U.S. patent application number 12/261007 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-25 for spirometer toy.
Invention is credited to Kelsey Bohman, Patricia Bohman.
Application Number | 20090159062 12/261007 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40787131 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090159062 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bohman; Patricia ; et
al. |
June 25, 2009 |
Spirometer Toy
Abstract
The invention provides a toy that functions to propel a
projectile through a tube at someone or something by exerting
sufficient air pressure from the user's lungs through the tube.
This action has the effect of challenging and building the user's
respiratory system, including the respiratory musculature and lung
capacity, through the repeated use of the toy.
Inventors: |
Bohman; Patricia; (Glenwood
Springs, CO) ; Bohman; Kelsey; (Glenwood Springs,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERIDAN ROSS PC
1560 BROADWAY, SUITE 1200
DENVER
CO
80202
US
|
Family ID: |
40787131 |
Appl. No.: |
12/261007 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11426189 |
Jun 23, 2006 |
|
|
|
12261007 |
|
|
|
|
60693652 |
Jun 23, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
124/62 ;
128/202.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/0282 20130101;
A63F 9/02 20130101; A63B 2220/56 20130101; A63B 21/0085 20130101;
A63F 9/0252 20130101; A63F 7/249 20130101; A63B 23/18 20130101;
A63B 21/008 20130101; A63F 7/066 20130101; F41B 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/62 ;
128/202.13 |
International
Class: |
F41B 1/00 20060101
F41B001/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising a tube having a mouthpiece on one end
and at least one aperture along the length of the tube.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tube is a circular
tube.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tube has a length between
about 4 inches and about 36 inches.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tube has a diameter
between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tube is composed of a
material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic,
polymer, laminate, resin, metal, polycarbonate and combinations
thereof.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the aperture is chimney formed
as a substantially perpendicular projection from the tube having an
open end opposite the junction with the tube and adapted to receive
a projectile through the open end.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a closure for the
aperture selected from the group consisting of a sleeve, a door and
an aperture tube.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a
crimped end of the tube.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a
material that is removably-engaged from the tube.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a
screen positioned within the mouthpiece to prevent an object from
moving from within the tube out the end of the tube trough the
mouthpiece.
11. A kit comprising the apparatus of claim 1 and at least one
projectile selected from the group consisting of a marshmallow, a
mini-marshmallow, a pea, a ball and a piece of foam.
12. A method of enhancing the respiratory system in a user
comprising inserting a projectile through the aperture and into the
tube of the apparatus of claim 1, placing the lips of the user on
the mouthpiece of the apparatus, and exhaling through the
mouthpiece with sufficient force to expel the projectile from the
tube.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/426,189, filed Jun. 23, 2006, which claims
the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/693,652 filed Jun. 23,
2005, which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to an apparatus with which a user may
propel projectiles using force created by air pressure from the
user's lungs.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] Spirometers are devices used to measure the volume and flow
rate of gas exhaled by a user or patient. These measurements are
important for physiological studies and for diagnostic analysis of
the pulmonary performance of the patient. For example, exhaled
volume and flow rate are often measured for people who suffer from
asthma, bronchitis, mucoviscidosis, or who have had lung
transplants. Especially for patients suffering from asthma, these
data are used to make estimates of asthma medicine dosages and to
anticipate an asthma crisis.
[0004] Spirometers are also known to have therapeutic effects in
that their frequent and continual use strengthens the diaphragm,
intercostal muscles and other muscles used to exhale as well as
building lung capacity. Unfortunately, it is difficult to motivate
the regular use of these devices to the extent necessary to develop
the muscles and lung capacity that helps to overcome asthmatic
attack or rehabilitate patients suffering respiratory illness,
particularly amongst adolescents.
