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Snorkel having flexible telescopically extendable breathing tube

Snorkel having flexible telescopically extendable breathing tube description/claims

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to snorkels and more particularly to such a snorkel having a flexible telescopically extendable breathing tube so that the breathing tube can be flexed and retracted so as to reduce the size of the snorkel for ease of carrying or storage.

2. Related Art

Conventionally, the breathing tube of a snorkel is relatively rigid in nature. That is, the breathing tube having both ends terminated from its upper end to a mouthpiece is rigid or substantially inflexible. Such rigid construction can facilitate air communication between air above the water level and the mouth of a diver while diving. However, it inevitably occupies a relatively large space when the snorkel is in a storage state. Further, a person may have some difficulties of carrying the snorkel. Thus, the need for improvement still exists.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a snorkel having a flexible telescopically extendable breathing tube so that the breathing tube either can be flexed and retracted for reducing the size of the snorkel for ease of carrying or storage or can be extended for disposing in a ready state.

To achieve the above and other objects, the present invention provides a snorkel comprising a mouthpiece; a flexible breathing tube having a lower end formed with the mouthpiece and an upper open end for communicating air from the mouthpiece to the external; and a telescopic member securely put on the breathing tube wherein the telescopic member is adapted to either retract to minimize its size in an inoperative state or extend to dispose in a ready state for facilitating air inhaling or exhaling through the breathing tube or expelling fluid from the breathing tube.

In one aspect of the present invention the telescopic member comprises a support section and one or more sliding sections such that the exposed portion of the breathing tube can be bent to minimize its occupied space after fully retracting the telescopic member.

In another aspect of the present invention the breathing tube comprises a lower portion secured to the support section for positioning, an intermediate portion, and an upper portion.

In a further aspect of the present invention the breathing tube is formed of a flexible material so that the breathing tube is adapted to bend for reducing its size in the inoperative state.

In yet further aspect of the present invention the intermediate portion of the breathing tube is shaped as a bellows.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of snorkel according to the present invention where the snorkel is in a ready state with the breathing tube being fully extended;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the snorkel;

FIG. 3 is a greatly enlarged view of the fully extended telescopic member;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 where the telescopic member is fully retracted; and

FIG. 5 a perspective view of the bent snorkel in its storage state with the telescopic member being fully retracted.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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