Patent ID: 8230855

Claim:
An arrangement for use in a respiratory mask assembly, comprising: a ball and socket mechanism for connecting a breathable air inlet in the respiratory mask; a curved connector tube configured to permit air flow to an interior of the respirator mask assembly; and a ball portion being configured to mount in a socket at the end of an air tube, the air tube being configured to connect to a pressurized air source, the ball portion being insertable into and removable from the socket, each of the ball portion and the socket has a hollow part-spherical profile, and wherein the socket includes an inner circumferential seat and a lip at an outer edge of the socket, and wherein the ball portion and socket are constructed and arranged so that in use, the ball portion is free to rotate with respect to the socket and to allow a small amount of pressurized air to escape between the ball portion and socket, and further wherein, once the ball portion is in a static position, air pressure forces the ball portion to seal against the lip.