SNORKEL CLIP

Abstract

A snorkel clip that includes a pair of attachment arms connected to opposing sides of an attachment base, a pair of retention arms connected to opposing sides of a retention base, and a connecting member connecting the attachment base to the retention base. The attachment base and the attachment arms are cooperatively configured to wrap more than half way around a riser tube of a snorkel. The retention base and the retention arms are cooperatively configured to wrap at least partially around the riser tube of the snorkel. While the attachment arms and the retention arms are at least partially wrapped around the riser tube of the snorkel, the snorkel clip is configured to cooperate with the riser tube to define a strap retention space capable of retaining a strap of a mask.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/854,181, entitled INTEGRATED SNORKEL CLIP, which was filed on Oct. 25, 2006.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/244,522, entitled SNORKEL CLIP, which was filed on Oct. 6, 2005, which claimed 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.

The disclosures of each of these applications are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to snorkels and, in particular, to clips used to attach a snorkel to a mask.

2. Description of Related Art

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's mouth and may prevent the snorkel from being lost.

Conventional snorkels may be designed for use with or incorporate a fastener to attach the snorkel to the mask. These known fasteners, however, often have several shortcomings. For example, many conventional fasteners are often difficult to manipulate and use, making them inconvenient for a diver because a conventional snorkel may be 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 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 up or down 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.

In addition, many conventional fasteners have various moving, sliding or interlocking parts that can undesirably grab the diver's hair or pinch the diver'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 bulky components are pressed against the diver's face or temple by the mask strap. Further, some known fasteners may accidentally detach from the mask strap. 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 a regulator.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A need therefore exists for snorkel clips that eliminate or diminish the disadvantages and problems described above.

One aspect is a snorkel clip that may be used to easily attach and detach a snorkel to and from the strap of a mask.

Another aspect is a snorkel clip that may be quickly and easily adjusted. For example, the snorkel clip may be quickly and easily adjusted up and down along the riser tube of a snorkel.

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.

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's hair or be uncomfortable against the diver's face or temple.

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.

A further aspect is a snorkel clip that may be efficiently produced. Advantageously, modern manufacturing techniques, such as molding, may be used to manufacture the snorkel clip.

Another aspect is a snorkel clip that includes a pair of attachment arms connected to opposing sides of an attachment base, a pair of retention arms connected to opposing sides of a retention base, and a connecting member connecting the attachment base to the retention base. The attachment base and the attachment arms are cooperatively configured to wrap more than half way around a riser tube of a snorkel. The retention base and the retention arms are cooperatively configured to wrap at least partially around the riser tube of the snorkel. While the attachment arms and the retention arms are at least partially wrapped around the riser tube of the snorkel, the snorkel clip is configured to cooperate with the riser tube to define a strap retention space capable of retaining a strap of a mask.

Still another aspect is a snorkel clip wherein the connecting member is configured to be flexed such that the retention arms and the retention base are capable of being temporarily separated from the riser tube while the attachment arms are maintained at least partially surrounding the riser tube.

Yet another aspect is a snorkel clip that further includes a bumper positioned in a recess defined in the attachment base, the bumper sized and configured to bias the attachment arms against the riser tube.

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 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.

These and other example aspects of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the example embodiments of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of example embodiments of the invention to further clarify the above and other aspects of the invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only example embodiments of the invention and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. These example embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a side view of an example snorkel having a first example snorkel clip attached thereto, with the example snorkel clip positioned in a closed position;

FIG. 1B is a front view of the example snorkel and the example snorkel clip of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a side view of the example snorkel and the example snorkel clip of FIG. 1A, with the example snorkel clip positioned in an open position;

FIG. 1D is a partial cross-sectional top view of the example snorkel and the example snorkel clip of FIG. 1B, the example snorkel clip including an example bumper;

FIG. 2A is a rear perspective view of the example snorkel clip of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a rear view of the example snorkel clip of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional side view of the example snorkel clip of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2D is a front perspective view of the example bumper of FIG. 1D;

FIG. 2E is a front view of the example snorkel clip of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a second example snorkel clip;

FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of a first portion of the example snorkel FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a rear view of a second portion of the example snorkel clip of 3A; and

FIG. 4C is a rear view of the example snorkel clip of FIG. 3A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of the example embodiments of the 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 detailed description of the snorkel clips representing example embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but it is merely representative of example embodiments of the invention.

