U.S. patent application number 11/340252 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for breathing exerciser and method of forming thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sage Dynamics, L.P.. Invention is credited to Robert E. Maute, Alison E. Schiller.
Application Number | 20060178245 11/340252 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36780650 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060178245 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schiller; Alison E. ; et
al. |
August 10, 2006 |
Breathing exerciser and method of forming thereof
Abstract
Apparatus and method for a breathing exerciser for increasing
breathing capacity and also optionally for increasing breathing
rate control. A preferred embodiment comprises a tube-like
structure, open at one end but closed at the other end. A reference
breathing hole and resistance breathing holes through the side wall
are present. The user places the open end of the tube at his lips,
seals his lips around the open end, and breathes through the tube.
As one or more holes are covered by the user's finger(s), the
resistance to air flow and thus to breathing is changed.
Inventors: |
Schiller; Alison E.;
(Houston, TX) ; Maute; Robert E.; (Richardson,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SLATER & MATSIL, L.L.P.
17950 PRESTON RD, SUITE 1000
DALLAS
TX
75252-5793
US
|
Assignee: |
Sage Dynamics, L.P.
|
Family ID: |
36780650 |
Appl. No.: |
11/340252 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60650460 |
Feb 7, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/13 ;
128/200.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/013 ;
128/200.24 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/18 20060101
A63B023/18 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for exercising the lungs and improving a user's
breathing capacity by breathing through the apparatus, or for the
user learning to better control the flow rate of air when breathing
by listening to the sound made by breathing through the apparatus,
the apparatus comprising: an elongated body having walls and a
hollow central bore that is sealed at one end; a multitude of
breathing holes penetrating the wall fully from the outside to the
central bore, allowing access to the outside air; the breathing
holes positioned such that the user can control the number of holes
that are used to breathe through by covering and blocking off from
use for breathing none or some of the breathing holes, to change
the resistance to breathing; a mouthpiece for the user to form a
seal using his lips and to breathe through in and out of the
apparatus body; and means of attaching a neck loop to the apparatus
body.
2. An apparatus for exercising the lungs and improving a user's
breathing capacity by breathing through the apparatus, or for the
user learning to better control the flow rate of air when breathing
by listening to the sound made by breathing through the apparatus,
the apparatus comprising: an elongated body having walls and a
hollow central bore that is sealed at one end; a multitude of
breathing holes penetrating the wall fully from the outside to the
central bore, allowing access to the outside air; means whereby the
user can block off none to some of the breathing holes to change
the resistance to breathing; a mouthpiece for the user to form a
seal with his lips and to breathe through in and out of the
apparatus body; and means of attaching a neck loop to the apparatus
body.
3. A breathing exerciser comprising: a cylinder body; a hollow
central bore inside the cylinder body; a mouthpiece end of the
cylinder body, wherein the mouthpiece end has an opening from
outside the cylinder body to the central bore; a sealed end of the
cylinder body opposite the mouthpiece end, wherein the central bore
is closed at the sealed end; resistance breathing holes disposed on
a first side of the cylinder body between the mouthpiece and sealed
ends; and a reference breathing hole disposed on the cylinder body
between the mouthpiece and sealed ends.
4. The breathing exerciser of claim 3, wherein the reference
breathing hole is disposed on a second side of the cylinder body
opposite the resistance breathing holes.
5. The breathing exerciser of claim 3, wherein there are three
resistance breathing holes: a first resistance breathing hole
relatively closest to the mouthpiece end, a third resistance
breathing hole relatively closest to the sealed end, and a second
resistance breathing hole disposed between the first and third
resistance breathing holes.
6. The breathing exerciser of claim 5, wherein the reference
breathing hole has a diameter of about 3/32'', the first resistance
breathing hole has a diameter of about 11/64'', the second
resistance breathing hole has a diameter of about 7/64'', and the
third resistance breathing hole has a diameter of about 5/64''.
7. The breathing exerciser of claim 6, wherein a tolerance of the
reference and resistance breathing holes is less than or equal to
about 4 mils.
8. The breathing exerciser of claim 3, wherein the cylinder body
has an outside diameter of about 5/8'', and an inside diameter of
about 3/8''.
9. The breathing exerciser of claim 3, wherein the mouthpiece end
and the sealed end have rounded edges.
10. The breathing exerciser of claim 3, further comprising a loop
mounting hole adjacent the sealed end of the cylinder body, wherein
the loop end does not contact the hollow central bore.