[0005] Thus, an apparatus capable of stimulating the user's
curiosity and playfulness while aiding the development of lung
capacity and respiratory musculature is desired.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides devices capable of holding
the user's attention as a toy while strengthening the muscles of
the user's respiratory system through repetitive use. One
embodiment is an apparatus having a tube with a mouthpiece on one
end and at least one closable aperture along the length of the
tube. The tube is preferably a circular tube with a length between
about 4 inches and about 36 inches and a diameter between about 5
mm and about 20 mm. The tube may be composed of wood, plastic,
polymer, laminate, resin, metal, polycarbonate and combinations
thereof. The aperture in the tube is preferably between about 10 mm
and about 25 mm in diameter.
[0007] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a closure for the
aperture such as a sleeve, a door or an aperture tube. In a
preferred embodiment, the closure is an aperture tube slidably
engaged with, and disposed within the tube. In a similar
embodiment, the closure is a sleeve tube slidably engaged with, and
disposed around the tube. The closure may also be a door that
slides over the aperture in the tube.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a
mouthpiece formed from the crimped end of the tube. Alternatively,
the mouthpiece may be a material that is removably-engaged from the
tube.
[0009] In one embodiment, the tube includes one or more projections
forming a handle, a sight, a catch, a holder of additional
projectiles, a means of measuring and/or recording air pressure
exerted through the mouthpiece and/or a means of adjusting
resistance to the propulsion of a projectile from the tube. In a
related embodiment, the mouthpiece may contain one or more
projections forming a handle, a sight, a catch, a holder of
additional projectiles, a means of measuring and/or recording the
air pressure exerted through the mouthpiece and/or a means of
adjusting the resistance to the propulsion of a projectile from the
tube.
[0010] The apparatus may be configured to accept and to propel a
projectile selected from the group consisting of a marshmallow, a
mini-marshmallow, a pea, a wad of paper, a wad of gum, a ball and a
piece of foam.
[0011] A related embodiment provides a kit containing the apparatus
and at least one projectile such as a marshmallow, a
mini-marshmallow, a pea, a wad of paper, a wad of gum, a ball and a
piece of foam.
[0012] Another embodiment provides a method of enhancing the
respiratory system in a user comprising inserting a projectile
through the aperture and into the tube of the apparatus, placing
the lips of the user on the mouthpiece of the apparatus, and
exhaling through the mouthpiece with sufficient force to expel the
projectile from the tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 shows one specific embodiment of the present
invention fully assembled.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1, having an inner
aperture tube removed from the tube.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows one specific embodiment of the present
invention in which a crimped mouthpiece is provided at one end of
the tube and a handle is provided as one projection from the
tube.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a more detailed image of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1 in which the apertures in the tube and the inner aperture
tube have been aligned length-wise in the tube but are offset to
effectively seal the tube.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows another specific embodiment of the present
invention fully assembled.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 5, having an inner
aperture tube removed from the tube.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows another specific embodiment of the present
invention having an outer sleeve tube and no aperture tube.
[0020] FIG. 8 shows the top view of the embodiment of FIG. 7.
[0021] FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a specific embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
9.
[0023] FIG. 11 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
9.
[0024] FIG. 12 shows a view into the mouthpiece of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 9.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0025] The present invention is drawn to an apparatus that
functions to enhance the development or rehabilitation of a user's
respiratory function while holding the user's interest by the
provision of a means to propel projectiles at a distance.
[0026] The apparatus may include a tube having a closable aperture
and, optionally, a crimped end-piece that functions as a
mouthpiece. The aperture includes a closure that allows the
insertion and positioning of a projectile within the tube. In
practice, the user inserts a projectile into the cylindrical tube
through the aperture and secures the closure before putting the
mouthpiece end between the user's lips. The user then exhales into
the tube through the mouthpiece to propel the projectile out of the
end of cylindrical tube opposite the mouthpiece.
[0027] The tube may be of any length, but the typical length is
between about 4 inches and about 36 inches. Preferably, the length
of the tube is about 8 inches or about 10 inches or about 12 inches
or about 14 inches or about 16 inches or about 18 inches or about
20 inches. Most preferably, the length of the tube is about 9
inches.
[0028] The cross-section of the tube may have any closed shape, but
a circular or nearly-circular cross-section is the preferred shape.