With reference now to FIGS. 1A-1D, an example snorkel 100 having a first example snorkel clip 200 attached thereto is disclosed. FIG. 1A is a side view of the example snorkel 200 having the example snorkel clip 200 attached thereto, with the example snorkel clip 200 positioned in a closed position. FIG. 1B is a front view of the example snorkel 100 and the example snorkel clip 200. FIG. 1C is a side view of the example snorkel 100 and the example snorkel clip 200, with the example snorkel clip 200 positioned in an open position. FIG. 1D is a partial cross-sectional top view of the example snorkel 100 and the example snorkel clip 200, the example snorkel clip 200 including an example bumper 250.

As disclosed in FIGS. 1A-1C, the example snorkel 100 generally includes a riser tube 102 and a mouthpiece 104. It is noted that the example snorkel clips disclosed herein can be used in connection with any snorkel having any type of mouthpiece and/or riser tube, and thus the example snorkel clips disclosed herein are not limited to use with the example snorkel 100.

As disclosed in FIGS. 1A-1D, the example snorkel clip 200 generally includes attachment arms 202 and 204 connected to opposing sides of an attachment base 206, retention arms 208 and 210 connected to opposing sides of a retention base 212, and a connecting member 214 connecting the attachment base 206 to the retention base 212.

As disclosed in FIG. 1A-1D, the attachment arms 202 and 204 and the attachment base 206 are cooperatively sized and configured to wrap more than half way around the riser tube 102 of the snorkel 100. While the attachment arms 202 and 204 are wrapped around the riser tube 102 of a snorkel 100, the snorkel clip remains generally connected to the riser tube 102. In one example embodiment, the attachment arms 202 and 204 may wrap all the way around the riser tube 102 such that the attachment arms 202 and 202 touch one another and/or are attached to one another. The retention arms 208 and 210 and the retention base 212 are cooperatively sized and configured to wrap less than half way around the riser tube 102 of the snorkel 100, although the retention arms 208 and 210 and the retention base 212 may alternatively be cooperatively sized and configured to wrap half way around, or more than half way around, the riser tube 102. While the attachment arms 202 and 204 and the retention arms 208 and 210 are at least partially wrapped around the riser tube 102 of the snorkel 100, the snorkel clip 200 is maintained in the closed position of FIG. 1A in which the snorkel clip 200 cooperates with the riser tube 102 to define a strap retention space 215, the function of which is discussed in detail below.

The aforementioned components of the example snorkel clip 200 (namely, the attachment arms 202 and 204, the attachment base 206, the retention arms 208 and 210, the retention base 212, and the connecting member 214) are generally formed as a monolithic device. For example, these components of the example snorkel clip 200 can be formed of a substantially rigid material including, but not limited to, plastic, polycarbonate such as PC-MAKROLON-2805-550115, grade silicone, nylon, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

In one example embodiment of the snorkel clip 200, the snorkel clip 200 may be formed from a material that allows the attachment arms 202 and 204 to be deformed slightly in an outward direction when a reasonable amount of force is applied to the attachment arms 202 and 204. This capability to deform slightly allows the user of the snorkel clip 200 to detach the snorkel clip 200 from the riser tube 102 of the snorkel 100 without sliding the snorkel clip 200 off one of the two ends of the riser tube 102. For example, when the user of the snorkel clip 200 pulls the attachment base 206 away from the riser tube 102, the attachment arms 202 and 204 may deform in an outward direction in order to create enough space between them for the riser tube 102 to pass.

This slight deformation of the attachment arms 202 and 204 may also allow the user of the snorkel clip 200 to attach the snorkel clip 200 to the riser tube 102 of the snorkel 100 in a snap fit manner. For example, when the user of the snorkel clip 200 pushes the attachment base 206 toward the riser tube 102, the attachment arms 202 and 204 may again deform in an outward direction in order to create enough space between them for the riser tube 102 to pass. Once the riser tube 102 passes through this space between the attachment arms 202 and 204, the attachment arms 202 and 204 return to their natural positions with respect to the attachment base 206 and wrap more than half way around the riser tube 102, thereby attaching the snorkel clip 200 to the riser tube 102 of the snorkel 100.

