Lung, diaphragm and surrounding areas of the anatomy instrument training device and method

Abstract

A lung, diaphragm and surrounding muscles/areas of the anatomy instrument training device using a regulator including at least one weighted insert, a hollow chamber having a bottom and a top, wherein the weighted insert is positioned within the hollow chamber, and a tube, wherein the distal end of the tube is connected to the hollow chamber, and a user breathes into the proximal end of the tube. A method for exercising diaphragm and lung capacity, strength and control including exhaling air from a user's lung in a tube connected to a chamber, moving at least one weighted insert positioned inside the chamber; and regulating the position of one or more weighted inserts within the chamber.

Claims

1. A device, comprising: one or more inserts selected from a set comprising more than one insert; a hollow chamber, wherein said one or more inserts are positioned within said hollow chamber; a stop to prevent said one or more inserts from exiting the hollow chamber; a tube, wherein said tube is connected to said hollow chamber; at least one inlet to said hollow chamber to allow air from said tube to enter said hollow chamber; at least one regulator in said tube; and, at least one outlet to allow air entering the device to escape.

2. The device recited in claim 1, where there is one or more contacts between the at least one inlet in the chamber and one or more of the one or more inserts.

3. The device recited in claim 2, where said one or more contacts are connectively associated with a timer.

4. The device recited in claim 2, where said one or more contacts are connectively associated with an electronic display.

5. The device recited in claim 2, where said one or more contacts are connectively associated with a sensor.

6. The device recited in claim 2, where said one or more contacts complete a circuit connected to an electronic display.

7. The device recited in claim 2, where said one or more contacts interrupt a circuit connected to an electronic display.

8. The device recited in claim 1, where the at least one outlet is located in the hollow chamber.

9. The device in claim 8 where said at least one outlet is directed in a direction between perpendicular and facing a mounting plate to parallel to said mounting plate.

10. The device recited in claim 1, where said stop is adjustable.

11. The device recited in claim 1, where said stop is removable.

12. The device recited in claim 1, where the at least one outlet is located on the tube and one or more additional outlets are located in the chamber.

13. The device recited in claim 1, where there is one or more contacts between the at least one inlet in the chamber and one or more of the one or more inserts.

14. The device recited in claim 1, where the at least one regulator located in the tube is rigid.

15. A method for exercising comprising: exhaling air from a user's lung in a tube connected to a chamber; regulating airflow of said chamber with at least one outlet; regulating air pressure of said chamber with one or more inserts selected from a set comprising more than one insert and the user's diaphragm and surrounding muscles/areas of the anatomy; where the exercise is timed by a timer that is triggered by displacement from one or more contacts within the chamber by the one or more inserts selected from the set comprising more than one insert.

16. The method recited in claim 15, further comprising placing the user's mouth onto a mouthpiece connected to said tube.

17. The method recited in claim 15 wherein insertion and removal of one or more inserts are alternately permitted and limited through turning one or more set screws.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawings.

(2) FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the lung instrument training device.

(3) FIG. 2 is a front cut-out view of the weighted inserts inside the chamber of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 is a side view of a user preparing to exhale into the present invention while the weighted inserts are at rest.

(5) FIG. 4 is a side view of a user exhaling into the present invention while the weighted inserts are at the maximum travel position inside the chamber.

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention where the weighted inserts are suspended in air within the chamber due to user regulation of airflow.

(7) FIG. 6 is a top down view of the chamber with the weighted inserts removed showing the set screw/stop and contacts and chamber air inlet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(8) At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

(9) Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

(10) Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should be appreciated that the term breathing is synonymous with terms such as exhaling, inhaling, blowing, gasping, puffing, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.

(11) Exercising a user's lungs improves a user's breathing capacity and control. As with swimming and marathon athletes, training improves oxygen intake and the cardiovascular system. The present invention is preferably used for persons seeking to improve breathing technique and capacity. However, the lung, diaphragm and surrounding muscles/areas of the anatomy instrument training device provides support in numerous fields, including but not limited to, athletics, music, yoga, and medicine. The present invention also promotes greater lung control and strength.

