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  Spirometer toyUSPTO Application #: 20070042870Title: 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. (end of abstract)
Agent: Sheridan Ross PC - Denver, CO, US Inventor: Patricia J. Bohman USPTO Applicaton #: 20070042870 - Class: 482011000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, For Head Or Neck, Face (e.g., Jaw, Lip, Etc.) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070042870. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application 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. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [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 THE 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 THE 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 THE 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. Continue reading... Full patent description for Spirometer toy Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Spirometer toy patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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