Systems & Methods for Exercising the Human Respiratory System

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for improving pulmonary function in individuals and thereby improving the overall health of the individual. The present invention relates more specifically to systems and methods for exercising the human respiratory system using inhalation restrictive devices with regular daily exercise protocols.

2. Description of the Related Art

The human respiratory system is a biological system made up of the lungs and other connecting structures used for gas exchange during breathing. The respiratory surface is internalized in multiple air sacs within the lungs and the gas exchange in the lungs occurs in small air sacs called alveoli. These microscopic air sacs contain a rich blood supply, which brings outside air into close contact with the blood. Air must be pumped from the outside environment into the alveoli by the process of breathing. The process of breathing relies primarily on the muscles of respiration.

The lungs expand and contract during the breathing cycle, drawing air in (inhalation) and expelling air out (exhalation) of the lungs. The volume of air that moves in or out of the lungs under normal resting conditions is called the “resting tidal volume” and averages about 500 ml. Volumes moved during maximally forced inhalation and maximally forced exhalation vary greatly and are measured in humans by spirometry.

Not all the air in the lungs can be expelled during maximal forced exhalation. What remains is the residual volume (volume of air remaining even after a forced exhalation) of about 1.0-1.5 liters. Other volumes of air that can be measured include the functional residual capacity of about 2.5-3.0 liters and total lung capacity of about 6 liters. The rates at which air is breathed in or out, either through the mouth or nose or into or out of the alveoli also vary significantly. The number of breath cycles per minute, known as the respiratory rate, averages 12-16 times a minute in healthy humans.

While respiratory volumes of air certainly play a major role in a healthy pulmonary system, it is also known that pressure differentials in parts of the respiratory system contribute to the overall health of the system and therefore, the individual. Efforts to improve the health of the respiratory system therefore may be directed to both strengthening the respiratory muscles and creating a beneficial differential pressure in the lungs and thoracic cavity. Previous efforts to “exercise” the pulmonary (respiratory) system have provided complex breathing devices with moving internal parts that are subject to breakage and contamination with extended use. It would be desirable to have a system and associated method for exercising the human respiratory system that did not suffer from these issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods for exercising the human respiratory system using inhalation restrictive devices with regular daily exercise protocols. The present invention provides a set of Mini Inhaler mouth pipes organized and presented in a special case in a manner that allows the easy selection and use by the individual to carry out a daily routine of breathing exercises. The set of Mini Inhaler mouth pipes is structured to provide a range of restricted inhalation devices that the user may select from to optimize the breath exercise process. Each Mini Inhaler is generally constructed in a unitary tubular manner with a lip engagement aperture end and an opposing constricted aperture end. The tubular bodies of each Mini Inhaler mouth pipe incorporate numerical indicia to assist the user in the selection and repeated use of the mouth pipes.

The Mini Inhaler mouth pipes are organized in a case that positions each in numerical order and therefore in the order of inhalation restriction (ease of breathing) so that the user may not only test and select the optimal mouth pipe but progress through increasingly difficult inhalation devices as needed. The case preferably provides a base that separately cradles each of the individual mouth pipes and includes hinged lids separate for each mouth pipe. The hinged lids are ventilated and additionally include number indicia to assist in the selection and organization of the Mini Inhalers.

The methods of the present invention focus on selecting an optimal inhalation restriction device that, as with any physiological exercise, facilitates an improvement in the breathing process over time. The methods include initially selecting an optimal Mini Inhaler and using that selected Mini Inhaler repeatedly each day to improve respiratory function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a representative set of breath exerciser mouth pipes of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a breath exerciser implementation kit of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention shown with the breath exerciser mouth pipes positioned in the case with all case lids open.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a breath exerciser implementation kit of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention shown with the breath exerciser mouth pipes positioned in the case with five of the six case lids closed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a breath exerciser implementation kit of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention shown with the breath exerciser mouth pipes positioned in the case with all of the case lids closed.

FIG. 5A is a profile view of a representative breath exerciser mouth pipe of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a constricted aperture end view of a representative breath exerciser mouth pipe of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a lip engagement aperture end view of a representative breath exerciser mouth pipe of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of a representative breath exerciser mouth pipe of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is an angled perspective view of a representative set of breath exerciser mouth pipes of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a representative set of breath exerciser mouth pipes of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A & 7B are flowcharts showing the process steps in an exemplary embodiment of the method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made first to FIG. 1 which is a perspective view of a representative set of Mini Inhaler mouth pipes of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention. In FIG. 1 Mini Inhaler mouth pipe set 10 is shown to include six individual mouth pipes to be selectively utilized by the individual. Although a set of six mouth pipes provides an optimal range for the user, fewer or more mouth pipes in the set may be appropriate. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the set includes: No. 1 mouth pipe 11; No. 2 mouth pipe 12; No. 3 mouth pipe 13; No. 4 mouth pipe 14; No. 5 mouth pipe 15; and No. 6 mouth pipe 16. As described in more detail below each of the individual mouth pipes preferably incorporates numerical indicia to aid in the identification of the specific mouth pipe being used.