(12) Adverting now to the Figs., FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a lung instrument training device 100 for a user to exercise their lungs. FIG. 1 illustrates three weighted inserts 102 enclosed within chamber 104. The chamber may be any shaped chamber as long as the weights are able to move freely within the chamber while blocking or substantially restricting the airflow. Weighted inserts 102 are preferably made of non-oxidized material, such as copper or stainless steel. However, any material may be used for weighted inserts 102 in the present invention. Chamber 104 is preferably made from plastic or acrylic. Preferably, the material is translucent so the user can view the inside chamber of chamber 104.

(13) Chamber 104 has a hollow center in which weighted inserts 102 are inserted through chamber opening 106 at the top of chamber 104. As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom portion of chamber 104 is enclosed. Tube connector 108, located underneath the enclosed bottom of chamber 104, connects to the distal end of tube 110. Tube connector 108 is preferably a stainless steel L connector use to connect chamber 104 to tube 110. However, any appropriate connector made of any suitable material may be used. The proximal end of tube 110 connects to regulator 109 which connects to mouthpiece 112.

(14) To use the lung instrument training device 100, a user places mouthpiece 112 to the user's mouth. The user then exhales, or blows air, from the user's lungs into mouthpiece 112. Depending on the training program selected, a user chooses to take a deep breath prior to engaging mouthpiece 112 to the user's mouth. The air exhaled from the user's lungs enters mouthpiece 112, travels through tube 110, and enters tube connector 108.

(15) The air then flows from tube connector 108 into chamber 104, filling the internal chamber of chamber 104 exerting pressure on weighted inserts 102. As the user increases the force of air exhaled into mouthpiece 112, the force exerted onto weighted inserts 102 increases. When the force of the air within chamber 104 exceeds the weight of weighted inserts 102, the weighted inserts 102 move along the length of chamber 104. If enough air is exhaled into mouthpiece 112, weighted inserts 102 travel through chamber 104 and stop at weight stop 114 or set screw 103. The weighted stop may preferably be a set screw, cotter pin or other stop adjustable from the front of the device. Weighted inserts 102 travel through chamber 104 due to the radial gap between the weighted inserts 102 and chamber 104.

(16) As shown FIG. 4, chamber 104 includes outer chamber surface 202 and inner chamber surface 204. The diameter of weighted inserts 102 is smaller than the inside diameter of inner chamber surface 204. The distance between the diameter of weighted inserts 102 and the inner chamber surface 202 is defined as air gap 206. This air gap is minimized, however, if the gap is insufficient, friction prevents the inserts 102 from moving. Air gap 206 provides the spacing needed to allow weight inserts 102 to travel through chamber 104 as air enters and fills chamber 104.

(17) The objective of the present invention is for a user to regulate the air being exhaled from his lungs, into mouthpiece 112, to suspend weighted inserts 102 within chamber 104. The user regulates the exhaling of air from his mouth into lung instrument training device 100 to regulate the travel of weighted inserts 102 within chamber 104.

(18) As shown in FIG. 3, weighted inserts 102 remain at the bottom of chamber 104, enclosed within the interior of chamber 104 when the device is disengaged. As the user exhales into lung instrument training device 100 with sufficient force, weighted inserts 102 travel within chamber 104. Although the travel of weighted inserts preferably occurs in the vertical position, an alternative embodiment allows the user to optimally vary the angle of operation of lung instrument training device 100.

(19) The airflow required by the invention may be further varied by one or more holes 107, regulators or valves placed on the chamber 104 and one or more holes 111, regulators or valves 109 inserted into the tubing 110. By enabling air to escape the chamber and or tubing these holes, regulators and/or valves enable the user and or instructor to regulate the airflow required to lift maintain the suspension of the one or more weights. In the drawings the regulators are depicted as three holes of varying size, but they may take any form that enable the airflow to be adjusted. The air regulator provides independent control of air flow from air pressure; air pressure being controlled by the number of weighted inserts, air flow by the holes on the regulator. There may be a singular hole or regulator or multiple holes or multiple regulators.

(20) The present invention is designed to train a user's lungs to increase lung capacity by regulating the amount of air a user exhales, i.e. breathes, into the device, to suspend weighted inserts 102 within chamber 104. It is advantageous to place the set screw, stopper, bolt, latch, hinge, switch, perforated stop or other adjustable obstruction toward the front of the device perpendicular to the user as it enables easier access and adjustment of the weights. The set screw or other stopper should be adjustable to enable the weights to be removed.

