Abstract:
A snorkel clip made up of two substantially rigid elements, which are designed to wrap at least half way around a snorkel tube, overmolded with a substantially flexible element to create a simple, aesthetically pleasing device. The snorkel clip also includes a hinge region created as part of the substantially flexible element. This hinge region allows the snorkel clip to flex or bend so that one of the rigid elements may be disengaged and pulled away from the riser tube of the snorkel, so that a mask strap may be attached to and removed from the snorkel, while the other rigid element remains attached to the riser tube in a generally secure manner. The substantially flexible portion may also include several cut out sections to provide visual and tactile access to portions of the substantially rigid elements for utility and aesthetic design.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/617,382, entitled SNORKEL CLIP, which was filed on Oct. 8, 2004, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to snorkels and, in particular, to clips used to attach a snorkel to a mask.  
         [0004]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0005]     Skin divers and scuba divers often use masks and snorkels as part of their basic equipment. The snorkel is frequently attached to the strap of the mask using a fastener. Attaching the snorkel to the mask strap may help support the snorkel in a proper position when the diver is using the snorkel as an underwater breathing device. Additionally, when the diver is not breathing through the snorkel, attaching the snorkel to the mask strap may keep the mouth piece of the snorkel in close proximity to the diver&#39;s mouth and may prevent the snorkel from being lost.  
         [0006]     Conventional snorkels may be designed for use with or incorporate a fastener to attach the snorkel to the mark. These known fasteners, however, often have several shortcomings. For example, many conventional fasteners are often difficult to manipulate and use. This may be very inconvenient for a diver because a conventional snorkel is attached to and removed from a mask on a fairly regular basis. In particular, the diver may attach the snorkel to the mask before each dive and then remove it from the mask after each dive so the snorkel and mask can be cleaned, transported or stored. Because many conventional fasteners have small parts and/or manipulation points, attaching and removing the snorkel from the mask strap using conventional fasteners may be very difficult, especially with cold or gloved fingers. It can also be difficult to adjust the position of the fastener to the snorkel. For example, conventional fasteners are frequently attached to the riser tube of a snorkel and it may be desired to move the fasteners along the riser tube so that the mask and snorkel fit properly and can be used comfortably. This problem may be magnified when the diver is in the water, carrying other equipment, or has cold or gloved fingers.  
         [0007]     In addition, many conventional fasteners have various moving, sliding or interlocking parts that can undesirably grab the diver&#39;s hair or pinch the diver&#39;s skin. Furthermore, the use of hard, inflexible materials in the construction of some of the more bulky known fasteners can cause discomfort if the rigid components are pressed against the diver&#39;s face or temple by the mask strap. Further, some known fasteners can accidentally and undesirably detach from the strap of the mask. Accidental detachment of the snorkel may cause discomfort and inconvenience to the diver. Accidental detachment of the snorkel may also cause the snorkel to be lost if the diver is not using the snorkel, such as when a scuba diver is using his or her regulator.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0008]     One aspect is a snorkel clip that may be used to easily attach and detach a snorkel to and from the strap of a diving mask.  
         [0009]     Another aspect is a snorkel clip that may be quickly and easily adjusted. For example, the snorkel clip may be quickly and easily adjusted along the riser tube of a snorkel.  
         [0010]     Still another aspect is a snorkel clip that may securely hold a snorkel in place during use. For instance, the snorkel clip may keep the snorkel from moving out of a preferred position or becoming lost.  
         [0011]     Yet another aspect is a snorkel clip that may be comfortable for the diver to use. For example, the snorkel clip may be sized and configured so that it will not pull on the diver&#39;s hair or be uncomfortable against the diver&#39;s face or temple.  
         [0012]     Still yet another aspect is a snorkel clip that is aesthetically pleasing. For instance, the snorkel clip may have a sleek and pleasant design or a color scheme that is intended to match or compliment the design or color scheme of a mask, snorkel or other diving equipment.  