Each individual Mini Inhaler mouth pipe 11-16 is structured in a similar manner with only the constricted aperture ends varying significantly in geometry. Of the Mini Inhaler mouth pipe set 10 shown in FIG. 1, each has a different air flow structure defined by: No. 1 constricted aperture end 31; No. 2 constricted aperture end 32; No. 3 constricted aperture end 33; No. 4 constricted aperture end 34; No. 5 constricted aperture end 35; and No. 6 constricted aperture end 36. On the opposite ends of each mouth pipe 11-16 are structurally identical lip engagement aperture ends 21-26. The specific geometries and structures of the individual mouth pipes 11-16 are described in more detail below.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a breath exerciser Mini Inhaler implementation kit of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention shown with the Mini Inhaler mouth pipes positioned in the case with all case lids open. Mini inhaler kit 100 includes the full set of Mini Inhaler mouth pipes 10 shown and described above in FIG. 1. These include individual, numerically identified, mouth pipes 11-16. Each of the mouth pipes 11-16 is held in secure pockets formed in case base 42. To secure the Mini Inhalers 11-16 within the case, a parallel array of case lids 40a-f are moveably secured onto case base 42 with commonly aligned lids hinge 44.

Each case lid 40a-f provides a cover that when closed secures a respective mouth pipe 11-16 within the case. Each lid 40a-f includes an array of vent apertures 50 to allow for air flow through the case to dry the mouth pipes after use. Each case lid 40a-f also incorporates a magnetic lid closure top, represented in FIG. 2 at 48a. Mating magnetic lid closure bases (represented in FIG. 2 at 48b) are positioned on case base 42 to secure each of the case lids 40a-f in place to fully enclose the set of mouth pipes 11-16.

The method of using the present invention includes a process of selecting an optimal Mini Inhaler to best exercise the breathing process and anticipates changing the specific optimal Mini Inhaler being used over a period of time. The set of Mini Inhaler mouth pipes shown in FIGS. 1 & 2 should preferably be kept together as shown, even after an optimal Mini Inhaler is selected, in order to continuously provide the best breath exerciser routines.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a breath exerciser Mini Inhaler implementation kit of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention shown with the Mini Inhaler mouth pipes positioned in the case with five of the six case lids closed. Mini inhaler kit 100 shown in FIG. 3 again includes case base 42 with each of the Mini Inhaler mouth pipes cradled within the case. No. 1 case lid 40a is shown opened revealing No. 1 Mini Inhaler mouth pipe 11. The remaining case lids (No. 2 case lid 40b; No. 3 case lid 40c; No. 4 case lid 40d; No. 5 case lid 40e; and No. 6 case lid 40f, are all shown closed onto case base 42. Corresponding lid number indicia for each of the case lids 40a-f are provided and, in FIG. 3, are represented by lid number indicia 46 covering corresponding Mini Inhaler mouth pipe 16 (covered and not shown in FIG. 3).

Each case lid 40a-f is hinged onto case base 42 by way of a lid hinge 44 to allow aligned rotation of each case lid over the corresponding Mini Inhaler mouth pipe 11-16. Vent apertures 50 are shown on each case lid 40a-f that allow air flow through the case lid to dry the enclosed Mini Inhaler. Each of the magnetic lid closure structures for case lids 40b-f are covered in the view of FIG. 3 indicating the secure closure of the respective case lid. Magnetic lid closure half 48b is shown exposed in FIG. 3 as case lid 40a remains open.

Once again the methods of the present invention include the process of selecting an optimal Mini Inhaler for use. It is anticipated therefore that the user would access only one Mini Inhaler at a time after having selected the optimal device for use, which explains providing individual case lids rather than a single common lid to the case. It is preferable to be able to access the Mini Inhaler currently being used without exposing the remaining Mini Inhalers that may be used at another time.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the breath exerciser Mini Inhaler implementation kit of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention shown with the breath exerciser Mini Inhaler mouth pipes positioned in the case with all of the case lids closed. Mini inhaler kit 100 shown in FIG. 4 exemplifies the manner in which the kit 100 might be stored when not in use. With this arrangement and structure of the case, each of the individual Mini Inhaler devices is readily accessible by opening the specific lid covering the Mini Inhaler then being used. As shown in FIG. 4, case base 42 is structured to cradle each of the Mini Inhalers (not shown) and to receive the closed case lid 40a-f. Lid number indicia 46 again provide the user with the appropriate indication of the Mini Inhaler to be accessed. The use of number indicia on both the Mini Inhalers in the kit 100 and on the lids 40a-f is important as the individual Mini Inhalers are, at first glance, structurally very similar. As described in more detail below, however, the functionality of each Mini Inhaler is distinct based on not-immediately-apparent geometric differences in the constricted aperture ends of the Mini Inhalers.