(21) Regulation of the air the user breathes into mouthpiece 112 preferably keeps weighted inserts 102 suspended within chamber 104. FIG. 5 illustrates a user regulating the airflow and pressure the user breathes into the present device to keep the weighted inserts 102 suspended within chamber 104. The user increases the air flow output to move the weighted inserts 102 higher within the chamber 104. Conversely, the user decreases the airflow and pressure output to move the weighted inserts 102 lower within the chamber 104. In the context of the present invention, airflow output is the amount of air a user constantly exhales from his lungs into the mouthpiece 112, tube 110, or other entry point of the present device.

(22) One of the many uses of the present invention is to aid musicians that must exhale air from their lungs into a musical instrument, such as but not limited to a tuba, saxophone, and recorder. A new user learning a musical instrument or voice needs to train his lungs to increase his lung capacity. This aids the student in playing complex or singing musical musician compositions.

(23) As with any type of training, practice is required. First, the user must establish a baseline. For example, a new student's lung capacity requires only one weighted insert 102 to properly regulate the weighted insert 102 in a suspended position within chamber 104. As the student uses the present invention with one weighted insert 102, his lung capacity increases. This training is similar to muscle training to increase muscle strength for athletes and weightlifters.

(24) For the user to increase lung, diaphragm and surrounding muscles/areas of the anatomy strength and/or capacity, a second weighted insert is added to the chamber 104 of the present invention. The user then attempts to regulate the two weighted inserts 102 in a suspended position within chamber 104. After practicing with the second weighted insert 102 added, the user's lung, diaphragm and surrounding muscles/areas of the anatomy strength and capacity increase. Additional weighted inserts 102 are added based on the specific needs of the user. The length of chamber 104 varies based on the height and number of weighed inserts 102 used.

(25) Maintaining the appropriate regulation of airflow output by the student into the input of the present invention exercises the user's lungs. The user who started with diaphragm strength and lung capacity to play a recorder, after training with the present invention, can now play an instrument that requires more lung capacity and breathing regulation.

(26) As with any training program, the number of weighted inserts 102 and the weight themselves are variable based on the needs of the user. Medical patients, such as those recovering from surgery or cancer rehabilitative treatments, will use the present invention to improve their lung, diaphragm and surrounding muscles/areas of the anatomy capacity and strength. The ability to adjust the number of weighted inserts and weight of the present invention provides a variable solution to improve a user's lung capacity, strength and control.

(27) In an exemplary embodiment, mouthpiece 112 is connected to the proximal end of tube 110. Mouthpiece 112 provides a smooth fit to the user's mouth when exhaling air from his lungs into the present invention. Although mouthpiece 112 is made from numerous materials, the preferred composition of mouthpiece 112 is rubber, plastic, silicone, or copper, or stainless steel. The mouthpiece 112 is a universally shaped cylinder with a small aperture but may also be shaped to mimic the mouthpieces of various musical instruments to better assist musicians training to use a particular instrument. The mouth piece may be made of various materials including but not limited to silicone, glass, plastic, stainless steel, brass and/or copper.

(28) In yet another exemplary embodiment, the weighted inserts are formed in the following shapes: cylinder, sphere, discus or cube. The present invention also includes a timer to keep track of the amount of time the user is actively regulating his airflow to keep weighted inserts 102 suspended. Moreover, instead or in addition to a timer, a metronome may be used for users to train regulating the weighted inserts 102 in a suspended state. A musician will use the counts of the metronome to know how many musical counts they can keep the weighted inserts 102 in a suspended state. This provides a measureable data point of how long the musician can hold various musical notes. The display for the timer and or metronome are preferably mounted on the mounting plate or otherwise incorporated into the device so that the user may view or listen to them as they use the device Sensors, contacts 113 and triggers in the device activate the timer, counter and/or metronome. Additional feedback may be provided by pressure sensors and/or gauges. In an example embodiment, one or more contacts at the base of the chamber complete or break a circuit to engage and disengage the timer, metronome, pressure sensor, and/or computerized and/or analog display. The placement of raised contacts 113 or a rough surface at the bottom of the chamber where the weighted inserts contact the stopper rest 121 helps to prevent the inserts from becoming stuck against the stopper rest 121, but the contacts may also be used to complete a circuit for the counter, timer, metronome, sensor, probe, or integrated computer. The stopper rest 121 is preferred to be made of rubber, or silicone, but be made of any material. Using a soft material reduces noise when the weighted inserts contact the stopper rest 121.

