Blowing device

A blowing device useful for acquisition of blowing and/or aspiring abilities, wherein the user is directed to blow and/or aspire is a predetemined manner. This novel devise comprising an envelope; at least one movable element located inside the inner portion of said envelope; a maneuverable tube of an open bore, having a proximal portion and a distal portion; said tube is protruded into said envelope at the proximal end and extended to a mouthpiece, adapted to be in communication with said user mouth; the distal portion of said tube is further extended into the inner portion of the envelope; wherein said movable element is directed to move in a predetermined course by a means of the blowing and/or aspiration characteristics.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a blowing device useful for acquisition of blowing and/or aspiring abilities. More particularly, the present invention relates to a blowing trainer, also useful as a blowing game, and to a method for using the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The respiratory system allows us to breathe. It also supplies oxygen to the blood and removes carbon dioxide from our bodies. When we breathe in, our lungs take in oxygen. When we breathe out, our lungs remove carbon dioxide and water from our bodies. The nose, mouth, windpipe, lungs and diaphragm are all parts of the respiratory system. The diaphragm is a large muscle, which controls our breathing. When the diaphragm moves down, air is pulled into the lungs. When the diaphragm moves up, air is pushed out of the lungs.

From the medical point of view, the ability to blow and to aspire is affected by facial nerve or central nerve system (CNS) lesions, and cardiorespiratory diseases that effect the breathing mechanism. Facial nerve paralysis and CNS lesions cause weakness of the mimic muscles. To blow and to aspire is an important part of the training for patients with, atelectasis, pneumothorax or facing thoracic surgery and in prevention of complications for those who have to remain bed ridden for a long period.

Rehabilitation plays a primary role in improving patients' quality of life, since some would have difficulties in performing daily activities such as talking (disartia), kissing, blowing, aspiring, whistling and sipping, therefore causing a psycho-social life alteration. Two types of muscular therapy are known: passive therapy, wherein the therapist generates the movements, and active therapy, wherein the patient exercises the relevant muscles voluntarily. The patients usually lack incentive for the required daily practice of those exercises and the motivation or recovery is not always enough. This requires a strong will and patience, since the results are not immediate. The patients' attitude to the acquisition, and honing of ability are associated to their own illness. Unclear sentence. This situation usually causes feeling of sadness, depression and even resistance to the medical indication of rehabilitation.

From the musical-training point of view, for centuries wind instrumentalists have been interested only in respiratory muscles and embouchure control. They have had no concept of input or feedback from receptors of both airflow and vibration of instruments. It is acknowledged in this respect that wind instruments are usually divided into four groups by shape of mouthpiece: Hole, wherein the players direct the air stream across the hole in order to bounce off the sharp edge causing it to vibrate; Flute; Reed, wherein sounds are made by vibrations of a single or double reed attached to the mouthpiece; clarinet, saxophone, oboe and faggot belong to this group; Cup, wherein sounds are made by vibrations of player's lips in the mouthpiece. Trumpet, horn and trombone belong to this group; and a straw-like windpipe mouthpiece (i.e. ‘windpipe’). Hence, whistle, harmonica and bagpipe are also wind instruments that are sometimes played during both expiration and inspiration through the instrument.

Lastly, from the game-oriented point of view, several blowing devices and toys have previously been presented in the art Thus for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,587 to Marino disclosed a blowgun toy car launcher, U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,346 to Sheng disclosed an open mouth blowing bubble toy and U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,482 to Di Pietro disclosed a toy blowgun.

Nevertheless, a cost effective, easy to handle, toddler-oriented blowing device adapted to provide the improvement or rehabilitation of respiratory related organs, for musical training etc has never been presented before.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the purpose of the present invention to provide a blowing device, adapted for a user to blow and/or aspire in a predetermined manner. Said device comprises an envelope, at least one movable element located inside the inner portion of said envelope, and a directable (e.g., tunable, adjustable, moveable, turnable and/or calibrateable-) tube of open bore. Said tube has a proximal portion and a distal portion. It protrudes into said envelope at the proximal end and extends to a mouthpiece, adapted to be in communication with said user mouth; the distal portion of said tube is further extended into the inner portion of the envelope. Said moveable element is directed to move in a predetermined course by a means of the blow and/or aspiration characteristics.

The present invention also relates to a rehabilitation device as defined above, adapted to provide the improvement or rehabilitation of respiratory related organs. Those respiratory related organs are preferably selected from facial motility muscles, nose, mouth, larynx, windpipe, lungs and diaphragm. This device is adapted to improve or to rehabilitate respiratory related organs by a means selected from the group of improving ventilation, decreasing air trapping in the lungs, decreasing the work of breathing, improving breathing patterns and causing general relaxation, coordinating diaphragm movement when breathing, causing less effort to be required for breathing and less energy to be used for breathing or any combination thereof.