In another example embodiment of the snorkel clip 200, the snorkel clip 200 may be formed from a more rigid material that does not allow the attachment arms 202 and 204 to be deformed slightly in an outward direction when a reasonable amount of force is applied to the attachment arms 202 and 204. This inability to deform slightly requires that the user of the snorkel clip 200 detach the snorkel clip 200 from the riser tube 102 of the snorkel 100 by sliding the snorkel clip 200 off one of the two ends of the riser tube 102.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 1A and 1C, additional aspects of the operation of the snorkel clip 200 are disclosed. As disclosed in FIG. 1A, when the snorkel clip 200 is attached to the riser tube 102 of the snorkel 100, the snorkel clip 200 cooperates with the riser tube 102 to define the strap retention space 215. As disclosed in FIG. 1C, the connecting member 214 can be designed as a relatively narrow member in order to allow the connecting member 214 to be bent or flexed, thereby allowing the retention arms 208 and 210 and the retention base 212 to be moved independently from attachment arms 202 and 204 and the attachment base 206. The bending or flexing of the connecting member 214 allows the retention arms 208 and 210 and the retention base 212 to be temporarily repositioned apart from the riser tube 102 while the attachment arms 202 and 204 and the attachment base 206 are maintained partially wrapped around the riser tube 102, resulting in the open position of the snorkel clip 200 disclosed in FIG. 1C. In addition, the positioning of the attachment arms 202 and 204 at an acute angle with respect to the connecting member 214, as disclosed in FIG. 1C, can further assist in maintaining the attachment arms 202 and 204 wrapped around the riser tube 102 even when the retention arms 208 and 210 and the retention base 212 are temporarily separated from the riser tube 102. This acute angle can result in the attachment arms 202 and 204 contacting the back side of the riser tube 102 of the snorkel 100 in a region that is generally opposite a central portion of the connecting member 214 where a mask strap may pull against the connecting member 214. This positioning of the attachment arms 202 to 204 relative to the connecting member 214 reduces the rotational torque that would be present were the attachment arms 202 to 204 positioned perpendicular relative to the attachment base, thereby avoiding detachment of the clip 200 from the riser tube when the mask strap is pulled against the connecting member.

Continuing with a description of the operation of the snorkel clip 200 in connection with FIGS. 1A and 1C, a user can attach a mask strap to the snorkel 100 by pulling the retention base 212 away from the riser tube 102 (using, for example, a finger 248, or a gloved finger), positioning the strap of the mask between the connecting member 214 and the riser tube 102, and then releasing the retention base 212. When the retention base 212 is released by the user, the temporarily deformed connecting member 214 will resume its natural shape, thereby repositioning the retention arms 208 and 210 against the riser tube 102, and thereby retaining the strap of the mask in the strap retention space 215. It is noted that the mask strap is also prevented from sliding up or down along the riser tube 102 beyond the position of the snorkel clip 200 by the attachment arms 202 and 204 and the retention arms 208 and 210. In a similar manner, a user can detach the strap of a mask from the snorkel 100 by pulling the retention base 212 away from the riser tube 102 and removing the strap from between the connecting member 214 and the riser tube 102. Using the snorkel clip 200, a user can thus quickly and easily attach/detach a mask strap to/from a snorkel.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 1B and 1D, the example snorkel clip 200 may further include a bumper 250. The bumper may be formed from a substantially flexible material including, but not limited to, rubber or some type of silicone such as silicone 40A, silicone 50A, silicone 60A, or silicone 70A.

As disclosed in FIG. 1D, the bumper 250 includes a bumper base 252 and a bumper tab 254. The bumper 250 is positioned in the attachment base 206 (as disclosed in greater detail below in connection with FIGS. 2A-2D) such that a portion of the bumper base 252 grips the riser tube 102. In addition, as disclosed in FIG. 1D, a portion of the bumper tab 254 may extend through the attachment base 206, and a portion of the bumper tab 254 may even extend slightly beyond the front face of the attachment base 206. The gripping by the bumper base 252 of the riser tube 102 can help maintain the vertical position of the snorkel clip 200 along the riser tube 102 by preventing the inadvertent slipping of the snorkel clip 200 up and down along the riser tube 102. The gripping by the bumper base 252 simultaneously allows the intentional sliding of the snorkel clip 200 up and down along the riser tube 102 when a user applies a reasonable force. The engagement of the bumper base 252 with the riser tube 102 can also help bias the attachment arms 202 and 204 of the snorkel clip 200 against the outside surface of the riser tube 102.

With reference now to FIGS. 2A-2E, additional details of the example snorkel clip 200 are disclosed. FIG. 2A is a rear perspective view of the example snorkel clip 200. FIG. 2B is a rear view of the example snorkel clip 200. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional side view of the example snorkel clip 200. FIG. 2D is a front perspective view of the example bumper 250. FIG. 2E is a front view of example snorkel clip 200.

With particular reference first to FIGS. 2A-2C, the snorkel clip 200 may include a bumper recess 216 defined in a rear surface of the attachment base 206 with a hole 218 defined in a central portion of the bumper recess 216. With continuing reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, and with reference also to FIG. 2D, the bumper recess 216 is sized and configured to receive the bumper base 252 of the bumper 250. Similarly, the hole 218 is sized and configured to receive the bumper tab 254 of the bumper 250. As disclosed elsewhere herein, the bumper base 252 of the bumper 250 extends beyond the rear surface of the attachment base 206, and the bumper tab 254 may extend beyond the front surface of the attachment base 206.