Thus, a preferred embodiment is a cylindrical tube having an
internal diameter between about 5 mm and about 20 mm. Most
preferably, the internal diameter is about 13 mm. Similarly the
external diameter of the cylindrical tube is between about 8 mm and
about 30 mm and will vary depending upon the internal diameter and
the characteristics of the material from which the tube is
composed. Preferably, the external diameter of the tube is about 15
mm.
[0029] The tube may be composed of any suitably sturdy material to
withstand repeated use by a human user without significant and
rapid deterioration. This material should therefore be resistant or
at least partially resistant to moisture and the contents of
expectorated mucus and saliva that may accompany gases exhaled into
the apparatus. Preferably, the tube is composed of a rigid material
although, in specific embodiments, the tube may be flexible in
order to adjust the distance or direction of travel of a projectile
and to adjust the resistance that the user must overcome to expel a
projectile from the tube. The tube may be composed of wood,
plastic, polymer(s), laminates, resins, metals, combinations of
these materials and the like. Preferably, the tube is composed of
clear or translucent material(s) such that the user can judge the
placement and movement of a projectile placed in the tube. Most
preferably, the tube is composed of extruded polycarbonate which
can be made in many colors. The tube and any projections or
attachments to the tube may be produced by any standard technique
such as injection molding or extrusion.
[0030] The aperture in the tube may be of any size suitable to
allow easy placement of a projectile within the tube. This size
will obviously vary depending upon the size of the projectile
chosen for insertion into the tube. Preferably, the aperture is
between about 10 mm and about 25 mm in diameter. In a specific
embodiment, the aperture is between about 10 mm and about 30 mm,
and preferably about 15 mm, in length measured in a direction that
is parallel to the length of the tube. In this specific embodiment,
the aperture is between about 10 mm and about 30 mm, and preferably
about 12 mm, in length measured in a direction that is
perpendicular to the length of the tube.
[0031] The aperture must be closable to seal the tube sufficient to
capture the air pressure produced behind the projectile when a user
exhales into the mouthpiece end of the tube. Suitable closures
include outer or inner sleeves, doors, covers, and the like that
function to cover and seal the aperture. The aperture cover may
also contain projections, contact areas, dials or the like as
desired to make the aperture easier for the user to open or close.
In a preferred embodiment, the closure is a second tube slidably or
screwingly engaged with the cylindrical tube described above. Such
second tube may fit internal to the cylindrical tube described
above (hereinafter referred to as an "aperture tube") or may fit
around the cylindrical tube and be configured to slide over the
cylindrical and seal the aperature in the cylindrical tube
(hereinafter referred to as a "sleeve tube"). The aperture tube may
be slidably engaged internally to the tube. In practice, the user
introduces one or more projectiles through the aperture in the tube
of this preferred embodiment and closes the aperture by sliding the
aperture tube forward or backward within the tube to cover the
aperture, before blowing into the tube to expel the projectile. In
one preferred embodiment, the aperture tube has an external
diameter between about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm less than the internal
diameter of the tube and is slidably engaged within the tube. In
another preferred embodiment, the sleeve tube has an internal
diameter between about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm greater than the
external diameter of the tube and is slidably engaged around the
outside of the cylindrical tube.
[0032] In one embodiment, the tube is of a sufficient length to
extend beyond the end of the tube when slid into place to cover the
aperture in the tube. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the
aperture tube contains an aperture that is substantially similar in
shape and size to the aperture in the tube. In this embodiment, the
user slides the aperture tube within or around the tube to align
the aperture in the aperture tube with the aperture in the
tube--allowing placement of one or more projectiles within the
inner-most tube. The tubes are then slid such that the two
apertures are no longer aligned and the inner-most tube is sealed
along its length to allow the projectile to be expelled when the
user exhales into the mouthpiece end of the inner-most tube.
[0033] In another embodiment, the sleeve tube is of sufficient
length to allow the user to slide the sleeve tube along the length
of the cylindrical tube to expose the aperture in the cylindrical
tube, allowing placement of a projectile in the cylindrical tube.
