comprise a valve (not illustrated) configured to control fluid flow in the fluid transfer element 152. The valve may be moveable between an open position for permitting fluid flow and a closed position for blocking fluid flow. For example, when the second end portion 156 is connected to a fluid reservoir 158 and the first end portion 154 is located in the oral portion 125, fluid may be conveyed from the second end portion 156 to the first end portion 154 when a wearer of the mask 100 does not wish to drink. As such, the valve may be provided on the mask in order to control fluid flow in the fluid transfer element 152.

[0126] In some examples, the fluid transfer element 152 comprises a seal for sealing the second end portion 156. For example, as described above, the fluid transfer element 152 may be present in the air supply module 114 when a wearer of the mask 100 does not wish to connect the second end portion 156 to the fluid reservoir 158. Therefore, the fluid transfer element 152 may comprise a seal to seal the second end portion 156 to prevent fluid entering the second end portion 156 during an underwater operation. In some examples, the seal may comprise a stopper inserted into the second end portion 156. In other examples, however, fluid transfer element 152 may not comprise a seal for sealing the second end portion 156. For example, if a wearer of the mask 100 does not wish to drink during an underwater operation, they may use an alternative air supply module to air supply module 114, which does not comprise a fluid transfer element.

[0127] Mask 100 further comprises an actuator 118 operable to move the first end portion 154 between a drinking position and a storage position. The drinking position is closer to a wearer’smouth than the storage position. Figure 9 illustrates the first end portion 154 in the drinking position. In the drinking position, the first end portion 154 may thus be receivable in the wearer’s mouth, whereas in the storage position, the first end portion 154 may not be receivable in the wearer’s mouth. For example, when a wearer has finished drinking from the first end portion 154, the wearer may no longer wish to hold the first end portion 154 in their mouth. As such, the wearer may operate the actuator 118 to move the first end portion 154 from the drinking position to the storage position. Similarly, when the wearer wishes to drink from the first end portion 154, the wearer may operate the actuator 118 to move the first end portion 154 from the storage position to the drinking position.

[0128] In the illustrated example of Figure 11, the actuator 118 comprises a rotatable knob. The rotatable knob may thus be configured to pivot the first end portion 154 between the drinking position and the storage position. In some examples, the actuator 118 may further operate the valve configured to control fluid flow in the fluid transfer element 152. For example, operation of the actuator 118 to the drinking position may be configured to move the valve to the open position and operation of the actuator to the storage position may be configured to move the valve to the closed position. In this manner, valve may be moved to the open position, only when the actuator moves the first end portion 154 to the drinking position. This may prevent fluid passing out of the first end portion 154 and into the oral portion of the mask, when the first end portion is not in the drinking position, which may be undesirable.

[0129] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an underwater breathing apparatus. The underwater breathing apparatus is a rebreather 200, which may typically be used for underwater diving. Of course, the rebreather 200 may have many more parts or components than those illustrated in Figure 13, and the arrangement, shape, etc. of the rebreather 200 and its parts or components may be different to that illustrated in Figure 13.

[0130] The rebreather 200 comprises the air supply module 114 connected to the mask 100. As described above, the air supply module 114 may be detachably connected to the mask 100 for supply air to a wearer of the mask 100.

[0131] The air supply module 114 is configured to supply a gas 5 to the mask 100. The rebreather 200 thus further comprises a breathing loop 206, having an upstream side 206a which is connected to the air supply module 114 via an upstream valve 208, and a downstream side 206b which is connected to the air supply module 114 via a downstream valve 210. Forexample, the upstream valve 208 may be connected to first connecting portion 115 of the air supply module and the second connecting portion 117 may be connected to the downstream valve 210.

[0132] The gas 5 is supplied to the air supply module 114 via the upstream side 206a of the breathing loop and the upstream valve 208. When the wearer of the mask 100 exhales through the air supply module 114, the exhaled gas 5 is removed from the air supply module 114 via the downstream valve 210 and the downstream side 206b of the breathing loop. The upstream valve 208 and the downstream valve 210 are one-way valves, which are arranged to ensure that the gas 5 flows into the air supply module 114 from the upstream side 206a of the breathing loop when the wearer of the mask 100 inhales, and that the gas 5 flows from the air supply module 114 into the downstream side 206b of the breathing loop 206 when the wearer of the mask 100 exhales. The air supply module 114 and the valves 208, 210 may therefore additionally be arranged to ensure that the gas 5 flows into an oral portion 125 of the mask 100 from the upstream side 206a of the breathing loop when the wearer of the mask 100 inhales, and that the gas 5 flows from the oral portion 125 into the downstream side 206b of the breathing loop 206 when the wearer of the mask 100 exhales. In other words, the valves 208, 210 serve to ensure that the gas 5 flows around the breathing loop 206 in a single direction, as indicated by the arrow 212 in Figure 13. Any suitable type of one-way valve may be used for the upstream and downstream valves 208, 210, such as mushroom valves.