FIG. 5A is a profile view of a representative Mini Inhaler mouth pipe of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention. In FIG. 5A, No. 4 Mini Inhaler mouth pipe 14 is shown in greater detail. Mouth pipe 14 is a generally tubular construction that includes constricted aperture end 34, tube body 74, and lip engagement aperture end 24. The hollow tubular body extends from constricted aperture 54 through to open aperture 64. As described above, each of the individual Mini Inhalers is structured in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, with only the number indicia and the constricted apertures varying from one to the next. Mouth pipe number indicia 47, with the numeral “4” in FIG. 5A, again provides the user with an immediate identification of the specific Mini Inhaler being used. Using different colors for the material that each individual mouth pipe is constructed from can further enhance the ability of the user to readily identify the device being used. In an exemplary embodiment, the No. 1 Mini Inhaler might be constructed from a blue colored material, the No. 2 Mini Inhaler from a green colored material, the No. 3 Mini Inhaler from a pink colored material, the No. 4 Mini Inhaler from an orange colored material, the No. 5 Mini Inhaler from a violet colored material, and the No. 6 Mini Inhaler from a red colored material. It may also be preferable that the numerical indicia portions of each of the case lids be constructed of colored materials that correspond to the colored materials of the respective Mini Inhalers.

FIG. 5B is a constricted aperture end view of a representative Mini Inhaler mouth pipe of the exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention shown in FIG. 5A. Mouth pipe 14 is again shown to be a generally tubular structure with No. 4 constricted aperture end 34 shown in the view of FIG. 5B. Constricted aperture 54 in this instance has a diameter D₁ that provides a specific air flow restriction during inhalation use of mouth pipe 14. The diameter D₁ associated with each of the distinct mouth pipes varies across a range appropriate for a wide selection of restrictive inhalation breathing devices. The optimal range of diameters used in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 6A.

FIG. 5C is a lip engagement aperture end view of a representative Mini Inhaler mouth pipe of the exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention shown in FIG. 5A. Mouth pipe 14 is again shown to be a generally tubular structure with No. 4 lip engagement end 24 shown in the view of FIG. 5C. Lip engagement end 24 defines No. 4 open aperture 64 with a open aperture diameter D₂. Constricted aperture 54 (with diameter D₁) is visible through open aperture 64 in the view of FIG. 5C. While No. 4 open aperture 64 does contribute to the overall flow dynamics of the mouth pipe 14, it is constricted aperture 24 that effectively restricts air flow during inhalation use in a manner that benefits the user's pulmonary physiology. While the diameter D₁ associated with each of the distinct mouth pipes varies as described herein, open aperture 64 diameter D₂ is consistent across the range of mouth pipes provided in the set. The optimal diameter D₂ used in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 6B.

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of a representative Mini Inhaler mouth pipe of the exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention shown in FIG. 5A. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5D, No. 4 Mini Inhaler mouth pipe 14 is shown to have the described generally tubular construction that includes constricted aperture end 34, tubular body 74, and lip engagement aperture end 24. The hollow tubular body extends from constricted aperture 54 through to open aperture 64. As described above, each of the individual Mini Inhalers is structured in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, with only the number indicia and the constricted apertures varying from one to the next. FIG. 5D shows the mouth pipe 14 to preferably be constructed from a unitary formed polymer plastic material requiring no assembly and containing no movable components (in contrast to many earlier “breath exercisers”).

FIG. 6A is an angled perspective view of the representative set of Mini Inhaler mouth pipes of the exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention shown in FIG. 1. Mini inhaler mouth pipe set 10 is again shown to include six individual mouth pipes to be selectively utilized by the individual. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the set includes: No. 1 mouth pipe 11; No. 2 mouth pipe 12; No. 3 mouth pipe 13; No. 4 mouth pipe 14; No. 5 mouth pipe 15; and No. 6 mouth pipe 16. As described above, each of the individual mouth pipes preferably incorporates numerical indicia (seen obliquely in the view of FIG. 6A) to aid in the identification of the specific mouth pipe being used. Once again, each individual Mini Inhaler mouth pipe 11-16 is structured in a similar manner with only the constricted aperture ends varying significantly in geometry. The specific diameters of the constricted apertures 51-56 are not as critical as providing an adequate range of diameters across the set. In general, the range should be from as small as 1 mm in diameter to as large as 10 mm in diameter. Of the exemplary Mini Inhaler mouth pipe set 10 shown in FIG. 6A, each may have a different air flow structure defined by: No. 1 constricted aperture 51 having a 1.0-1.5 mm diameter; No. 2 constricted aperture 52 having a 2.0-2.5 mm diameter; No. 3 constricted aperture 53 having a 3.0-3.5 mm diameter; No. 4 constricted aperture 54 having a 4.0-4.5 mm diameter; No. 5 constricted aperture 55 having a 5.0-5.5 mm diameter; and No. 6 constricted aperture 56 having a 6.0-6.5 mm diameter. On the opposite ends of each mouth pipe 11-16 are structurally identical lip engagement aperture ends 21-26.