The user then slides the sleeve tube to cover the aperture in the
cylindrical tube, thereby sealing the aperture in the cylindrical
tube to allow expulsion of the projectile by exhaling into the
mouthpiece on the cylindrical tube.
[0034] The aperture tube may be composed of any material compatible
with the material(s) composing the tube, including wood, plastic,
polymer(s), laminates, resins, metals, combinations of these
materials and the like. Preferably, the aperture tube is composed
of clear or translucent material(s) such that the user can judge
the placement and movement of a projectile placed in the tube or
aperture tube. Most preferably, the aperture tube is composed of
polycarbonate.
[0035] In a specific embodiment, the cylindrical tube does not
contain an aperture. In this embodiment, an aperture tube is
included which is slidably or screwingly engaged within the
internal diameter of the tube. This aperture tube contains an
aperture of sufficient size to allow a user to dispose one or more
projectiles within the aperture tube. In use, the user positions
the desired projectile within the aperture tube through the
aperture and then positions the aperture tube within the
cylindrical tube to seal the aperture in the aperture tube, before
expelling the projectile(s).
[0036] In another specific embodiment, the tube contains an
aperture that is closed with an aperture tube that is slidingly or
screwingly engaged over the outer diameter of the tube. The
aperture tube of this embodiment does not contain an aperture.
Rather, the user places one or more projectiles within the aperture
tube and then positions the outer aperture tube over the tube
including the aperture in the tube to seal the tube, prior to
expelling the projectile(s).
[0037] The mouthpiece end of the tube may be a shaped end of the
tube or of an aperture tube or may be a separate piece that is
shaped for comfortable contact with the lips of the user. A
preferred mouthpiece is formed by crimping or shaping the end of
the cylindrical tube into a flattened mouthpiece that is wider but
more narrow in cross-section than the cylindrical tube. Preferably,
the mouthpiece is between about 20 mm and about 50 mm in width and
between about 5 mm and about 30 mm in height. In a specific
embodiment, the mouthpiece is detachable from the tube making
replacement and cleaning of the mouthpiece easy for the user. In
another specific embodiment, the mouthpiece may contain a
projection or attachment that includes a means of measuring or
estimating the volume or pressure of air expelled by the user into
the mouthpiece. Such a projection or attachment may include
graduations or scales in addition to moving indicators to
effectively display an air pressure or relative air pressure
expelled by the user into the mouthpiece. In another specific
embodiment, the mouthpiece may contain a projection or attachment
that includes a means of adjusting the resistance that must be
overcome by the user to expel a projectile from the cylindrical
tube. Such a projection may include a dial or slidable adjustment
knob that allows the user to measure the resistance or relative
resistance required to expel a projectile from the tube. In a
preferred embodiment, the means of adjusting the resistance
required to expel a projectile from the cylindrical tube may be
locked or fixed in place over repeated uses of the apparatus to
expel projectiles from the cylindrical tube.
[0038] The cylindrical tube and/or the aperture tube may contain
projections suitable for different purposes. For example, the
cylindrical tube and/or aperture tube may contain one or more
internal projections that serve to guide a projectile in a specific
direction or to increase the resistance that a user must exert to
expel a projectile from the inner-most tube. Alternatively, the
outer-most tube may contain projections designed to act as handles
or to aid the user in inserting one or more projectiles into the
tube. The outer-most tube may also contain projections that aid the
user in directing projections expelled from the tube. In an
embodiment containing both a cylindrical tube and either an
aperture tube or a sleeve tube, either tube may contain a
projection that serves as a catch or lock preventing the two tubes
from being completely separated or disengaged. In a similar
embodiment, either of the tubes may contain a projection that keeps
the tubes from being slid or screwed apart beyond a point that is
predetermined by the user or manufacturer of the apparatus.
[0039] In a specific embodiment, the tube may contain a projection
or attachment that includes a means of measuring or estimating the
volume or pressure of air expelled by the user into the cylindrical
tube. Such a projection or attachment may include graduations or
scales in addition to moving indicators to effectively display an
air pressure or relative air pressure expelled by the user into the
tube through the mouthpiece end of the tube.