         [0013]     A further aspect is a snorkel clip that may be efficiently produced. Advantageously, modern manufacturing techniques, such as overmolding, may be used to manufacture the snorkel clip.  
         [0014]     Another aspect is a snorkel clip that may be constructed using at least one substantially rigid component and at least one substantially flexible component. For example, the snorkel clip may be manufactured by overmolding a substantially flexible rubber component onto two substantially rigid plastic components. Significantly, this may be used to create a snorkel clip that is simple and aesthetically pleasing in design, easy to manipulate and comfortable to use.  
         [0015]     Still another aspect is a snorkel clip that may include two substantially rigid plastic components. Advantageously, the two substantially rigid plastic components may act as a substantially rigid framework for the clip and they may allow the clip to be attached to a riser tube of a snorkel in a secure manner. In greater detail, the two substantially rigid plastic components may include two attachment arms and the two attachment arms may cause each plastic component to wrap at least half way around the riser tube of the snorkel in order to attach the clip to the snorkel in a secure manner. Furthermore, at least one of the substantially rigid components can be attached to the riser tube of the snorkel in a snap fit manner, which may allow it to be easily connected to or disengaged from the riser tube of the snorkel. These substantially rigid components may also provide the snorkel clip with an internal rigidity that makes it possible to push the clip up or down the riser tube of the snorkel without causing the clip to deform significantly.  
         [0016]     Yet another aspect is a snorkel clip that includes a substantially flexible component. Preferably, the substantially flexible component is made of rubber and is overmolded onto one or more substantially rigid plastic components. Advantageously, the substantially flexible component may act as a hinge and/or a pad. For example, the substantially flexible component may allow the snorkel clip to bend so that a substantially rigid plastic component of the snorkel clip can be disengaged and pulled away from the riser tube of the snorkel while another substantially rigid plastic component of the snorkel tube remains attached to the riser tube. This may provide a large, swing-open access to an opening between the snorkel clip and the riser tube of the snorkel into which a mask strap can be placed. Once the mask strap is in place, the substantially flexible portion of the snorkel clip may allow the disengaged, substantially rigid component to be repositioned or reconnected to the riser tube of the snorkel in order to secure mask strap between the snorkel clip and the riser tube. The substantially flexible portion may also provide padding at the parts of the snorkel clip that are likely to contact the riser tube of the snorkel, the face or temple of the user and/or the fingers of the user. In addition, this padding may prevent the snorkel clip from slipping up or down along the riser tube of the snorkel, provide a soft cushion against the user&#39;s head for comfort and/or provide for easier manipulation and adjustment of the clip.  
         [0017]     A further aspect is a snorkel clip that may be manufactured by overmolding a rubberized component onto two plastic components to create a relatively slim design, which may make the clip more comfortable to use and may allow the clip to be used in a wide variety of situations and environments. Additionally, the snorkel clip may be quickly and easily manufactured because it may include only a rubberized component and two plastic components. Advantageously, this may create a snorkel clip that is easy and intuitive to use and to manipulate. Furthermore, because the snorkel clip preferably does not include multiple interlocking pieces, it may not trap and pull the user&#39;s hair or skin while in use.  
         [0018]     A still further aspect is a snorkel clip that may be manufactured by overmolding a rubberized component of one color onto one or more plastic components of another color to create an aesthetically pleasing, two-tone snorkel clip. These colors can be selected to match or complement the other diving gear the user has or is likely to have. Furthermore, the rubberized component can be designed to include certain holes, voids, or cut outs through which a plastic component of a different color can be seen or touched. By this means, thumb or finger tabs molded into the plastic components can extend through the rubberized component in order to provide better grip and easier manipulation. Additionally, a manufacturer may, in this manner, easily and permanently adorn the snorkel clip with a decorative design or logo.  
         [0019]     Advantageously, the snorkel clip may have a variety of suitable designs and configurations depending, for example, upon the intended use of the snorkel clip. In addition, the snorkel clip may have a sleek and simple in design, which may allow for comfortable use and ease of manufacture. Furthermore, the snorkel clip, while effective in securing a snorkel to the strap of a mask, may be easy to manipulate and may allow for relatively easy attachment, detachment and adjustment.  
