Abstract: A valve assembly including a mask end and a supply end is provided. The valve assembly includes a housing assembly, an inhale valve, and an exhale valve. The housing assembly defines a first air passageway configured for inhalation and a second air passageway configured for exhalation. At least a portion of the second air passageway is disposed peripherally around the first air passageway. The inhale valve is configured to be biased to an open position when subject to a reduction in pressure due to inhalation, and to be biased to a closed position when subject to an increase in pressure proximate due to exhalation. The exhale valve is configured to be biased to a closed position when subject to a reduction in pressure due to inhalation, and to be biased to an open position when subject to an increase in pressure due to exhalation.

Abstract: A carrying system is provided for use with breathing apparatus. The carrying system includes a backplate and a plurality of straps adapted to hold the backplate on the back of a user when the carrying system is worn. The backplate includes at least one plate of a plastics material. The at least one plate having a predetermined shape and the at least one plate being adapted to provide impact protection to a user during use by at least partially absorbing and/or dispersing impact forces, and to deform resiliency in response to external forces imposed by bending and/or twisting of a user during use and return substantially to its predetermined shape when not subjected to an external force.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a mask end and a supply end is provided. The valve assembly includes a housing assembly, an inhale valve, and an exhale valve. The housing assembly defines a first air passageway configured for inhalation and a second air passageway configured for exhalation. At least a portion of the second air passageway is disposed peripherally around the first air passageway. The inhale valve is configured to be biased to an open position when subject to a reduction in pressure due to inhalation, and to be biased to a closed position when subject to an increase in pressure proximate due to exhalation. The exhale valve is configured to be biased to a closed position when subject to a reduction in pressure due to inhalation, and to be biased to an open position when subject to an increase in pressure due to exhalation.

Abstract: A carrying system is provided for use with breathing apparatus. The carrying system includes a backplate and a plurality of straps adapted to hold the backplate on the back of a user when the carrying system is worn. The backplate includes at least one plate of a plastics material. The at least one plate having a predetermined shape and the at least one plate being adapted to provide impact protection to a user during use by at least partially absorbing and/or dispersing impact forces, and to deform resiliency in response to external forces imposed by bending and/or twisting of a user during use and return substantially to its predetermined shape when not subjected to an external force.