11. The breathing exerciser of claim 10, further comprising a neck
loop looped through the loop mounting hole.
12. The breathing exerciser of claim 3, further comprising
resistance labels disposed adjacent the resistance breathing
holes.
13. The breathing exerciser of claim 3, further comprising moveable
seals disposed adjacent the resistance breathing holes, wherein the
moveable seals can be positioned such that the select ones of the
resistance breathing holes are open or closed.
14. The breathing exerciser of claim 3, wherein the cylinder body
is composed of polycarbonate.
15. A method of manufacturing a breathing exerciser, the method
comprising: forming a cylinder body; forming a hollow central bore
inside the cylinder body; forming a mouthpiece end of the cylinder
body, wherein the mouthpiece end has an opening from outside the
cylinder body to the central bore; forming a sealed end of the
cylinder body opposite the mouthpiece end, wherein the central bore
is closed at the sealed end; forming resistance breathing holes
disposed on a first side of the cylinder body between the
mouthpiece and sealed ends; and forming a reference breathing hole
disposed on the cylinder body between the mouthpiece and sealed
ends.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the cylinder body is formed
with injection molding.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the bore, ends and holes are
formed at the same time as the cylinder body.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the injection molding comprises
injecting liquid polycarbonate into a mold.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the cylinder body is formed by
machining.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the bore, ends and holes are
formed by machining.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/650,460, filed on Feb. 7, 2005, entitled
Exerciser to Increase Breathing Ability, which application is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for
increasing the breathing capacity of people, and method of forming
thereof, and also in some applications for improving the control of
the rate of airflow during breathing.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many people could benefit from having an increased breathing
capacity. The ability to breathe a larger volume of air during
inhalation and/or exhalation can be very important for people in
some activities. Such people would include musicians playing wind
instruments, band members, vocalists, choir members, athletes,
hikers, skiers, swimmers, martial arts students, some people with
medical breathing problems, people who would like to be more
physically fit, people who work long hours in an office, and
others. Within the world of musicians, all musicians who play wind
instruments or sing would benefit from having a larger breath
capacity. Breath capacity can be very important to wind instrument
musicians and vocalists. In addition, breath capacity can be very
important for athletes.
[0004] Many people could also benefit from improving the control of
the rate of airflow during their breathing. The ability to control
the rate of air flow during breathing (both exhaling and inhaling),
in addition to the amount of breathing capacity, also can be very
important to wind instrument musicians and vocalists as well as
people in various other disciplines.
[0005] Currently only a few devices exist that help increase
breathing capacity. Those that do are expensive, complex, difficult
to use, often bulky, heavy, prone towards being unreliable, have
moving parts, and are designed primarily for athletes.
Additionally, we do not know of any prior devices that help one
learn to control the rate of air intake or outlet during breathing.
For many musicians, especially, having a substantially constant
flow rate of air outlet during breathing can be important.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] These and other problems are generally solved or
circumvented by preferred embodiments of the present invention that
provide an inexpensive, simple, easy to use, small, lightweight,
reliable, no moving parts, and designed for all applications
exercise device that increases lung capacity and additionally
allows the user to improve their control of the rate of air flow
during inhaling and exhaling.
[0007] In accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus for increasing breathing capacity and also
optionally increasing breathing rate control is disclosed. The
apparatus consists of a tube like structure, open at one end but
closed at the other end. A set of holes through the side wall are
present. The user places the open end of the tube at his lips,
seals his lips around the open end, and breathes through the tube.
As one or more holes are covered by the user's finger(s), the
resistance to air flow and thus to breathing is changed.
[0008] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus for increasing breathing capacity and also
optionally increasing breathing rate control is disclosed. The
apparatus consists of a tube like structure, open at one end but
closed with a movable seal at the other end. A set of holes through
the side wall are present. The user places the open end of the tube
at his lips, seals his lips around the open end, and breathes in
and out through the tube. As one or more holes are blocked off from
the flow of air by the breather by moving the seal along the axis
of the apparatus, the resistance to air flow and thus to breathing
is changed.
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a breathing exerciser comprises a cylinder body, a
hollow central bore inside the cylinder body, a mouthpiece end of
the cylinder body, wherein the mouthpiece end has an opening from
outside the cylinder body to the central bore, a sealed end of the
cylinder body opposite the mouthpiece end, wherein the central bore
is closed at the sealed end, resistance breathing holes disposed on
a first side of the cylinder body between the mouthpiece and sealed
ends, and a reference breathing hole disposed on the cylinder body
between the mouthpiece and sealed ends.