         [0020]     These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0021]     The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments of the present invention to further clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0022]      FIG. 1A  is a front view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a snorkel clip, illustrating two substantially rigid components;  
         [0023]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of the two substantially rigid components shown in  FIG. 1A ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 1C  is a top view of the two substantially rigid components shown in  FIG. 1A ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of another portion of an exemplary embodiment of a snorkel clip, illustrating a substantially flexible component;  
         [0026]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of the substantially flexible component shown in  FIG. 2A ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 2C  is top view of the substantially flexible component shown in  FIG. 2A ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the snorkel clip, illustrating a substantially flexible component overmolded onto two substantially rigid components;  
         [0029]      FIG. 3B  is a front view of the snorkel clip shown in  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 3C  is a side view of the snorkel clip shown in  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 3D  is a top view of the snorkel clip shown in  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 4A  is a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a snorkel clip, illustrating the snorkel clip attached to the riser tube of a snorkel;  
         [0033]      FIG. 4B  is a front perspective view of the snorkel clip shown in  FIG. 4A ; and  
         [0034]      FIG. 4C  is a side view of the snorkel clip shown in  FIG. 4A .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0035]     It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the snorkel clip or clips representing presently preferred embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but it is merely representative of presently preferred embodiments of the invention.  
         [0036]     As shown in the accompanying figures, the snorkel clip may include a substantially rigid core or framework with an upper substantially rigid portion  10  and a lower substantially rigid portion  12 . The upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12 , as best seen in  FIGS. 1A through 1C , are preferably constructed from a relatively strong and rigid, such as plastic. Advantageously, the rigid portions  10 ,  12  may provide the snorkel clip with an internal structural support.  
         [0037]     The snorkel clip may also include a substantially flexible portion  14 , as best shown in  FIGS. 2A through 2C . The substantially flexible portion  14  may be constructed from a generally soft and flexible material, such as rubber. Significantly, the substantially flexible portion  14  may provide flexibility and a grip to the snorkel clip. As shown in  FIGS. 3A through 3D , when the substantially flexible portion  14  has been connected to the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12 , a complete snorkel clip may be formed. As discussed in more detail below, the substantially flexible portion  14  is preferably connected to the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12  by overmolding, but it will be appreciated that the substantially flexible portion may be connected to the rigid portions in any suitable manner or by any desired process.  
         [0038]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A through 1C , in one presently preferred embodiment of the snorkel clip, the upper substantially rigid portion  10  may include two upper attachment arms  16  which are sized and configured to wrap at least half way around the riser tube  18  of a snorkel. The riser tube  18  of a snorkel is illustrated in  FIGS. 4A through 4C . While the upper attachment arms  16  are wrapped at least half way around the riser tube  18  of a snorkel, the upper substantially rigid portion  10  remains generally connected to the riser tube  18 . Because the upper attachment arms  16  are part of the upper substantially rigid portion  10 , they are preferably constructed of a generally hard plastic and are substantially rigid.  
         [0039]     In one exemplary embodiment of the snorkel clip, if a reasonable amount of force is applied to the upper attachment arms  16 , the upper attachment arms  16  may deform slightly in an outward direction. This may allow the user of the snorkel clip to move the upper substantially rigid portion  10  away from the riser tube  18  of the snorkel without sliding the entire snorkel clip off of the riser tube  18 . When the user of the snorkel clip pulls the upper substantially rigid portion  10  away from the riser tube  18 , the upper attachment arms  16  may deform in an outward direction in order to create enough space between them for the riser tube  18  to pass. Once the upper substantially rigid portion  10  is moved away from the riser tube  18 , the upper attachment arms  16  preferably return back to their normally biased portion with respect to the upper substantially rigid portion  10 . This slight deformation of the upper attachment arms  16  may also allow the user of the snorkel clip to press the upper substantially rigid portion  10  into engagement with the riser tube  18  of the snorkel in a snap fit manner. When the user of the snorkel clip pushes the upper substantially rigid portion  10  into contact with the riser tube  18 , the upper attachment arms  16  may again deform in an outward direction in order to create enough space between them for the riser tube  18  to pass. Once the riser tube  18  passes through this space between the upper attachment arms  16 , the upper attachment arms  16  preferably return back to their normally biased portion with respect to the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and wrap at least half way around the riser tube  18  thereby holding the upper substantially rigid portion  10  generally against the riser tube  18 .  