[0040] In a specific embodiment, the tube may contain a projection
or attachment that includes a means of adjusting the resistance
that must be overcome by the user to expel a projectile from the
tube. Such a projection may include a dial or slidable adjustment
knob that allows the user to measure the resistance or relative
resistance required to expel a projectile from the tube. In a
preferred embodiment, the means of adjusting the resistance
required to expel a projectile from the tube may be locked or fixed
in place over repeated uses of the apparatus to expel projectiles
from the tube.
[0041] In a specific embodiment, the apparatus may be formed from a
single tube without an aperture tube. In this embodiment, the tube
is formed with an aperture to allow the introduction of one or more
projectiles into the tube. By covering the aperture, the user can
then blow into the mouthpiece to expel the projectile from the
tube. The aperture may be covered with an object to form a
sufficiently-tight seal over the aperture to allow the projectile
to be expelled from the tube. In a preferred embodiment, the user
holds the tube in such a way to cover the aperture in the tube with
the user's hand. In this embodiment, the aperture is formed in the
tube in a way that makes it easy to both cover the aperture and
hold the tube with one hand. Preferably, the aperture is formed in
the tube such that a child may easily hold the tube and cover the
aperture in the tube with one hand. It should be noted that the
user is not required to form a perfectly air-tight seal over the
aperture in order to expel the projectile from the tube by blowing
through the mouthpiece. Instead, by covering most or all of the
aperture in the tube, the user can expel a projectile from the tube
by only partially covering the aperture, although greater air
pressure must be exerted through the mouthpiece to expel the
projectile from the tube if the aperture is not completely covered
by the user than would be required to expel the same projectile
from the tube if the aperture is completely covered.
[0042] The projectiles for use in the present apparatus may be any
small object that can be effectively and routinely expelled from
the tube using air pressure imparted from the lungs of the user
through the mouthpiece end of the tube. For example, the projectile
may be a ball, a marble, a rock, a bean bag, a pea, a small piece
of paper, foam, plastic or food. Preferably, the projectile used by
the user is a marshmallow and most preferably, the apparatus is
configured for use with a projectile that is a
"mini-marshmallow."
[0043] Using the apparatuses of the present invention, the user may
propel a projectile at someone or something by exerting sufficient
air pressure through the tube. This action has the effect of
challenging and building the user's respiratory system, including
the respiratory musculature and lung capacity, through the repeated
use of the apparatus. The user's repeated use is fostered and
engaged, particularly amongst younger users, through the challenge
and fun of hitting objects or people with the projectiles inserted
into the tube. This effectively engages the user in a repetitive
action and conditioning activity that may expand and strengthen the
respiratory system while overcoming the repetitive and often dull
activity of recurrent use of a traditional spirometer device.
Additionally, the user, and particularly older users, may
experience a sense of psychological satisfaction and relief in use
of the apparatus of the present invention. Thus, the device has
found use in anger management therapies in addition to the uses of
strengthening the respiratory system and the immune system and as a
toy as described above.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present
invention is shown wherein an aperture tube (20) is slidably
engaged within a cylindrical tube (10) that has a single end
crimped into a mouthpiece (30) and a projection (60) forming a
handle. The cylindrical tube (10) has an aperture (50) that can be
aligned with a similarly-sized aperture (40) in the aperture tube
(20). FIG. 2 shows the same embodiment in which the aperture tube
(20) has been removed from within the tube (10). The separate
apertures (40 and 50) are more clearly visible in FIG. 2. FIG. 3
shows the same embodiment in which the projection (60) from the
cylindrical tube (10) that functions as a handle for the user, can
be clearly seen. The projection (60) is attached to the cylindrical
tube (10) with glue capable of securely bonding the polycarbonate
parts. Suitable adhesives include epoxy.
[0045] FIG. 4 shows the same embodiment in which the aperture tube
(20) is slidably engaged within the tube (10) and the apertures (40
and 50) have been aligned length-wise along the tube (10) but have
been offset around the circumference of the tube (10), thereby
sealing the tube (10) and the aperture tube (20) such that a
projectile placed within the internal aperture tube (20) can be
expelled by exerting air pressure from the user's lungs through the
mouthpiece (30).