[0133] A pressurised oxygen supply tank 214 is connected to the breathing loop 206 via a supply valve 216. When the wearer of the mask 100 breathes the gas 5, oxygen in the gas 5 is used by the wearer and therefore removed from the gas 5. Accordingly, oxygen is injected (i.e. added) into the breathing loop 206 from the oxygen supply tank 214 via the supply valve 216, in order to replenish the oxygen used by the wearer of the mask 100. The supply valve 216 can be controlled by the controller 202, in order to control amount (volume) or rate of oxygen into injected into the rebreather 200. The supply valve 216 may be any suitable type of valve whose opening and closing can be electronically controlled, such as a solenoid valve. The controller 202 may be connected to the supply valve 216 via a wired connection (not shown), so that the controller 202 can transmit an electrical signal to the supply valve 216 in order to control a position of the supply valve 216. For example, the controller 202 may control whether the supply valve 216 is opened or closed, and in some cases an extent to which the supply valve is opened 216, in order to control the rate of injection of oxygen into the breathing loop 206. A pressurised air tank (not shown) may also be connected to the breathing loop, so thatair (or diluent) can be injected into the breathing loop 206. The controller 202 may be configured to control injection of air into breathing loop 206 in a similar manner to how injection of oxygen is controlled. In this manner, a desired gas mixture may be maintained within the breathing loop 206.

[0134] The rebreather 200 further comprises a carbon dioxide absorbent unit 228 (or “scrubber”), which is a sealed canister containing a carbon dioxide absorbent material. Atypical material used in such applications is soda lime, however other materials may also be used. The carbon dioxide absorbent unit 228 is connected to the breathing loop 206 such that gas exhaled by the wearer of the mask 100 passes through the carbon dioxide absorbent unit 228 before it is recirculated to the air supply module 114. In this manner, the carbon dioxide absorbent unit 228 captures carbon dioxide exhaled by the wearer of the mask 100, to prevent a build-up of carbon dioxide inside the breathing loop 206.

[0135] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the idea, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim, “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, and a single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several units recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed so as to limit their scope.

[0136] Additional aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention are set out in the following sets of numbered clauses. The section headings below are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0137] 1 - Through-mask fluid delivery system

[0138] 1. A mask for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising:

[0139] a sealing arrangement configured to provide a seal between the mask and a face of a wearer to define an internal volume; and

[0140] a fluid transfer element comprising a first end portion arranged to extend in the internal volume, and a second end portion located outside the mask and connectable to a fluid source; wherein the fluid transfer element is configured to convey fluid from the second end portion to the first end portion.2. The mask according to clause 1 further comprising an air supply module for supplying air into the internal volume, the air supply module being connectable to an air supply, wherein the first end portion of the fluid transfer element is mounted in the air supply module.

[0141] 3. The mask according to clause 2, wherein:

[0142] the mask comprises a main body on which the sealing arrangement is provided; the air supply module is mounted to the main body;

[0143] the main body comprises an opening for air flow between the air supply module and the internal volume;

[0144] and the first end portion of the fluid transfer element is arranged to extend from the air supply module through the opening in the main body.

[0145] 4. The mask according to clause 3, wherein the air supply module is removably mountable to the main body.

[0146] 5. The mask according to any of clauses 2 to 4, wherein the second end portion extends out of the air supply module.

[0147] 6. The mask according to any preceding clause wherein the fluid transfer element comprises a tube.

[0148] 7. The mask according to clause 6 wherein the tube comprises a flexible tube.

[0149] 8. The mask according to any preceding clause further comprising an external surface and a recess on the external surface for receiving the second end portion of the fluid transfer element.

[0150] 9. The mask according to clause 8 wherein the second end portion is moveable between a stowed position in the recess and an operational position out of the recess.

[0151] 10. The mask according to any preceding clause further comprising a valve configured to control fluid flow in the fluid transfer element; wherein the valve is moveable between an open position for permitting fluid flow and a closed position for blocking fluid flow.11. The mask according to any preceding clause wherein the fluid transfer element comprises a seal for sealing the second end portion.

