DOCTORVOX: VOICE THERAPY AND VOCAL TRAINING DEVICE

Abstract

This invention relates to a voice therapy and vocal training device (1) which allows to perform both exhalation (phonation and breathing) and inhalation (humidifying and breathing) therapies and to humidify and treat vocal folds of a user. The aim of this invention is to provide a voice therapy and vocal training device (1) which aids in carrying out many features together (all-in-one) such as performing voice trainings, humidification of vocal folds, and being used as an inhalation and a spray device. The voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention prevents water from going down the user's throat during inhalation thanks to its special design.

Claims

1. A voice therapy and vocal training device for simultaneously humidifying a vocal fold and enabling training of the vocal fold, comprising: a container, having a body configured to receive a liquid to be used during the voice therapy, wherein the body is in the form of a closed box and has an inkwell structure, and has a form of a channel whose upper surface extends inwards and which is located around the neck; the neck, in a form of a channel extending outwards the body on the body and which accommodates the liquid in the body; a pipe unit, including a phonation inlet, wherein the phonation inlet is inserted into the liquid by passing through the neck and extending inside the body, and the phonation inlet allows a user to carry out blowing practices; a relaxing chamber, in a form of pipe surrounding the phonation inlet; wherein one end of the pipe extends towards the neck that is sealingly joined; and wherein the other end does not come in contact with the phonation inlet is narrowed so as to enter and stay in the neck, and provides the phonation inlet to be in a certain position without contacting with a base of the body; a breathing pipe, positioned on the relaxing chamber, wherein the breathing pipe is configured to ensure exhalation practices of the user and enable a transfer of the liquid to a mouth of the user to be difficult, whereas the transfer of humid air to the mouth of the user to be easier while inhaling.

2. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, wherein the container and the pipe unit are made of glass, plastic or silicone based durable materials.

3. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, wherein the container and the pipe unit are made of material or a mixture selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene block copolymer, random copolymer, polypropylene, polysulphone, polycarbonate, rigid PVC, rigid Pet, and rigid silicone materials.

4. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, wherein the container and the pipe unit are detachable and facilitate handling and washing.

5. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, wherein the body has a spherical structure for homogenous distribution and minimizing humidity accumulation on a surface.

6. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, wherein the body has an elliptical structure.

7. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, wherein the body has a cylindrical structure.

8. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, wherein the body has a prismatic structure.

9. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, further comprising: rough surfaces, configured to prevent water and air leakage from joints, wherein the rough provided on surfaces of the relaxing chamber and the neck contacting with each other during assembly.

10. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, further comprising: a bubbling end provided at an end of the phonation inlet inserted in the liquid in the body; wherein the bubbling end has a protrusive structure for ensuring that bubbles are created after a user blows air.

11. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 10, wherein the bubbling end has a sinusoid form.

12. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, further comprising: a bubbling hole provided at an end of the phonation inlet inserted in the liquid located in the body; wherein the bubbling hole ensures that bubbles created have different sizes.

13. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, further comprising: measuring lines that are located on an outer surface of the body; wherein the measuring lines allow the user to determine an amount of the liquid to be poured inside the body.

14. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, further comprising: a rack handle having an annular shape, thereby allowing the user to pass through them an elastic material; wherein the user can wear the elastic material around the user's neck; and wherein the rack handle can be attached to the elastic material; and wherein the user can perform therapy without holding the body.

15. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, further comprising: a support base, placed under the body and provides the container to stand stably without shaking.

16. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, further comprising: a nasal mask, engaged to he breathing pipe, wherein the breathing pipe directs humid air being drawn from the container to a throat through a nose of the user, providing humidity inside the nose in addition to providing humidity to the vocal fold.

17. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 16, wherein the breathing pipe enables inhalation of herbal products, essences, and medical products that are added into the liquid inside the container together with humidified air, allowing the user to undergo a treatment process, related to respiratory tracts effectively and easily.

18. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, further comprising: a tube, configured to equalize a length of the phonation inlet and a length of a vocal tract by means of being engaged to an end of the phonation inlet corresponding to the mouth.

19. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim 1, further comprising: a tube, configured to increase back pressure inside the phonation inlet by means of being engaged to an end of the phonation inlet inserted into water.