[0046] Referring to FIG. 5, another particularly preferred
embodiment of the invention is shown wherein an aperture tube (20)
is slidably engaged within a cylindrical tube (10) that has a
single end crimped into a mouthpiece (30) and a projection (60)
forming a handle. The aperture tube (20) has an aperture (40)
suitable for the passage of projectiles to be displaced within the
aperture tube. FIG. 6 shows the same preferred embodiment in which
the aperture tube (20) has been removed from within the cylindrical
tube (10).
[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, a preferred embodiment of the present
invention is shown in which a sleeve tube (70) is displaced around
the cylindrical tube (10) to cover aperture (50). The sleeve tube
(70) can be slid along the cylindrical tube towards the mouthpiece
(30) to expose the aperture (50). Projectiles can then be displaced
in the cylindrical tube (10) through the aperture (50), and the
sleeve tube (70) can be slid over the aperture (50) to seal the
cylindrical tube (10). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the
sleeve tube (70) is displaced over the cylindrical tube (10)
between the mouthpiece (30) and a handle (60). The mouthpiece (30)
is wider than the inner diameter of the sleeve tube (70) such that
the sleeve tube (70) cannot slide off of the cylindrical tube (10)
as it is trapped between the handle (60) and the mouthpiece (30).
This is seen best in FIG. 8, which is a top view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 7. From this view, it can be seen that the mouthpiece
(30) is wider than the inner diameter of the sleeve tube (70) such
that the sleeve tube (70) cannot slide off of the cylindrical tube
(10).
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 9-12, one embodiment of the present
invention is an apparatus (100) composed of a tube (150) having a
first end formed into a mouthpiece (110) and an opposite end (120).
The tube has an open aperture (160) of a size sufficient to allow
the introduction of a projectile into the tube (150) through the
aperture (160). The aperture may be formed in the tube along the
length of the tube (150) between the mouthpiece (110) and the
opposite end (120) of the tube (150).
[0049] The mouthpiece (110) may be a formed end of the tube (150)
or may be a produced as a separate piece that screwingly or
slidingly engages in one end of the cylindrical tube at a position
(140) between the first end of the tube and the aperture 160. In a
preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, the mouthpiece (110) has
a rectangular shape that can comfortably be placed in the mouth or
against the lips of the user. Preferably, the mouthpiece has a
screen (170) positioned within the interior circumference of the
mouthpiece to prevent objects of a size greater than the openings
in the screen from moving from within the tube (150) out of the
mouthpiece (110). The screen (170) may be formed as a separate
piece that fits tightly or is affixed within the mouthpiece (110)
or the screen (170) may be formed as an integral part of the
mouthpiece (110). The screen may formed with varying sizes of holes
in the screen. The smaller the holes in the screen (170), the
greater is the air pressure required to be introduced into the tube
(150) through the mouthpiece (110) in order to expel a projectile
from within the tube (150) through the opposite end (120) of the
tube (150).
[0050] The aperture (160) may take any form that will allow the
introduction of a projectile into the interior of the tube. In a
preferred embodiment, the aperture (160) is formed in a chimney
(130) projecting in a direction substantially perpendicular from
the tube (150). The chimney (130) is preferably circular and of a
height that allows a user with small hands to hold the tube (150)
in one hand while simultaneously covering the aperture (160) in the
tube (150) by covering all or part of the chimney (130) with the
same hand. Preferably, the chimney (130) is between about 10 mm and
about 80 mm in height as measured from the interior surface of the
tube (150) opposite the aperture (160) to the "top" or end of the
chimney opposite the tube (150).
[0051] The foregoing description of the present invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description.
Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention
to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and
modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and the skill
or knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the
present invention. The embodiment described hereinabove is further
intended to explain the best mode known for practicing the
invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the
invention in such, or other, embodiments and with various
modifications required by the particular applications or uses of
the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be
construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent
permitted by the prior art.
* * * * *