[0152] 12. The mask according to clause 11 wherein the seal comprises a stopper.

[0153] 13. The mask according to any preceding clause further comprising an actuator that is operable to move the first end portion.

[0154] 14. The mask according to clause 13 wherein the actuator is operable to move the first end portion between a drinking position and a storage position, wherein the first end portion is arranged closer to a mouth of the wearer in the drinking position than in the storage position.

[0155] 15. The mask according to clause 13 or 14 wherein the actuator comprises a rotatable knob configured to move the first end.

[0156] 16. The underwater breathing apparatus according to any preceding clause further comprising a fluid reservoir connectable to the second end portion.

[0157] 17. An underwater breathing apparatus comprising the mask according to any preceding clause.

[0158] 18. An air supply module for an underwater mask comprising:

[0159] a connector for connecting the air supply module to an air supply;

[0160] a mounting interface for mounting the air supply module to a main body of the underwater mask, the mounting interface comprising an opening for air flow between the air supply module and an internal volume of the underwater mask; and

[0161] a fluid transfer element comprising a first end portion extending through the opening in the mounting interface, and a second end portion connectable to a fluid source located outside the underwater mask, wherein the fluid transfer element is configured to convey fluid from the second end portion to the first end portion.2 - Mouthpiece-less mask

[0162] 1. A mask for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising:

[0163] a sealing arrangement configured to provide a seal between the mask and a face of a wearer, the sealing arrangement comprising:

[0164] an outer sealing member extending around an edge of the mask and configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to define an internal volume; and an inner sealing member configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to seal a first portion of the internal volume from a second portion of the internal volume;

[0165] wherein the first portion of the internal volume is defined around a first portion of the face comprising a mouth of the wearer, and the second portion of the internal volume is defined around a second portion of the face comprising a nose of the wearer.

[0166] 2. The mask according to clause 1 wherein the inner sealing member is configured to provide a seal with the wearer’s face between the nose and an upper lip of the wearer.

[0167] 3. The mask according to clause 1 or 2 wherein the inner sealing member is curved to fit the face of the wearer.

[0168] 4. The mask according to any preceding clause wherein the sealing arrangement further comprises at least one webbed portion configured to provide a seal between the mask and a cheek of the wearer.

[0169] 5. The mask according to any preceding clause wherein the outer sealing member and the inner sealing member are integrally formed as a single piece of material.

[0170] 6. The mask according to any preceding clause further comprising an air supply module arranged to supply air into the first portion of the internal volume, the air supply module being connectable to an air supply.

[0171] 7. The mask according to clause 5 or 6 wherein the air supply module does not comprise a mouthpiece.8. The mask according to any preceding clause further comprising a visor and wherein the second portion of the internal volume is defined in part by the visor.

[0172] 9. The mask according to clause 8 further comprising a nasal pocket for receiving the nose; wherein the second portion of the volume is defined in part by the nasal pocket.

[0173] 10. The mask according to any preceding clause wherein the inner sealing member comprises a first end connected to a first side of the outer sealing member located on a first side of the mask; a second end connected to a second side of the outer sealing member located on a second side of the mask.

[0174] 11. The mask according to clause 10, wherein the inner sealing member comprises a midsection between the first end and the second end; wherein a thickness of the midsection is greater than a thickness of the first end and the second end.

[0175] 12. The mask according to clause 11 wherein the inner sealing member is movable to bring the midsection of the inner sealing member into contact with the nose to block one or both nostrils.

[0176] 13. The mask according to clause 12 further comprising a shelf portion extending outwards from the inner sealing member and away from the face of the wearer; wherein the shelf portion contacts the nose to block one or both nostrils.

[0177] 14. The mask according to any preceding clause wherein the inner sealing member comprises a ridge extending from the inner sealing member.

[0178] 15. The mask according to clause 14 wherein the inner sealing member comprises two ridges and a valley between the two ridges.

[0179] 16. An underwater breathing apparatus comprising the mask according to any preceding clause.

[0180] 3 - Watertight cable pass-through from oral section to ocular-nasal section

[0181] 1. A mask for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising:a sealing arrangement configured to provide a seal between the mask and a face of a wearer, the sealing arrangement comprising:

[0182] an outer sealing member extending around an edge of the mask and configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to define an internal volume; and an inner sealing member configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to seal a first portion of the internal volume from a second portion of the internal volume;

[0183] wherein the inner sealing member comprises a cable pass-through for receiving a cable extending between the first portion and the second portion of the internal volume, the cable pass-through being sealable around the cable.

