Importance

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Abstract

The improved snorkel includes a conduit divided approximately mid-length by a first purge valve. The first purge valve is located adjacent and above the water surface when the snorkel is in use by a skin diver swimming face down on the water surface. The first purge valve opens under slight hydrostatic pressure and quickly drains water from the upper portion of the conduit when the skin diver returns to the surface after swimming or diving underwater. The lower portion of the conduit is purged for respiration by exhaling a forceful blast of air into the mouthpiece which pushes the water upward. The effort required to purge the improved snorkel is reduced because the bulk of the ascending water flows out the first purge valve, without the need to overflow the snorkel top. A chamber located below the mouthpiece captures residual water in the snorkel after a purging exhalation and water which overflows the first purge valve after splashing in the open end. The chamber also captures fluids which may drain from the swimmers mouth through the mouthpiece. Chamber drainage is facilitated by a second purge valve located at the bottom of the chamber.

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First Claim