20. The voice therapy and vocal training device according to claim, 1 further comprising: a tube, configured to equalize a distance between a length of a vocal tract and a distance between a length of the phonation inlet by means of being engaged to both a first end of the phonation inlet going to the mouth and to a second end of the phonation inlet inserted into the water at the same time.

21. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0107] “Voice therapy and vocal training device”, which is provided in order to reach the aim of this invention, is shown in attached figures and according to the figures.

[0108] FIG. 1—shows a side view of a container of the voice therapy and vocal training device of this invention.

[0109] FIG. 2—shows a side view of a pipe unit of the voice therapy and vocal training device of this invention.

[0110] FIG. 3—shows a side view of the assembled state of the container and the pipe unit of the voice therapy and vocal training device of this invention.

[0111] FIG. 4—shows a view of the device in a state in which a tube is engaged to the phonation inlet and dimension of the tube is adjusted in another embodiment of the voice therapy and vocal training device of this invention.

[0112] FIG. 5—shows a view of the device in a state in which a tube is engaged to an end of the phonation inlet that remains in the container and the dimension of the tube is adjusted in another embodiment of the voice therapy and vocal training device of this invention.

[0113] FIG. 6—shows a view of the device in a state in which length of the phonation inlet, to which a tube is engaged, and the length of the vocal tract are equal to each other.

[0114] Parts in the figures have each been given reference numbers and the meanings of these numbers are as follows:

[0115] 1. Voice therapy and vocal training device

[0116] 2. Container

[0117] 2.1 Body

[0118] 2.2 Neck

[0119] 2.3 Rack handle

[0120] 2.4 Rough surface

[0121] 2.5 Support base

[0122] 3. Pipe unit

[0123] 3.1 Phonation inlet

[0124] 3.2 Relaxing chamber

[0125] 3.3 Breathing pipe

[0126] 3.4 Rough surface

[0127] 3.5 Bubbling end

[0128] 3.6 Bubbling hole

[0129] 4. Tube

[0130] 5. Liquid (Water)

[0131] x. Lower point of phonation inlet base

[0132] y. Entrance point of mouth

[0133] z. Larynx

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0134] The voice therapy and vocal training device of the invention which simultaneously humidifies the vocal folds and enables the training of vocal folds as treatment and/or therapy of professional vocal artists, and people who need to use their voice as part of their occupation or who have dysphoria basically comprises; [0135] at least a container (2) which consists of at least a body (2.1) in which liquid (S) to be used during therapy/treatment is poured in and which is in the form of a closed box; and at least one neck (2.2) which is in a form of a channel extending outwards the body (2.1) on the body (2.1) and which accommodates the liquid (S) in the body (2.1), [0136] at least one pipe unit (3) which consists of at least aphonation inlet (3.1), which is inserted into liquid (S) by passing through the neck (2.2) and extending inside the body (2.1) and which allows the user to carry out blowing practices; at least a relaxing chamber (3.2) which is in a form of pipe surrounding the phonation inlet (3.1), wherein one end of said pipe extends towards the neck (2.2) that is sealingly joined and wherein the other end does not come in contact with the phonation inlet (3.1) is narrowed so as to enter and stay in the neck (2.2), and provides the phonation inlet (3.1) to be in a certain position without contacting with a base of the body (2.1); and at least a breathing pipe (3.3) which is positioned on the relaxing chamber (3.2), ensures exhalation practices of the user and enables the transfer of the liquid to the mouth of the patient to be difficult whereas the transfer of humid air to the mouth of a user to be easier while inhaling thanks to the position and open phonation inlet (3.1).

[0137] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a container (2) and a pipe unit (3) have detachable feature, and this facilitates carrying and washing.

[0138] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a container (2) and a pipe unit (3) are made of glass, and glass, plastic or silicone based durable materials that meet hygienic and acoustic features due to hygienic and durable features. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a container (2) and a pipe unit (3) are made of styrene-butadiene block copolymer, random copolymer, polypropylene, polysulphone, polycarbonate, rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride), rigid Pet (polyethylene terephthalate), rigid silicone (medical grade) materials, and at least one material that is selected from the group formed of the mixtures thereof.

[0139] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body (2.1) has a spherical structure for the purpose of homogenous distribution and minimizing humidity accumulation on a surface since it is agonic. In a different embodiment of the invention, the body (2.1) has elliptical, cylindrical or a prismatic structure.