[0010] The use of a preferred embodiment of this apparatus
exercises the user's lungs, which will increase the user's lung
capacity over time with use. Musicians will be able to perform
longer phrases in a single breath with improved tone, vibrato, and
expressiveness. Athletes will strengthen their lungs to enhance
performance and increase endurance.
[0011] Additionally, a preferred embodiment of the present
invention makes an air movement sound during use that changes as
the rate of air flow changes. By listening to the sound and
breathing in such a way as to maintain the sound substantially
constant, the user can learn to maintain a much more constant rate
of air flow while exhaling, or while inhaling, or both.
[0012] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
advantages of preferred embodiments of the present invention in
order that the detailed description that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of preferred
embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter.
It should be anticipated by those skilled in the art that the
conception and specific embodiments disclosed might be readily
utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for
carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should
also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent
constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0014] FIGS. 1a-f shows different views of a preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0015] FIGS. 2a-c show the labeling of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 3 shows an end view of a preferred embodiment having a
moveable seal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The structure, making and using of the presently preferred
embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be
appreciated, however, that the present invention provides many
applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide
variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed
are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the
invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.
[0018] A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS.
1a-1f, with the figures providing the following views: 1a--right
side, 1b--top, 1c--mouthpiece end, 1d--left side, 1e--closed end,
and 1f--bottom. The various views may be referred to collectively
herein simply as FIG. 1. Breathing exerciser 100 shown in FIG. 1
comprises a thick walled cylinder 102 with a center bore 104. The
cylinder has a closed end 106. Resistance breathing holes 108, 110,
112 and 114 exist in the cylinder wall and penetrate all the way
through the wall from the outside completely through to the center
bore 104. The user's lips form a seal around the open or mouthpiece
end 116 of the apparatus, and the user then breathes through the
breathing holes of the apparatus. The user can cover none, one, or
more of holes 108, 110, 112 with the user's finger(s) while
breathing. The more holes the user covers the more difficult the
breathing is and the more exercise the user obtains. Beginners may
want to cover none or a minimal number of holes. Advanced users may
want to cover all three of holes 108, 110, 112. The reference hole
or bottom hole 114 should always remain open to provide
airflow.
[0019] The holes on the apparatus are arranged with three holes
108, 110, 112 on top for convenient covering of none, one, two or
all three of the top breathing holes with the fingers of one hand.
Normally the holes will be covered in order from the mouth towards
the closed end, i.e., from 112 to 108, which will give an
increasing resistance level to breathing as each additional hole is
covered.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the holes are labeled with labels 202 to
aide an instructor, such as a band director, in directing their
students in the use of apparatus 200. The labels may be disposed at
an area 208 about 45 degrees off of vertical. The labels 202 by the
holes also allow for clearer written instructions that come with
the apparatus. Preferably, the labels 202 are made as part of the
mold, not printed on, stuck on, or otherwise added later, for
permanent retention so they will not peel off or wear off with time
and use. The bottom side of the apparatus 200 may contain the
product name 204 and the company name 206, in an area 210 on the
bottom of the apparatus.
[0021] The breathing holes 108, 110, 112 are numbered and labeled
on the device itself as "1", "2", and "3" from the mouthpiece end
116 towards the closed end 106, respectively. Having the labels 202
directly on the exerciser 200 makes instructions on using the
apparatus easy to understand, be they written or verbal
instructions. Preferably, the hole number labels are Times New
Roman, font size 14; the product name label is Times New Roman,
font size 12, bold; and the company name label is Times New Roman,
font size 9, bold. Of course, the fonts for the various labels can
be varied, or the labels may not be used, depending on the
application.
[0022] Referring back to FIG. 1, the fourth breathing hole 114
penetrates the cylinder wall from the bottom of the apparatus to
the center bore, instead of from the top as the other three holes
do. The bottom hole 114 is placed so that that hole will remain
open for all different levels of breathing resistance. One hole
should remain open or no breathing path at all would exist.