[0184] 2. The mask according to any preceding clause wherein the cable pass-through comprises a tube section for receiving a portion of the cable, wherein the tube section extends from the inner sealing member and is sealable against the portion of the cable.

[0185] 3. The mask according to clause 2 wherein the tube section comprises a first tube section extending from the inner sealing member into the first volume and a second section extending from the inner sealing member into the second volume.

[0186] 4. The mask according to clause 2 or 3, further comprising a clamp configured to seal the tube section against the portion of the cable.

[0187] 5. The mask according to any preceding clause wherein the second portion of the internal volume is defined around a portion of the face of the wearer comprising an eye of the wearer.

[0188] 6. The mask according to clause 5 wherein the portion of the face of the wearer further comprises a nose of the wearer.

[0189] 7. The mask according to clause 5 or 6 any preceding clause further comprising a visor, wherein the second portion of the internal volume is defined in part by the visor, the mask comprising a heads-up display, HUD, located in the second portion of the internal volume, wherein the HUD is connected to a cable passing through the cable pass-through.

[0190] 8. The mask according to any preceding clause further comprising a second cable pass-through in a body of the mask, the second cable pass-through being configured to receive acable extending from outside the mask into the internal volume, the second cable pass-through being sealed around the cable.

[0191] 9. The mask according to clause 8 further comprising:

[0192] a first electrical component in the first portion;

[0193] a second electrical component in the second portion;

[0194] a set of cables passing through the second cable pass-through from the outside of the mask into the internal volume; the set of cables comprising a first cable connected to the first electrical component and a second cable connected to the second electrical component; wherein the first cable or the second cable extend through the cable pass- through.

[0195] 10. The mask according to clause 9 wherein the first electrical component comprises a communications module and the second electrical component comprises a heads-up display, HUD.

[0196] 11. An underwater breathing apparatus comprising the mask according to any preceding clause.

[0197] 4 - Contoured lip seal allowing user to perform Valsalva manoeuyre

[0198] 1. A mask for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising:

[0199] a sealing arrangement comprising an outer sealing member around an edge of the mask configured to provide a seal between the mask and a face of a wearer to define an internal volume;

[0200] a dividing portion configured to divide the internal volume into a first section and a second section; wherein the first section is defined around a first portion of the face comprising a mouth of the wearer and the second section is defined around a second portion of the face comprising a nose of the wearer; wherein the dividing portion comprises an upper surface movable to bring the upper surface into contact with the nose to block one or both nostrils.

[0201] 2. The mask according to clause 1 wherein the dividing portion comprises a first end connected to a first side of the outer sealing member located on a first side of the mask; asecond end connected to a second side of the outer sealing member located on a second side of the mask.

[0202] 3. The mask according to clause 2 wherein the dividing portion comprises a midsection between the first end and the second end; wherein a thickness of the midsection is greater than a thickness of the first end and the second end; and wherein the midsection comprises the upper surface.

[0203] 4. The mask according to any preceding clause wherein the inner sealing member comprises at least one ridge extending from the midsection; and the at least one ridge comprises the upper surface.

[0204] 5. The mask according to clause 4 wherein the at least one ridge comprises two ridges and a valley between the two ridges.

[0205] 6. The mask according to clause 4 or 5 further comprising a shelf portion extending outwards from the dividing portion and away from a face of the wearer; wherein the shelf portion contacts the nose to block one or both nostrils.

[0206] 7. The mask according to any preceding clause wherein the dividing portion comprises an inner sealing member configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to seal the first section of the internal volume from the second section of the internal volume.

[0207] 8. The mask according to clause 7 wherein the inner sealing member is configured to provide a seal with the wearer’s face between the nose and an upper lip of the wearer.

[0208] 9. The mask according to any preceding clause wherein the dividing portion is curved relative to the face of the wearer.

[0209] 10. The mask according to any preceding clause wherein the outer sealing member and the dividing portion are integrally formed as a single piece of material.

[0210] 11. An underwater breathing apparatus comprising the mask according to any preceding clause.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mask for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising:a sealing arrangement configured to provide a seal between the mask and a face of a wearer, the sealing arrangement comprising:an outer sealing member extending around an edge of the mask and configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to define an internal volume; andan inner sealing member configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to seal a first portion of the internal volume from a second portion of the internal volume;wherein the first portion of the internal volume is defined around a first portion of the face comprising a mouth of the wearer, and the second portion of the internal volume is defined around a second portion of the face comprising a nose of the wearer.