[0140] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, rough surfaces (2.4, 3.4), which prevent water and air leakage from joints, are provided on surfaces of a relaxing chamber (3.2) and a neck (2.2) contacting with each, other during assembly.

[0141] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a bubbling end (3.5), which has a protrusive structure, is provided at a phonation inlet's (3.1) end staying in the liquid in a body (2.1) for the purpose of ensuring bubbles after a user blows. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bubbling end (3.5) has a sinusoid form.

[0142] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, bubbling holes (3.6), which ensure formation of bubbles in different dimensions, are provided at the phonation inlet's (3.1) end that is inserted in the liquid located in the body (2.1).

[0143] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container (2) has an inkstand's structure which makes it difficult for directing liquid therein to the neck (2.2), and has a form of a channel whose upper surface extends inwards and located around the neck (2.2).

[0144] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, measuring lines that are located on the outer surface of the container (2) direct a user in order to determine the liquid amount to be poured inside the container.

[0145] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, rack handles (2.3) are provided on the outer surface of the container (2) which are in annular form, thereby allowing the users to pass through them an elastic material, such as a rope; wherein the users may wear said rope around their necks and wherein the rack handles can be attached to the rope; as a result the user can perform therapy without holding the (hands-free) body (2.1).

[0146] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a support base (2.5) is placed under a body (2.1) which enables the container to stand stably without shaking.

[0147] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a breathing pipe (3.3) ensures inhalation of herbal products, essences, and medical products that are added into the liquid (S) inside a container (2) together with humidified air, and allows a user to undergo treatment processes related to respiratory tracts effectively and easily.

[0148] A voice therapy and vocal training device of the invention is used for treatment of voice disorders, improvement of professional voice, and for the purpose of increasing voice efficiency, and has an “all in one” structure including portable, hygienic and standardized features. The invention is used in two ways:

[0149] 1. Creating bubbles through a phonation inlet (3.1), [0150] Being able to do breathing exercises by watching stable air bubbles formed on the water surface, [0151] Reaching the desired voice tone, [0152] Performing voice therapy, [0153] Improving functioning of vocal folds, [0154] Arranging of malfunctioning functions, [0155] Improving soft palatal functions, [0156] Improving lung capacity in some lung diseases

[0157] 2. Drawing air from a breathing pipe (3.3) [0158] Humidifying vocal folds [0159] Using some herbal products and medical products in airway treatments via dissolving them in water used in the system, [0160] Improving functioning of vocal folds

[0161] Functioning mechanism of a voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention operates in both ways as mentioned above. A phonation inlet (3.1) having 14-25 cm length and 8-10 mm diameter is the part for the functioning of vocal folds. Approximate length of a vocal tract in human body is about 14-17 cm. When a phonation is performed with the help of the phonation inlet (3.1) in 1-1.5 times length, 1.sup.st Formant that is wave phenomenon remaining acoustically is provided to get closer to the fundamental frequency. Thus, more efficient and comfortable functioning of the vocal folds is possible. A breathing pipe (3.3) is used for the purpose of humidifying the vocal folds which is the secondary function of the device (1). While a user draws air through the breathing pipe (3.3), bubbles will appear on the water surface under the effect of atmospheric pressure applied to the water surface through the open phonation inlet (3.1) and the intense air, which is humidified by passing through the water, moves towards the throat (the vocal folds) of the user. Thanks to atmospheric pressure which is applied on liquid/water (S) through the phonation inlet (3.1) and prevention of air leakage through both a relaxing chamber (3.2) and rough surfaces (2.4, 3.4), while a user draws air through the breathing pipe (3.3), leakage of liquid/water (S) inside the container to the mouth of the user is prevented and regular airflow is provided.

[0162] A voice therapy and vocal training device of the invention has many functions (voice, blow, voice humidification and spray/inhalation). One of the most important differences of the invention is that it provides a combination of both drawing and blowing. Shape of an exit of the breathing pipe (3.3), a relaxing chamber (3.2) and water/space ratio of the body (2.1) prevent splashing even in severe blows. However, the shape of an exit of the breathing pipe (3.3), a relaxing chamber (3.2) and water/space ratio in the main container prevent aspiration of water even in severe inhalation (drawing in). A phonation inlet (3.1) has approximately equal length to the vocal tract and has a rigid and slippery surface which does not absorb acoustic energy.