(29) In a group context, users of the present invention engage in competition to determine which user suspends weighted inserts 102 the longest by regulating the user's breathing into the mouthpiece 112. This use of the present invention promotes a competition that facilitates training the user's lung capacity. To maintain a sterile environment, mouthpiece 112 is disengaged with tube 110 and changed for each user using the present invention.

(30) A variety of users benefit from increasing lung capacity, strength and control using the present invention. Medical patients use the present invention to recover from surgery, traumatic injuries to their bodies, from diseases that diminish a person's lung, diaphragm and surrounding muscles/areas of the anatomy. Instead of merely exhaling or inhaling with a high force to test lung capacity, the present invention regulates the user's breathing using training programs to increase lung capacity. Moreover, athletes, such as swimmers and long distance runners, use the present invention to increase their lung capacity, strength and control for athletic events.

(31) Another exemplary embodiment includes attaching the chamber 104 of the present invention to mounting plate 302, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. A user holds the present invention substantially vertically in use. However, to use the present invention more effectively, chamber 104 is secured to mounting plate 302 using top connector 304 and bottom connector 306. Mounting plate 302 is optionally fastened to a wall in optimal position for the user to breathe into the present invention and view the weighted inserts 102. In another embodiment, mounting plate 302 is part of a carrying case that, when opened, turns into a stand. This allows a user to carry the present invention with them and use it a variety of environments without directly attaching the present invention to a wall, door, or other surface. It has been discovered that it is desirable to have magnets 117 on the back surface of the mounting plate to enable the device to be attached to metal such as those used in music stands. The magnets or similar attachment systems may be of varying strengths, sizes, shapes and configurations and are a preferred means of attaching device so that it is strongly attached and removable.

(32) Bottom connection 306 is a U shaped fastening device with bolts that connect the chamber 104 to the mounting plate 302. Similarly, top connection 114 may be a screw that travels through mounting plate 302 and chamber 104, U shaped fastening device, ring 105, bracket and or other fastener that attaches the chamber to the mounting plate or other surface. A nylon or silicone sleeve located within chamber 104 secures the screw, thereby connecting mounting plate 302 to chamber 104. The use of a nylon, silicone, or similar sleeve provides a stopping point for the weighted inserts 102, similar to stopper 114 or set screw 103.

(33) In another exemplary embodiment, the inner surface of tube 110, and corresponding connections, are lined with an anti-bacterial coating. Silver and copper are preferred anti-bacterial coatings. During prolonged use, the air passing through tube 110 includes saliva and bacteria from the user's mouth. These substances, when left to sit over time, breed bacteria that may cause disease or sickness to the user. Use of an anti-bacterial coating maintains a sterile environment for use by one or more users.

(34) The present invention also includes a method for improving lung capacity. A user selects the number of weighted inserts 102 to begin using the present invention and places them in chamber 104. The user places his mouth onto a mouthpiece 112 of the invention 100. The user exhales, expressing air from his lungs into mouthpiece 112, through tube 110 and tube connection 108, and into chamber 104. Next, the force of the exhaled air from the user moves the weighted inserts 102 that are located inside of chamber 104. The user then regulates the user's airflow into the mouthpiece 112 to keep inserted weights 102 suspended within chamber 104. The user may adjust the airflow required to maintain suspension of the weighted inserts by adjusting the outlet 107, regulator 109 or valves. When multiple holes 111 are used to regulate the device the user may cover one or more of the different sized holes to alter the airflow like a flute or recorder. Once the user is unable to continue regulating his airflow, the user disengages his mouth from mouthpiece 112, thereby causing weighted inserts 102 to rest at the bottom of chamber 104.

(35) Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.