2. The mask according to claim 1 wherein the inner sealing member is configured to provide a seal with the wearer’s face between the nose and an upper lip of the wearer.

3. The mask according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the inner sealing member is curved to fit the face of the wearer.

4. The mask according to any preceding claim wherein the sealing arrangement further comprises at least one webbed portion configured to provide a seal between the mask and a cheek of the wearer.

5. The mask according to any preceding claim wherein the outer sealing member and the inner sealing member are integrally formed as a single piece of material.

6. The mask according to any preceding claim further comprising an air supply module arranged to supply air into the first portion of the internal volume, the air supply module being connectable to an air supply.

7. The mask according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the air supply module does not comprise a mouthpiece.

8. The mask according to any preceding claim further comprising a visor and wherein the second portion of the internal volume is defined in part by the visor.

9. The mask according to claim 8 further comprising a nasal pocket for receiving the nose; wherein the second portion of the volume is defined in part by the nasal pocket.

10. The mask according to any preceding claim wherein the inner sealing member comprises a first end connected to a first side of the outer sealing member located on a first side of the mask; a second end connected to a second side of the outer sealing member located on a second side of the mask.

11. The mask according to claim 10, wherein the inner sealing member comprises a midsection between the first end and the second end; wherein a thickness of the midsection is greater than a thickness of the first end and the second end.

12. The mask according to claim 11 wherein the inner sealing member is movable to bring the midsection of the inner sealing member into contact with the nose to block one or both nostrils.

13. The mask according to claim 12 further comprising a shelf portion extending outwards from the inner sealing member and away from the face of the wearer; wherein the shelf portion contacts the nose to block one or both nostrils.

14. The mask according to any preceding claim wherein the inner sealing member comprises a ridge extending from the inner sealing member.

15. The mask according to claim 14 wherein the inner sealing member comprises two ridges and a valley between the two ridges.

16. The mask according to any preceding claim further comprising a fluid transfer element comprising a first end portion arranged to extend in the internal volume, and a second end portion located outside the mask and connectable to a fluid source;wherein the fluid transfer element is configured to convey fluid from the second end portion to the first end portion.

17. The mask according to claim 16, when dependent on claim 6 or 7, wherein the first end portion of the fluid transfer element is mounted in the air supply module.

18. The mask according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the first end portion is arranged to extend into the first portion of the internal volume.

19. The mask according to any preceding claim wherein the inner sealing member comprises a cable pass-through for receiving a cable extending between the first portion and the second portion of the internal volume, the cable pass-through being sealable around the cable.

20. The mask according to any preceding claim further comprising a second cable pass- through in a body of the mask, the second cable pass-through being configured to receive a cable extending from outside the mask into the internal volume, the second cable pass-through being sealed around the cable.

21. The mask according to claim 20 further comprising:a first electrical component in the first portion;a second electrical component in the second portion;a set of cables passing through the second cable pass-through from the outside of the mask into the internal volume; the set of cables comprising a first cable connected to the first electrical component and a second cable connected to the second electrical component; wherein the first cable or the second cable extend through the cable pass-through.

22. A mask for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising:a sealing arrangement configured to provide a seal between the mask and a face of a wearer to define an internal volume; anda fluid transfer element comprising a first end portion arranged to extend in the internal volume, and a second end portion located outside the mask and connectable to a fluid source; wherein the fluid transfer element is configured to convey fluid from the second end portion to the first end portion.

23. A mask for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising:a sealing arrangement configured to provide a seal between the mask and a face of a wearer, the sealing arrangement comprising:an outer sealing member extending around an edge of the mask and configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to define an internal volume; andan inner sealing member configured to provide a seal between the mask and the face to seal a first portion of the internal volume from a second portion of the internal volume;wherein the inner sealing member comprises a cable pass-through for receiving a cable extending between the first portion and the second portion of the internal volume, the cable pass-through being sealable around the cable.

24. A mask for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising:a sealing arrangement comprising an outer sealing member around an edge of the mask configured to provide a seal between the mask and a face of a wearer to define an internal volume;a dividing portion configured to divide the internal volume into a first section and a second section; wherein the first section is defined around a first portion of the face comprising a mouth of the wearer and the second section is defined around a second portion of the face comprising a nose of the wearer; wherein the dividing portion comprises an upper surface movable to bring the upper surface into contact with the nose to block one or both nostrils.

25. An underwater breathing apparatus comprising the mask according to any preceding claim.

Images