Normally the bottom hole 114 would always remain open. Having hole
114 on the bottom would make covering it difficult and unlikely for
the user, thus ensuring that at least one breathing hole always
remains open under normal use.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the size of each of the four
breathing holes was designed specifically for the different
breathing resistance levels desired. The breathing resistance
levels were determined based on studies involving several
professional musicians and music teachers. The sizes of the holes
and their order contribute toward providing realistic, practical
resistance levels that cover the range of breathing resistances
needed from beginner to advanced users. The breathing hole sizes
were designed to approximately double the breathing resistance for
each additional breathing hole covered in order. The apparatus is
designed to be used at the lowest resistance level, by beginners
for example, with no holes covered, that is with all breathing
holes open. The next resistance level is with hole number 1 covered
by one of the user's fingers. This approximately doubles the
breathing resistance from the no-holes-covered case. The next
resistance level is with holes "1" and "2" covered. This again
approximately doubles the breathing resistance from the previous
resistance level, namely from the hole number "1" covered case.
Likewise the next and the highest resistance level is with holes
"1", "2", and "3" covered by the user's fingers, namely with all
the top holes covered. The bottom hole generally is not designed to
be covered.
[0024] The sizes of the four breathing holes were designed from the
physics of flow. The physics of the flow situation is basically one
of parallel flow paths. The flow situation was modeled using the
theory of the equivalent resistance for a set of parallel
resistors. The cross sectional area of each breathing hole is
inversely proportional to the breathing resistance of each
breathing hole. Each breathing hole essentially acts as a resistor
in a parallel resistor network, with the value of the resistance
being proportional to the reciprocal of the breathing hole's cross
sectional area.
[0025] The equivalent electrical resistance Req for a set of four
electrical resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4 in parallel is given by the
following equation. Rbreathing .varies. 1 .pi. .times. .times. D 2
4 ##EQU1##
[0026] The breathing resistance can be treated the same as the
electrical resistance. The breathing resistance, Rbreathing, is
related to the diameter of the breathing hole by the following
equation. 1 Req = 1 R .times. .times. 1 + 1 R .times. .times. 2 + 1
R .times. .times. 3 + 1 R .times. .times. 4 ##EQU2##
[0027] We adjusted the diameter of the lower hole or reference
breathing hole to a desired level appropriate for advanced lung
capacity users (determined empirically by studies involving several
professional musicians and music teachers). Knowing the diameter of
the lower hole, knowing also that we wanted four resistance levels,
and knowing that we wanted to change the breathing resistance level
by approximately a factor of two for each hole covered in numerical
order, we used the above theory to mathematically calculate the
diameter of the top three holes or resistance breathing holes. The
resulting hole diameters are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as, bottom
hole: 3/32'', top hole 1: 11/64'', top hole 2: 7/64'', and top hole
3: 5/64''. Note that a different reference hole diameter could be
used. Note also that a different number of breathing holes could
have been used, as well as different criteria for determining the
different breathing hole diameters. The above resistance theory
could be used to calculate the appropriate resistance breathing
hole diameters for these other situations. Use of theory to
calculate the appropriate breathing-hole diameters is a beneficial
facet to embodiments of this invention. While some dimension for
the hole diameters could probably have been determined empirically
by trial and error, such an approach would involve far more time
and have been much more difficult, and may not have been
feasible.
[0028] Note that the tolerance of the diameters of the breathing
holes may be important in some applications. Tolerances of no more
than 4 mils (.+-.0.004 inches) from the diameters given in FIG. 1
are recommended. The breathing resistances generally are very
sensitive to the diameters of the breathing holes.
[0029] Other preferred dimensions for the device shown in FIG. 1
are as follows. The cylinder preferably has an outer diameter of
about 5/8 inch, and the cylinder bore preferably has diameter of
about 3/8 inch and extends from the mouthpiece end to about 3/4
inch from the sealed end. The cord mounting hole preferably has a
diameter of about 3/32 inch, and is located at about 3/8 inch from
the sealed end of the device. The distance from the sealed end to
the reference breathing hole is preferably about 1 inch. The
distance from the sealed end to the closest of the three resistance
breathing holes is preferably about 11/4 inches, while the distance
between adjacent resistance breathing holes is preferably about
11/16 inch. The preferred distances given with respect to the holes
are to the centers of the holes. Reasons for selecting various
dimensions are provided below, although of course these dimensions
may be varied within the scope of the present invention.
[0030] The tolerance of cord mounting hole 118 is not especially
important. The tolerance of the center bore hole, and even the
shape of the center borehole, are not especially important.
Generally, the cross sectional area of the center borehole simply
needs to be much greater than that of the breathing holes' combined
areas. The tolerance of the wall thickness is not especially
important, as long as sufficient mechanical strength is present for
practical use. The tolerance of the outer diameter of the cylinder
is not critical.