[0163] In addition to directing humid air to the vocal folds of a user according to the invention, humid air can be directed to the throat through the nose by means of a nasal mask to be used. Thus, humidification of inside the nose as well as vocal folds can be provided. Within the scope of therapies that are performed by humidifying the nose and the throat, herbal products, essences, and medical products to be able to be added to the liquid/water (S) inside a container provide a user to undergo efficient and easy treatment process.

[0164] A voice therapy and vocal training device (1) has a feature of a compact device which can be carried by a voice professional, can pose his/her voice by warming via carrying out voice exercises, and can be used for the purpose of therapy in dysphoria, and can humidify the vocal folds at the same time. Structural features of the device (1) are designed so as to prevent liquid/water (S) leakage from the container (2) during usage and prevent the splashing out of the liquid/water (S) while blowing as well as preventing water from going down the user's throat while drawing in air. Only humid air is added during humidification or inhalation of substance added to the liquid/water (S), and the liquid/water (S) is prevented from going down the throat.

[0165] Thanks to the level lines which indicate liquid (S) level that are drawn on the container (2), the liquid/water (S) amount that is poured inside the container (2) can be measured by a user and the liquid can be kept within specific measurements. Thanks to the ergonomic design of a voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention, the device (1) can be detached into two parts as a container (2) and a pipe unit (3), and can be carried by a user with the help of a bag safely and hygienically, and can be washed in a dish washer. As it has been prepared by a mold injection method, it is cost effective following initial costs and it's sales price is affordable by patients and vocal artists from all walks of life. It is unique and convenient for international trade in addition to being convenient for distribution to national medical companies.

[0166] A voice therapy and vocal training device (1) is a device which can solve problems in the state of the art via acoustic and aerodynamic features as well as applying standard treatment. People, who undergo voice therapy or singing therapy, need a device which has hygienic features, which is portable and which can be cleaned easily. Since the device (1) of the invention can provide humidification of the vocal folds simultaneously, the device (1) bridges an important gap. Moreover, the product becomes more advantageous in daily usages of a user since it can be hygienically maintained and stored, it is practical in use and disturbing events are not experienced. Comparing with conventional embodiments, the shape of the voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention and its originality and professionalism in use are extremely suitable for convincing a patient that the treatment has a supportive effect and making the patients believe in their ‘adherences to treatment. The use of the silicone pipe and glass tube in the state of the art can create a feeling of simplicity and inability to accept that the treatment is earned out healthily inmost of the patients. These factors play an important role in the treatment process. Therefore, the design created by the invention will increase the patient's belief related to healthy application of the treatment.

[0167] Tubes which are designed for humidification of the vocal folds have been provided in the state of the art. A few milliliters of water, which is poured inside a container in these tubes, provide humidification of breath and allow humidity to reach the vocal folds during inhalation. Comparing with these embodiments in the state of the art, high level of liquid/water (S) amount and special design of a pipe unit (3) in a voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention provide intense humid air and more efficient treatment process. Also, thanks to the design of the voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention comparing to conventional embodiments, it is not possible for water to go down to the trachea of a user. A voice therapy and vocal training device (1) is a compact device which can use herbal or medical products that are added into liquid/water (S) by means of respiration in addition to humidify the vocal folds.

[0168] The most important feature of the voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention is that features being provided by different systems can be provided by a single device (all in one). Within the use of the device (1) of the invention, it is possible to carry out voice training, and to humidify the vocal folds, and said device can also be used as an inhalation and spray device. While providing these functions, thanks to the design features, water splashing is prevented while air is blown in the device (1), and water is prevented from going down the throat of the user while drawing air (inhalation). Unlike existing technologies, the voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention has the following features: [0169] It is suitable for standard treatment protocols, [0170] It can be used and maintained hygienically (detachable parts can be cleaned separately), it is standardized, [0171] It provides practical carrying and protection features (It can be worn like a necklace and two hands can be free, it has a covered pocket and bag design). [0172] It provides intense humidification capacity, [0173] It has a special design so as to prevent splashing, [0174] It provides modular use (all in one), [0175] It is compliant with the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio in addition to being compliant with human anatomy in terms of measures.