         [0040]     As shown in  FIGS. 1A through 1C , the lower substantially rigid portion  12  may also include two lower attachment arms  20 . The lower attachment arms  20  are preferably sized and configured to wrap at least half way around the riser tube  18  of the snorkel. While the lower attachment arms  20  are wrapped at least half way around the riser tube  18  of a snorkel, the lower substantially rigid portion  12  may remain at least partially connected to the riser tube  18 . Because the lower attachment arms  20  may be part of the lower substantially rigid portion  12 , the arms are preferably constructed from a strong and rigid material such as plastic.  
         [0041]     The lower attachment arms  20  preferably resist outward deformation more than the upper attachment arms  16 . Therefore, where the upper substantially rigid portion  10  may be fairly easily attached to and disengaged from the riser tube  18  of a snorkel, the lower substantially rigid portion  12  preferably remains at least partially attached to the riser tube  18  as long as the lower attachment arms  20  are wrapped at least partially around the riser tube  18 .  
         [0042]     A hinge space or region  22  may be disposed at least partially between the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12 . The hinge region  22  may provide a break or pivot point between the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12 . Advantageously, the hinge region  22  may allow the completed snorkel clip to bend or flex at this area. Because the hinge region  22  is preferably located between the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12 , the upper substantially rigid portion and the lower substantially rigid portion may move independently of one another. This movement, however, may be restricted by the rubber overmolding  14 . For example, the snorkel clip may bend at the hinge region  22  to allow the upper substantially rigid portion  10  to extend away from the riser tube  18  of the snorkel while the lower substantially rigid portion  12  remains generally connected to the riser tube  18 , but the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12  will not completely detach one from another. It will be appreciated, however, that the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12  do not have to be separate components and the hinge region  22  is not required. It will also be appreciated that the hinge region  22  could be constructed with other suitable structures and materials. For example, the hinge region  22  could include a relatively narrow portion of a single substantially rigid core or framework along which the single substantially rigid core or framework can bend or flex.  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIGS. 1A through 1C , the snorkel clip may also include a strap retaining bar  24 . The strap retaining bar  24  is preferably at least partially disposed between the upper attachment arms  16  and the lower attachment arms  20  of the snorkel clip. The strap retaining bar  24  may also be part of the upper substantially rigid portion  10 . In addition, the strap retaining bar  24  may be constructed of a relatively strong and rigid material, such as plastic. Advantageously, the rigidity provided by the strap retaining bar  24  may allow the snorkel clip to be easily adjusted up and down the riser tube  18  of the snorkel. For example, if the user of the snorkel clip pushes up on the lower substantially rigid portion  12 , the strap retaining bar  24  may provide enough structure so that the entire snorkel clip slides up the riser tube  18  of the snorkel without suffering any significant deformation.  
         [0044]     The lower substantially rigid portion  12  of the snorkel may also include a thumb slider tab  26 , which is preferably located on the base of the lower substantially rigid portion  12 , and one or more finger slider tabs  28 , which are preferably located on the lower attachment arms  20 . The thumb slider tab  26  and the finger slider tables  28  may allow the user of the snorkel clip to push up or pull down on the lower substantially rigid portion  12  to adjust the position of the snorkel clip along the riser tube  18  of the snorkel. The upper substantially rigid portion  10  may also include finger opening tabs  30 , which are preferably located on the upper attachment arms  16 , that are sized and configured to allow the user to pull on to move the upper substantially rigid portion  10  away from the riser tube  18  of the snorkel. The thumb slider tab  26 , the finger slider tabs  28  and/or the finger opening tabs  30  may also include texturing, such as ridges, to provide the user with sufficient grip to manipulate and adjust the snorkel clip.  