[0031] The separation between the three resistance breathing holes
on the top are selected with adequate separation such that an
adult's fingers can cover all the holes (enough room between
holes), yet are close enough together so that a child's smaller
hand can also cover all the holes. The distances provided herein
with respect to the hole locations are to the center of the holes.
The tolerances of these separations are not especially
critical.
[0032] The separation of the hole 112 closest to the mouthpiece
from the mouthpiece 116 is selected such that the air blowing out
of that hole upon exhaling through the apparatus will not blow on
or in the nose of an adult or child and thus will not cause any
possible unpleasant or irritating feeling from air blowing upon the
user's nose.
[0033] The position of the bottom reference hole is selected such
that it is unlikely to be accidentally covered by a user holding
the apparatus during use. Most of the time the user will have their
thumb on the bottom of the device with their fingers on top. Since
the thumb will be located near the mouthpiece due to the need for
the fingers to cover the top holes, having the bottom hole near the
closed end of the apparatus and thus away from the mouth will
ensure that the bottom hole will not be covered accidentally during
use. Alternatively, the reference hole may be placed in other
locations, such as on the same side as the resistance holes, or
offset from them by an angle, such as 45 degrees. As yet another
alternative, the reference hole could be formed through the closed
end of the cylinder body.
[0034] The apparatus has a rounded edge on the mouthpiece to
prevent a user from cutting himself, especially the tender tissues
of the mouth. Also, the closed end is rounded to prevent injury
from say cutting or scratching by any sharp edge. FIG. 1 shows
rounding 120 at the mouthpiece and rounding 122 at the closed end.
The amount of rounding at either end may be varied or the rounding
may be eliminated.
[0035] The preferred outer diameter of the apparatus (5/8 inch) was
chosen by a professional musician to be appropriate for both adults
and children.
[0036] The distance that the center bore extends past the bottom
hole is not of importance. It simply has to have a little distance
to prevent any interference with air flow through the bottom hole,
which is preferably about two bottom-hole diameters or more.
[0037] A thin neck loop may be attached to the apparatus to provide
the user a means of attaching the apparatus around their neck. This
neck loop allows the user to use, let go of, and quickly and easily
regain access to the apparatus.
[0038] The neck loop may be made of 1/16 inch diameter soft elastic
cord. Being elastic allows the user to easily put the neck loop
over their head, without entanglement in or damage to hairdos,
eyeglasses, ear-rings, and the like. Being soft, the cord does not
scratch or easily damage the neck. The cord length may be about 35
inches, which provides a loop that is long enough for adults but
not too long for children. Thus one neck loop has universal
applicability, for ease in manufacturing.
[0039] The loop is mounted to the apparatus by the simple but
effective method of providing a loop hole 118 through the closed
end of the apparatus. This hole does not intersect the center bore.
The hole diameter we use is 3/32 inch, but could be of other
diameters. The hole is made horizontally, so that the cord hangs
down from both sides when the apparatus is in use and the cord thus
does not interfere or get in the way of using one's fingers to
cover the breathing resistance holes. The cord is simply threaded
through the mounting hole and tied, preferably in a knot that will
not readily come undone, such as a square knot. The cord is heat
cut before threading through the apparatus, so that the ends are
seared and do not fray and will not unravel over time. The seared
ends allow one end of the cord to be passed readily through the
mounting hole, for ease of manufacturing. The seared ends also
maintain a good appearance of the end of the cords over time since
the cord ends do not fray.
[0040] The position of the loop mounting hole 118 is selected such
that the cord is out of the way of both the user's fingers and
mouth during use. Additionally, having the cord mounting-hole
through the thickest portion of the apparatus ensures maximum
strength and thus minimal chance of breakage of the apparatus even
if an unusually large force is placed on the apparatus by the
cord.
[0041] The preferred manufacturing method of the apparatus is by
injection molding using a strong plastic. Preferably, we use
polycarbonate. For aesthetic appeal one can add any of a variety of
color additives to make the apparatus virtually any desired color.
Our first product was a transparent blue color. Untinted
polycarbonate is very clear. Polycarbonate is very strong. A
variety of other plastics could be used. Machining the apparatus
could also be done. Injection molding has the advantage of lower
unit cost, but higher up front cost. Machining has the advantage of
lower upfront costs, but the disadvantage of higher unit cost and
lower uniformity of pieces.