The hole 218 and/or the bumper tab 254 may have the shape of a decorative design to increase the aesthetic appeal of the snorkel clip 200. The shape of the hole 218 and/or the bumper tab 254 may also be in the shape of a company logo or trademark in order to provide a marking or identifying function. The bumper 250 may be a different color than the remainder of the snorkel clip 200, which may enable a decorative design of the hole 218 and/or the bumper tab 254 to be more easily seen.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, the snorkel clip 200 may further include a lettering recess 220 defined in a rear surface of the connecting member 214. The lettering recess 220 may include, for example, stamped, molded, or printed lettering. The snorkel clip 200 may further include a grip recess 222 defined in a rear surface of the retention base 212. The grip recess 222 provides a convenient location at which a user can grasp the retention base 212 (for example using a finger 248, or a gloved finger, as disclosed in connection with FIG. 1C) in order to pull the retention base 212 away from the riser tube 102 of the snorkel 100 when attaching or detaching a mask strap to the riser tube 102 using the snorkel clip 200 (as disclosed herein in connection with FIGS. 1A and 1C). The surface of the grip recess 222 may include texturing (not shown), such as ridges, to allow the allow the user to more easily grasp the retention base 212 of the snorkel clip 200 in order to pry the retention base 212 away from the riser tube 102 of the snorkel 100, as disclosed in FIG. 1C.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the snorkel clip 200 may further include notches 224 and 226 defined in the attachment arms 202 and 204, respectively. The notches 224 and 226 may facilitate the manufacture of the snorkel clip 200.

With reference now to FIGS. 2C and 2E, the front surface of the attachment base 206, the retention base 212, and the connecting member 214 may be a substantially continuous surface that is substantially smooth and substantially planar. This substantially smooth and substantially planar front surface of the snorkel clip 200 can provide a comfortable surface against the face or temple of a user when the snorkel clip 200 is used in connection with a snorkel and a mask.

In addition, when the snorkel clip 200 is in use, a mask strap may be held in place between the connecting member 214 and the riser tube 102 of the snorkel 100 (as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1A and 1C). As disclosed in FIG. 2C, the connecting member 214 may have a relatively slim design. Therefore, when the snorkel clip 200 is in use, the mask strap may continue around the head of a user generally unimpeded by the connecting member 214 of the snorkel clip 200, which may minimize any discomfort or distress to the user from the use of the snorkel clip 200.

As disclosed in FIGS. 2B and 2E, the example snorkel clip 200 is substantially symmetrical from left to right except for the hole 218. The substantially symmetrical configuration can make the snorkel clip 200 easier to manufacture, more functional, and more aesthetically pleasing. Alternative snorkel clips have a substantially non-symmetrical shape while still enjoying many of the functional and aesthetic aspects of the snorkel clip 200.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3D, a second example snorkel clip 200′ is disclosed. The example snorkel clip 200′ is similar in many respects to the example snorkel clip 200 disclosed in FIGS. 1A-2E. Therefore, only certain differences between the snorkel clip 200′ and the snorkel clip 200 will be discussed in detail. FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the example snorkel clip 200′. FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of a first portion of the example snorkel clip 200′. FIG. 3C is a rear view of a second portion of the example snorkel clip 200′. FIG. 3D is a rear view of the example snorkel clip 200′.

As disclosed in FIG. 3A, the attachment base 206′ of the second example snorkel clip 200′ differs from the attachment base 206 of the first example snorkel clip 200 in that the snorkel clip 200′ is a substantially rigid composite device comprising two or more components. In particular, the attachment base 206′ includes a front portion 206a and a rear portion 206b. As disclosed in FIG. 3B, the front portion 206a is connected to the attachment arm 202 and includes an engagement tab 228 and a pair of engagement pins 230. As disclosed in FIG. 3C, the rear portion 206b is connected to the attachment arm 204 and the connecting member 214. The rear portion 206b defines engagement tab opening 232 and a pair of engagement pin openings 234. As disclosed in FIG. 3D, the engagement tab 228 can be positioned in the engagement tab opening 232 and the engagement pins 230 can be positioned in the engagement pin openings 234 during the assembly of the snorkel clip 200′. The snorkel clip 200′ can thus be assembled around the riser tube 102 of snorkel 100 (see FIG. 1A) instead of being fitted over, or snap fit around, the riser tube 102.