Reference is next made to FIG. 6B which is a cross-sectional view of the representative set of Mini Inhaler mouth pipes of the exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention shown in FIG. 1. Mini inhaler mouth pipe set 10 is again shown to include six individual mouth pipes to be selectively utilized by the individual. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6B, the set includes: No. 1 mouth pipe 11; No. 2 mouth pipe 12; No. 3 mouth pipe 13; No. 4 mouth pipe 14; No. 5 mouth pipe 15; and No. 6 mouth pipe 16. Once again, each individual Mini Inhaler mouth pipe 11-16 is structured (as seen in cross-section) in a similar manner with only the constricted aperture ends varying significantly in geometry. The preferred diameters of the constricted apertures 51-56 are described in detail above. On the opposite ends of each mouth pipe 11-16 are structurally identical lip engagement aperture ends 21-26. As can be clearly seen in FIG. 6B, lip engagement aperture ends 21-26 are configured in a fluted manner that provides a lip engaging external structure and a venturi shaped internal structure. As mentioned above, it is the combination of the constricted aperture, the internal diameter of the tube body, and the internal diameter of the open aperture, that ultimately define the air flow dynamics of each Mini Inhaler. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6B, the open aperture diameter may preferably be in the range of 8-10 mm which combines with a fluted opening diameter in the range of 10-12 mm. The internal diameter of the tube body may preferably be in the range of 10-12 mm, matching that of the fluted opening. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these specific diameters described above are less critical than the importance of providing a range of diameters that the user may select from in making the inhalation step of the process easier or more difficult according to their individual needs.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 7A & 7B which are flowcharts showing the process steps in an exemplary embodiment of the method of the present invention. Process Step 101 shown in FIG. 7A starts with the initial exercise device selection process. At Step 102 the full set of multiple Mini Inhalers with progressively smaller openings is provided to the user, preferably in the easily accessible case that stores and maintains order to the set. The user starts at Step 104 with the easiest (largest opening) Mini Inhaler for trial exercise. Placement of each Mini Inhaler in the mouth between the lips is described in more detail above.

With each Mini Inhaler the user proceeds, at Step 106, to take a deep breath, hold for two seconds, and then exhale. The important part of the breathing exercise is the inhalation process through the Mini Inhaler and exhalation may be accomplished around the inhaler if the user so chooses. At Step 108 the user determines if all inhalers have been tested in the above manner. If not, the process proceeds at Step 110 where the user selects and engages the next more restrictive inhaler for trial. Once again, at Step 106—the user takes a deep breath, holds for two seconds, and then exhales. Once all inhalers have been tested according to Step 108 the user selects the optimal Mini Inhaler for ongoing daily exercise at Step 112. Once selected the user proceeds to the daily breathing exercise routine at Step 114.

Flowchart Connector B at Step 116 connects to the process shown in FIG. 7B. FIG. 7B shows the continuance of the daily breathing exercise routine with Step 118 wherein the user engages the selected Mini Inhaler and holds the same between the lips as described above. At Step 120 the user takes a deep breath, holds for two seconds, and exhales, just as in the selection process described above. At Step 122 the user determines whether they have completed five minutes or sixty breaths with the Mini Inhaler. If not, the user returns to Step 120 wherein they take a deep breath, hold for two seconds, and then exhale once again. Once five minutes or sixty breaths have been completed, as determined at Step 122, the user further determines whether they have completed the first or second round of exercise for the day at Step 124. If only the first round has been completed, the user proceeds to wait at least six hours as indicated at Step 126 and then repeats the process of Steps 118-122. Once the second round of breath exercises have been completed for the day, as determined at Step 124, the user finishes the daily breath exercise routine at completion Step 128.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific sizes and structures of the individual Mini Inhaler devices, those skilled in the art will recognize that some variation in the structure and geometry of these devices may be implemented without departing from the basic scope of the invention. While the specific number and set structure of the Mini Inhaler devices described herein may be optimal for a range of needs in exercising the human respiratory system, incrementally more or fewer devices in the set, including smaller and larger inhalation restrictive openings, are anticipated. Additionally, other structures for organizing the multiple Mini Inhalers that provide ease of access, quick identification, and sanitary storage for the system are anticipated. Such variations as to size and number of the Mini Inhalers all still fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.