[0042] The neck loop can be obtained precut by heat cutting from a
cord manufacturer. The neck cord is threaded through the neck-loop
hole of the apparatus and the cord tied in a loop. The diameter of
the neck hole is designed relative to the cord diameter for easy
threading of the neck loop through the apparatus during
manufacturing. The cord of the neck loop is heat cut, so the ends
of the cord is seared and do not fray or unravel.
[0043] Written instructions for the use of the apparatus may be
provided to users. The apparatus along with written instructions
may be inserted into a carrying and protective device of some kind.
We use a 3 inch by 51/2 inch dual-drawstring velveteen pouch from a
manufacturer for our carrying case and protective device. The
carrying case and contents can then be shipped to the user.
[0044] The entire apparatus was designed with ease of manufacturing
and assembling in mind. The only assembly of the preferred
embodiment after the plastic piece has been molded is threading the
neck loop through the neck-hole of the apparatus, tying the loop,
and inserting the plastic piece with neck loop into the carrying
bag along with printed instructions. Thus assembly is fast and
easy.
[0045] Advantages and features of preferred embodiments of the
present invention include the following.
[0046] The preferred embodiment increases breathing capacity. The
preferred embodiment increases breathing endurance. The preferred
embodiment allows increased control of the rate of air inhaled and
exhaled.
[0047] The preferred embodiment is simple. It consists of one piece
of plastic, plus a neck loop. The preferred embodiment is reliable,
because it has no moving parts. The preferred embodiment is
inexpensive, because of its simple design.
[0048] The preferred embodiment is compact, slim and short. It is
only four inches long and 5/8 inch thick. This enables easy
carrying, and storing. The preferred embodiment is lightweight.
This enables easy carrying, holding, and hanging around the
neck.
[0049] The preferred embodiment has multiple resistance levels, to
accommodate beginners through advanced users. The preferred
embodiment has four resistance levels, which has been found in
practice to be enough resistance levels to accommodate beginners
through advanced users.
[0050] The preferred embodiment has a convenient carrying case. Our
carrying case is a velveteen dual-drawstring bag of dimensions
about 3 inches by 5 1/2 inches. The preferred embodiment has an
attached neck-strap for easy access. The apparatus can be hung
about the user's neck when not in use, and thereby remain readily
and easily available when wanted. The cord that the neck loop is
constructed from is of soft but strong elastic (stretchable) cord.
The neck loop does not injure the neck of the user. The preferred
embodiment stores easily in the user's pocket or band or choir
binder, since it is so small and light.
[0051] The preferred embodiment has no pieces that extend or
protrude beyond the smooth body of the apparatus. Any such an
extension would be likely to catch on some external object and
break off. Such an external extension also increases the likelihood
of a user hitting himself or others with the extension and injuring
himself or others. The lack of protruding elements also eliminates
the possibility of the user injuring or hurting himself while
holding the apparatus during use. Additionally the lack of any
protruding elements will enable the insertion into and removal from
any storage container or carrier to proceed without any catching of
the apparatus in or on the storage container or carrier. The smooth
design of the preferred embodiment prevents all these undesired
possibilities.
[0052] The preferred embodiment has no moving pieces. The lack of
moving pieces greatly increases the reliability of the device,
especially after prolonged use and prolonged time of
possession.
[0053] The preferred embodiment is rugged, made of tough
polycarbonate. Of course many other types of plastic could be used.
Materials other than a plastic could be used too, such as metal,
PVC, glass, wood, etc. If plastic is used, the apparatus could be
transparent, translucent, or opaque.
[0054] The preferred embodiment is easy to clean. It may be cleaned
with warm water and soap. The smooth shape is designed to minimize
locations where dirt and debris might accumulate, and also make
removal of any dirt or debris easy. The large center bore makes
cleaning the center bore easy. The carrier bag also reduces dirt,
dust and debris accumulation on and in the apparatus.
[0055] The preferred embodiment is made from a plastics mold
injection. Many other means, however, of constructing the apparatus
exist.
[0056] The apparatus may be made in a variety of colors, or clear
(transparent). The color does not affect the functionality, but
will affect the aesthetic appeal of the product. Our initial
product is a transparent blue.
[0057] The preferred embodiment has no mouthpiece that goes inside
the mouth of the user beyond their lips, resulting in a simpler,
easier to use, and easier to manufacture apparatus. The mouthpiece
of the preferred embodiment has a mouthpiece that is placed between
the lips and extends slightly back into the mouth.