Claims

1. A snorkel clip comprising:

a pair of attachment arms connected to opposing sides of an attachment base, the attachment base and the attachment arms cooperatively configured to wrap more than half way around a riser tube of a snorkel;

a pair of retention arms connected to opposing sides of a retention base, the retention base and the retention arms cooperatively configured to wrap at least partially around the riser tube of the snorkel; and

a connecting member connecting the attachment base to the retention base,

wherein while the attachment arms and the retention arms are at least partially wrapped around the riser tube of the snorkel, the snorkel clip is configured to cooperate with the riser tube to define a strap retention space capable of retaining a strap of a mask.

2. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 1, wherein the connecting member is configured to be flexed such that the retention arms and the retention base are capable of being temporarily separated from the riser tube while the attachment arms are maintained at least partially surrounding the riser tube.

3. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 1, wherein the attachment base defines a recess, the recess sized and configured to receive a bumper.

4. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 3, further comprising:

a bumper positioned in the recess defined in the attachment base.

5. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 4, wherein the bumper is formed of rubber or silicone.

6. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 4, wherein the bumper is positioned sized, and configured to bias the attachment arms against the riser tube.

7. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 1, wherein the retention base defines a grip recess, the recess sized and configured to receive a portion of a human finger.

8. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 1, wherein the snorkel clip is formed of plastic, polycarbonate, grade silicone, nylon, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

9. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 1, wherein the attachment arms are positioned at an acute angle with respect to the connecting member such that the attachment arms contact the riser tube in a region that is generally opposite a central portion of the connecting member.

10. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 1, wherein the attachment arms, the attachment base, the retention arms, the retention base, and the connecting member are formed as a monolithic device.

11. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 1, wherein the attachment arms, the attachment base, the retention arms, the retention base, and the connecting member are formed as a composite device comprising two or more components.

12. A snorkel clip comprising:

a pair of attachment arms connected to opposing sides of an attachment base, the attachment base and the attachment arms cooperatively configured to wrap more than half way around a riser tube of a snorkel;

a pair of retention arms connected to opposing sides of a retention base, the retention base and the retention arms cooperatively configured to wrap less than half way around the riser tube of the snorkel; and

a connecting member connecting the attachment base to the retention base,

wherein while the attachment arms and the retention arms are at least partially wrapped around the riser tube of the snorkel, the snorkel clip is configured to cooperate with the riser tube to define a strap retention space capable of retaining a strap of a mask, and

wherein the connecting member is configured to be flexed such that the retention arms and the retention base are capable of being temporarily separated from the riser tube while the attachment arms are maintained at least partially surrounding the riser tube.

13. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 12, further comprising:

a bumper positioned in a recess defined by the attachment base,

wherein the bumper is sized and configured to bias the attachment arms against the riser tube.

14. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 12, wherein the retention base defines a grip recess, the recess sized and configured to receive a portion of a human finger.

15. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 12, wherein the snorkel clip is a substantially symmetrical and substantially rigid monolithic device.

16. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 12, wherein the snorkel clip is formed of plastic, polycarbonate, grade silicone, nylon, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

17. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 12, wherein the attachment arms are positioned at an acute angle with respect to the connecting member such that the attachment arms contact the riser tube in a region that is generally opposite a central portion of the connecting member.

18. A snorkel clip comprising:

a pair of attachment arms connected to opposing sides of an attachment base, the attachment base and the attachment arms cooperatively configured to wrap more than half way around a riser tube of a snorkel, the attachment base defining a recess;

a pair of retention arms connected to opposing sides of a retention base, the retention base and the retention arms cooperatively configured to wrap less than half way around the riser tube of the snorkel;

a connecting member connecting the attachment base to the retention base; and

a bumper positioned in the recess defined in the attachment base, the bumper sized and configured to bias the attachment arms against the riser tube,

wherein while the attachment arms and the retention arms are at least partially wrapped around the riser tube of the snorkel, the snorkel clip is configured to cooperate with the riser tube to define a strap retention space capable of retaining a strap of a mask, and

wherein the connecting member is configured to be flexed such that the retention arms and the retention base are capable of being temporarily separated from the riser tube while the attachment arms are maintained at least partially surrounding the riser tube.

19. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 18, wherein the attachment arms, the attachment base, the retention arms, the retention base, and the connecting member are formed as a monolithic device.

20. The snorkel clip as recited in claim 18, wherein the attachment base comprises:

a first portion connected to one of the pair of attachment arms; and

a second portion connected to the other of the pair of attachment arms and to the connecting member,

wherein the first portion and the second portion are attached together as a composite device comprising two or more components.