Wall structures such as for use in deep diving apparatus

摘要

A wall structure for use in forming part of an enclosure that is subject to high pressure differential between its external and internal environments comprises tubing that has been flattened over two diametrically opposed areas and helically wound so as to be contiguous along the flattened areas. The interior of the tubing is filled with a substantially incompressible flexible medium. Means are provided for pressurizing the flexible medium, at least during periods of operation when the enclosure is subjected to a substantial pressure difference between its external and internal environments, so as to balance some of the loads acting on the wall structure due to the pressure differential. The wall structure is particularly suitable for use in forming parts of a deep diving suit or other deep diving and submersible enclosures.