[0058] The preferred embodiment is suited for a wide variety of
applications in a wide variety of fields, unlike currently
available devices that are designed mainly for one field of
application, namely athletics.
[0059] The preferred embodiment may be useful for a person who is
hyperventilating. The preferred embodiment could be worn
substantially constantly, for use whenever desired. The preferred
embodiment may have applications for certain medical conditions.
The preferred embodiment has no unattached pieces to get lost or
broken.
[0060] The preferred embodiment makes no undesirable sounds
(squeaks or squawks). The preferred embodiment does make air
movement sounds indicative of the rate of air flow, which allows
the user to learn to control their flow rate of air when breathing.
This feature can be important to musicians. The sounds allow better
flow rate control during both exhaling and inhaling.
[0061] The breathing hole sizes in the preferred embodiment are
very stable. They will not change with use, jarring, time, etc.
[0062] The preferred embodiment may be useful for people who work
long periods of time in an office to help refresh and energize
them. The preferred embodiment may be useful for people confined to
wheelchairs or beds to have them exercise their lungs without
standing or moving.
[0063] Possible variations for preferred embodiments include the
following. The center bore as shown in FIG. 1 has a constant
diameter, but it does not need to have a constant diameter. It
could be tapered or have a variety of shapes. The shape of the
apparatus could be other shapes than cylindrical. Stickers or
printed labels could be used instead of the labels placed by the
mold.
[0064] An external loop attachment could be used. A variety of
attaching mechanisms could be used, such as a clip, a screw, or a
rubber elastic band fitting tightly around the body of the
apparatus. The cord could have its mounting hole at a different
location, at a different angle, a different diameter, etc. The cord
could be any of a variety of materials, such as string, leather,
plastic, nylon, etc.
[0065] A mouthpiece that extends significantly inside the mouth or
totally inside the mouth could be used. Either mouthpiece could be
permanently attached or be an adapter. The breathing holes could
have different orientations, diameters, and spacings. A different
number of breathing holes could be used.
[0066] One of a large variety of different types of neck loops
could be used. Different lengths of neck loops could be used.
Different lengths of the apparatus could be used. A different
carrying case or pouch or bag could be used. The apparatus could be
manufactured without a neck loop. The apparatus could have a clip
or other attachment enabling it to be attached to a pocket, a music
stand, a shirt, etc.
[0067] An internal seal that is movable could be used to select the
desired number of breathing holes available to the user. As shown
in FIG. 3, breathing exerciser 300 has resistance breathing hole
302. Moveable seal 304 can be used to either open or close hole
302. The seal could be moved by a variety of means, such as by a
rod with the seal on one end and the other end extending beyond the
body of the device so the user could use his hand to push or pull
the seal to the desired location. Alternatively, a screw could be
mounted through the closed end and the screw turned from the
outside by the user to move an internal seal to the desired
position. The internal seal could be a rubber plug fitting tightly
enough to prevent air flow past it but not so tight as to prevent
movement. Other seal mechanisms exist, such as use of "O" rings, or
the screw thread itself. In addition, the seal could be external,
although internal is preferable.
[0068] The labeling of the breathing holes could be different, such
as different locations, different orientations, different text such
as letters instead of numbers, icons instead of text, etc.
[0069] The apparatus could have an attachment or a permanently
affixed extension that would allow a mouthpiece of an actual
musical instrument to be positioned in close proximity to the
apparatus, so that the user could immediately switch from breathing
through a preferred embodiment apparatus to breathing through their
actual instrument mouthpiece. This may enable some musicians to
learn to breath better with their actual instrument mouthpiece and
thus with their actual instrument. An embodiment of this invention
could be attached directly to the entire musical instrument
itself.
[0070] The mouthpiece end of the apparatus could be formed such
that it directly accepts the actual mouthpiece of a wind
instrument. The fitting could be made permanently into the
apparatus, or an adapter for the appropriate mouthpiece could be
used so the user could gain the benefits of the apparatus but with
the use of their actual musical instrument mouthpiece. The
mouthpiece of the apparatus could be flared so that the user places
his lips inside or around the mouthpiece.
[0071] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
[0072] Moreover, the scope of the present application is not
intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,
methods and steps described in the specification. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the
disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines,
manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,
presently existing or later to be developed, that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to include within their scope such
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or steps.
* * * * *