         [0045]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A through 2C , the snorkel clip may include a substantially flexible portion  14 . The substantially flexible portion  14  is preferably a rubber overmolding that is created by overmolding generally flexible rubber onto the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12 . The rubber overmolding  14  may include a rubber hinge  32  that is located proximate the hinge region  22 . Because the rubber hinge  32  is preferably part of the substantially flexible portion  14 , it may be flexible. Furthermore, because the rubber hinge  32  is preferably located proximate the hinge region  22 , the snorkel clip may bend at the rubber hinge  32  to allow the upper substantially rigid portion  10  to detach from and extend away from the riser tube  18  of the snorkel while the lower substantially rigid portion  12  remains generally connected to the riser tube  18 .  
         [0046]     The rubber overmolding  14  may include a strap retaining portion  33 . In particular, the strap retaining portion  33  may be part of the rubber overmolding  14  and it may be molded around the strap retaining bar  24  of the upper substantially rigid portion  10 . When the snorkel clip is in use, a mask strap may be held in place between the strap retaining portion  33  and the riser tube  18  of the snorkel. The strap retaining portion  33  may have a relatively slim design. In addition, the strap retaining portion  33  may be sized and configured so that it does not wrap itself at least half way round the riser tube  18  of a snorkel. Therefore, when the snorkel clip is in use, the mask strap may continue around the diver&#39;s head generally unimpeded, which may minimize any discomfort or distress to the user.  
         [0047]     The rubber overmolding  14  preferably covers at least a portion of the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12  of the snorkel clip. The rubber overmolding  14  may also substantially or completely cover the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12  of the snorkel clip, if desired. The rubber overmolding  14  may also include several cut out portions through which parts of the upper substantially rigid portion  10  or the lower substantially rigid portion  12  can be seen or touched. For instance, the rubber overmolding  14  may include a decorative cut out portion  34  through which a part of the upper substantially rigid portion  10  or part of the lower substantially rigid portion  12  may be seen. The decorative cut out portion  34  may be in the shape of a decorative design to increase the aesthetic appeal of the snorkel clip. The decorative cut out portion  34  may also be in the shape of a company logo or trademark in order to provide a marking or identifying function in addition to increasing the aesthetic appeal of the snorkel clip.  
         [0048]     The rubber overmolding  14  may also include a thumb slider cut out portion  36  through which a user of the snorkel clip can see and touch the thumb slider tab  26  of the lower substantially rigid portion  12 . The rubber overmolding  14  may also include a pair of finger slider cut out portions  38  through which a user of the snorkel clip can see and touch the finger slider tabs  28  of the lower substantially rigid portion  12 . Direct access to the thumb slider tab  26  and finger slider tabs  28  through the thumb slider cut out portion  36  and the finger slider cut out portions  38  can allow the user to more easily adjust the position of the snorkel clip along the riser tube  18  of the snorkel. The rubber overmolding  14  may also include a pair of finger opening cut out portions, which are not illustrated in  FIGS. 2A through 2C , through which the user of the snorkel clip can see and touch the finger opening tabs  30  of the upper substantially rigid portion  10 . Direct access to the finger opening tabs  30  through these finger opening cut out portions may allow the user to more easily pry the upper substantially rigid portion  10  away from the riser tube  18  of the snorkel. It will be understood, however, that the thumb slider cut out portion  36  and/or the finger slider cut out portions  38  may have other suitable shapes, sizes and configurations, and that these portions are not required.  
         [0049]     The rubber overmolding  14  may include one or more pads or cushions. For instance, the rubber overmolding  14  may include friction pads  40  located on the inside of the upper attachment arms  16  or on the inside of the lower attachment arms  20  so as to be positioned in between the upper attachment arms  16  and the riser tube  18  of the snorkel or in between the lower attachment arms  20  and the riser tube  18  of the snorkel. These friction pads  40  may act to increase the friction at the points where the snorkel clip contacts the riser tube  18  of the snorkel so as to prevent the snorkel clip from accidentally slipping up or down the riser tube  18 .  