[0176] The fact that higher proportion of liquid/water (S) is in a container (2) of a voice therapy and vocal training device (1) compared to conventional embodiments, gives high humidification feature to the air during inhalation. This feature allows air gap in the container to pass so that air can pass through the water and provides accumulation of intense humidity in the container space due to the spout. The pipe unit (3) and the container (2) can be cleaned by being detached in the voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention. When the pipe unit (3) and the container (2) are assembled, air and water cannot leak thanks to rough surfaces (2.4, 3.4) in joints. The container (2) can be in circular, elliptical, prism forms. Dimensions (length, width, depth) of the voice therapy and vocal training device (1) are set according to the Fibonacci numbers and the golden ratio common in nature. For example, following dimensions are set: the height of the container is 8 cm, the diameter is 13 cm; the distance between the breathing pipe and container is 5 cm; length of the breathing pipe is 5 cm; the length of the phonation inlet is 21 cm, the radius of the curved surface is 13 cm, and the length is 8 cm. Although these numerical values are measurements used in a preferred embodiment of the invention, they change according to the user's physical characteristics (age, sex, etc.).

[0177] The voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention is made of glass, or glass, plastic or silicone based durable materials that meet hygienic and acoustic features. Styrene-butadiene block copolymer, random copolymer, polypropylene, polysulphone, polycarbonate, rigid PVC, rigid Pet, rigid silicone materials can be used as an alternative to this embodiment.

[0178] The voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention can enable therapy to be carried out without using the user's hands (hands-free) thanks to rack handles (2.3). Also, a nasal mask, which is used, provides drawing air from the nose and humidifying the nose together with the vocal folds. Herbal products which will be added into the water inside the container (2) can be used as a throat spray pulverizator by spraying to the throat.

[0179] In an embodiment of the voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention, a tube (4) (pipe) is engaged to a phonation inlet's end going to the mouth. This tube (4) is preferably made of a silicone material. Length of the vocal tract in men is approximately 17 cm while in women it is approximately 14 cm. Length of the vocal tract is even shorter in children. Consequently, in order to be able to blow voice at a length, close to the length of vocal tract, a silicone tube (4) is engaged to an end of the phonation inlet (3.1) of the voice therapy and vocal training device (1) by being cut at desired length. Thus, the length (distance between x and y) of a phonation inlet and the length of the vocal tract (distance between y and z) are equal.

[0180] In another embodiment of the voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention, a tube (4) (pipe) is engaged to a phonation inlet's (3.1) end that is inserted into water. This tube (4) is preferably made of silicone material. It is aimed to increase the back pressure inside the phonation inlet via the silicone tube (4) engaged to the phonation inlet's end that is inserted into water. Adjustability of the back pressure inside the phonation inlet facilitates operation at different pressures. Because, increasing water depth, which is another way to increase pressure, increases back pressure up to a certain level. However, the more water is increased, the more possibility of spraying water out increases. Accordingly, the situation will be prevented and back pressure inside the tube will be increased thanks to silicone tube, which is added to the phonation inlet's (3.1) end that is inserted into the water. In another embodiment of the invention, silicone tube (4) is engaged to both the phonation inlet's (3.1) end going to the mouth and the phonation inlet's (3.1.) end that is inserted into water at the same time.

[0181] The voice therapy and vocal training device (1) has a potential to address a large mass of people. The absence of a similar product, domestically and abroad, provides the opening of a new field in terms of the market: [0182] a) All voice professionals are the target group. Teachers, singers, call center agents, lawyers, religious officials constitute a significant share among the users of the device of the invention. The workforce loss caused by the dysphonia in the target group can be reduced with a cheap and practical method thanks to therapies to be applied regularly by the voice therapy and vocal training device. [0183] b) Use of the voice therapy and vocal training device (1) is an ideal and safe treatment device for patients with dysphonia apart from professional voice users. Medical companies can deliver this product to patients being treated for dysphonia. Hospitals providing voice therapy can provide the device to patients for therapeutic purposes keeping the product in their stocks. [0184] c) Finally, the voice therapy and vocal training device (1) of the invention is an ideal product for the ones who want to use their voice correctly and effectively, and improve their communication skills.