Integrated snorkel mask front-mounted snorkel

Abstract

An integrated snorkel mask includes a front, center-mounted snorkel wherein the snorkel is attached to the center of the front of the mask frame. The snorkel preferably has a teardrop cross sectional shape. The snorkel and mask are integrated and, in some embodiments, are integral.

1 . An integrated snorkel mask comprising: 
 a frame, the frame having at least one opening for receiving a lens, the frame having a center indentation for receiving a user's nose;    a strap attached to the frame for securing the mask to the user's head;    at least one lens disposed in the opening;    a skirt surrounding the at least one opening, the skirt forming a seal between a portion of the user's face around the user's eyes and a portion of the frame in which the at least one opening is formed; and    a snorkel attached to the frame such that the snorkel is positioned between the user's eyes and extends over the user's nose and forehead.    
   
   
       2 . The mask of  claim 1 , further comprising a second lens, wherein the frame has a second opening formed therein for receiving the second lens.  
   
   
       3 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the snorkel has a teardrop cross sectional shape.  
   
   
       4 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the snorkel has an inward bend formed therein, the snorkel being positioned such that the inward bend is positioned at a point where the bridge of the user's nose connects to the forehead.  
   
   
       5 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the snorkel is formed from an upper section and a lower section, the lower section having an opening for a user's mouth formed therein, the upper section being attached to the mask, the upper and lower sections being sized such that one section fits inside the other, thereby allowing the upper and lower sections to telescope so that a distance between the frame and the opening in the lower section can be adjusted to accommodate users with faces of different lengths.  
   
   
       6 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the skirt includes a pocket for covering the user's nose.  
   
   
       7 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the frame and the snorkel are integral.  
   
   
       8 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the frame has a cavity formed therein for receiving the snorkel.  
   
   
       9 . The mask of  claim 8 , wherein snorkel has a non-circular cross sectional shape and the cavity has a corresponding non-circular cross sectional shape sized to accept the snorkel such that the snorkel is prevented from rotating when disposed in the cavity.  
   
   
       10 . The mask of  claim 9 , wherein the non-circular cross-sectional shape is a teardrop shape.  
   
   
       11 . The mask of  claim 1 , wherein the snorkel has a clip attached thereto for attaching the snorkel to the frame.  
   
   
       12 . A snorkel comprising: 
 a breathing tube, the breathing tube having a teardrop cross sectional shape; and    a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the breathing tube.    
   
   
       13 . The snorkel of  claim 12 , wherein the breathing tube includes an upper section and a lower section, the upper and lower sections being sized such that the upper and lower sections can telescope, the mouthpiece being in fluid communication with the lower section.  
   
   
       14 . The snorkel of  claim 12 , further comprising a purge valve in fluid communication with the mouthpiece.  
   
   
       15 . The snorkel of  claim 12 , further comprising a mask, the mask being attached to the snorkel.  
   
   
       16 . The snorkel of  claim 15 , wherein the mask is integral with the snorkel.  
   
   
       17 . The snorkel of  claim 12 , wherein the snorkel has an inward bend formed therein, the inward bend being positioned at a point where the bridge of the user's nose connects to the forehead.