         [0050]     The rubber overmolding  14  may also include one or more cushioning pads  42  located at an area on the snorkel clip that the users face or temple is likely to contact. Because the cushioning pads  42  may be part of the rubber overmolding  14 , the cushioning pads  42  may be generally soft and, therefore, cause the snorkel clip to be more comfortable for the user.  
         [0051]     In addition, the rubber overmolding  14  may include one or more grip pads  44  located on the finger opening tabs  30  of the upper attachment arms  16 . These grip pads  44  may include texturing such as ridges and allow the user to more easily grasp the finger opening tabs  30  of the upper attachment arms  16  in order to pry the upper substantially rigid portion  10  away from the riser tube  18  of the snorkel. It will be understood that the snorkel clip may include any suitable number and combination of pads and/or cushions. It will also be understood that the snorkel clip does not require any pads or cushions.  
         [0052]     As shown in  FIGS. 3A through 3D , the snorkel clip may be formed by overmolding a substantially flexible portion  14  onto an upper substantially rigid portion  10  and a lower substantially rigid portion  12 . The substantially flexible portion  14  or rubber overmolding  14  preferably covers at least a portion of the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12 . In addition, the snorkel clip preferably includes one or more cut out portions through which parts of the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and/or parts of the lower substantially rigid portion  12  can be seen or touched. Advantageously, the rubber overmolding  14  may be a different color than the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12 , which may allow an aesthetically pleasing design to be created.  
         [0053]     As shown in  FIGS. 3A through 3D , the thumb slider tab  26  and finger slider tabs  28  of the lower substantially rigid portion  12  can be seen and touched through the thumb slider cut out portion  36  and the finger slider cut out portions  38 . When the rubber overmolding  14  is a different color than the upper substantially rigid portion  10  and the lower substantially rigid portion  12 , an aesthetically pleasing color contrast can be formed. Furthermore, if the rubber overmolding  14  is a different color than upper substantially rigid portion  10 , a decorative design  46  such as a logo or a trademark can be easily seen through the decorative cut out portion  34  of the rubber overmolding  14 . Significantly, this may provide a marking or identifying function in addition to increasing the aesthetic appeal of the snorkel clip.  
         [0054]     As seen in  FIG. 4A through 4C , the snorkel clip is preferably attached to the riser tube  18  of a snorkel. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 4A , the upper attachment arms  16  and lower attachment arms  20  preferably wrap at least half way around the riser tube  18  in order to attach the snorkel clip to the riser tube  18 . As shown in  FIG. 4B , when the snorkel clip is attached to the riser tube  18  of a snorkel, a decorative design  46  may be visible. It will be understood, however, that a design  46  is not required.  
         [0055]     Referring now to  FIG. 4C , when the snorkel clip is attached to the riser tube  18  of a snorkel, a mask strap space  48  may be disposed between the riser tube  18  and the strap retaining portion  33  of the snorkel clip. The strap of the mask may be placed in this mask strap space  48  to secure a snorkel to the mask strap. The mask strap may be prevented from separating from the snorkel as it is held in place between the riser tube  18  and the strap retaining portion  33 . Additionally, the mask strap may be prevented from sliding up or down along the riser portion  18  by the upper attachment arms  16  and the lower attachment arms  20 .  
         [0056]     Still referring to  FIG. 4C , a mask strap may be placed within the mask strap space  48  by disengaging and pulling the upper engagement arms  16  away from the riser tube  18  of the snorkel. The snorkel clip may bend at the rubber hinge  32  to create a large, swing-open access to the strap space  48 . The mask strap may then be placed inside the mask strap space  48 . The mask strap may be secured to the snorkel by pressing the upper engagement arms  16  back into engagement with the riser tube  18  of the snorkel tube so that they wrap at least half way around the riser tube  18 .