| 摘要 |
<p>A mouthpiece (20) for use with breathing devices of the type used by scuba divers is provided. The mouthpiece (20) includes at least one no return valve (40) to allow exhalation directly into the ambient environment. Additional no return valves can be incorporated into the inhalation pathway to prevent fluids from flowing back into the regulator housing (110). In one embodiment, an inlet no return valve (30) is located in the respiratory port tube of the regulator. In other embodiments, an inlet no return valve (30) is located in the mouthpiece (20) itself. The disclosed invention keeps the interior spaces of the regulator (10) clean, dry even when the regulator (10) is not in place, thus extending regulator life, preventing a dangerous, and irritating free flow condition from occurring due to icing during cold water use. Saliva, expired air with its attendant moisture, and pathogenic entities are prevented from entering the regulator housing (110). The mouthpiece (20) is easily detachable. It can be sanitized between uses, making it particularly well suited for rental, and instructional purposes.</p> |