The present invention also relates to a training device as defined above, adapted to embouchure control. It is also in the scope of the present invention to provide a musical training device as defined above, wherein the mouthpiece is shaped as a hole; single, double or multiple reed system; a cup; a straw-like windpipe or any combination thereof.

The present invention also relates to a device as defined above, wherein the envelope comprises one or more handles so the user is able to hold the device effectively and hence to guide said envelope to a desired orientation, so that the moveable element is directed to move in a predetermined course. In addition, the present invention also relates to a device as defined above, wherein at least the distal portion of the tube is tunable, so the moveable element is directed to move in a predetermined course by a means of directing the distal portion of the tube while blowing and/or aspiring towards the element, the inner portion of the envelope or any combination thereof.

The present invention also relates to a device as defined above, additionally comprising at least one attachment or auxiliary located in the inner portion of the envelope. Preferably, at least one attachment or auxiliary comprises an actuation means. According to one aspect of the present invention, the moveable portion is directed to move by means of at least one attachment or auxiliary located in the inner portion of the envelope.

The present invention also relates to a device as defined above, wherein the envelope comprises one or more inlet and/or outlet openings, wherein either the moveable elements or the wind is directed to pass through said opening; wherein the envelope is either rigid or at least partially flexible; wherein the envelope comprises a square patterned shape, polygonal shape, rounded shape or any combination thereof, and/or further wherein the envelope is at least partially transparent.

The present invention also relates to a device as defined above, wherein the envelope comprises a false base. Preferably, the false base comprises at least one apex, curve, pathway, trail, slopes, recess, slot, opening, attachment and/or auxiliaries of any kind or size, drawn patterns or any combination thereof.

The present invention also relates to a device as defined above, wherein the tube comprises at least one attachment selected from valve; unidirectional valve; pipe; sound-maker unit, weathercock-like member; indicator; flow or flux meters, a filtering means or any combination thereof.

The present invention also relates to a blowing game comprising the device as defined in any of the above. Preferably, said game comprises at least one moveable element, attachment and/or auxiliaries located in the inner portion of the envelope provided for a ball game, selected from yet not limited to football-like, basketball-like, volleyball-like, racquetball-like, polo-like, handball-like, softball-like, slot-ball like, tennis-like, ping-pong-like, bowling-like, shooting-like or any combination thereof. Said gane may additionally or alternatively be comprised of any other game, as such as 2D or 3D labyrinth-escaping games, running, racing, car racing or any combination thereof. The aforementioned device or game may additionally comprise a scoreboard.

It is another goal of the present invention to provide a method, generally useful for improving the blowing and/or respiring characteristics by means of a feed-back device defined in any of the above, comprising a plurality of blowing and/or respiring efforts in such a manner that the moveable elements are directed to move in a predetermined course.

The present invention also relates to a method as defined above, especially useful for rehabilitation and/or improvement of the respiratory related organs. Additionally or alternatively, said method is especially useful for rehabilitation and/or improvement of the respiratory related organs, for muscle therapy, wherein the patient exercises the relevant muscles voluntarily, for embouchure control and/or for musical training. Moreover, said method provides a useful means for speech therapy and for voice training.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a side view of the inner portion of the device according to said embodiment, especially adapted for basketball-like game;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a side view of the inner portion of the device according to said embodiment, especially adapted for bowling-like game;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a side view of the inner portion of the device according to said embodiment, especially adapted for a multiple basketball-like and/or shooting-like game;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a side view of the inner portion of the device according to said embodiment, especially adapted for football-like game;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a side view of the inner portion of the device according to said embodiment, especially adapted for another type of multiple basketball-like and/or shooting-like game;

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a side view of the inner portion of the device according to said embodiment, comprising a plurality of obstacles.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a side view of the inner portion of the device according to said embodiment, comprising an elongated labyrinth.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a side view of the inner portion of the device according to said embodiment, comprising a circular labyrinth.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a side view of the device according to said embodiment, held by its user, wherein the tube is directed downwards; and

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a side view of the device according to said embodiment, held by its user, wherein the tube is directed upwards.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following description is provided, along all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically as a blowing device.

This novel blowing-device is highly useful for acquisition of blowing and/or aspiring abilities. More specifically, the blowing device provides the patient with a stimulus to perform facial motility exercises and/or breathing rehabilitation. This blowing device also provides a system of games and toys for alternative and/or complementary rehabilitation. Moreover, it provide the patient and health professionals with a range of possibilities for effectively assisting the patient.

This blowing device also comprises means to be used as a toy or a game. Hence, the toys include a variety of adaptive games according to each patient's choice. In using toys and games, the patients involve themselves with amusing goals, which increase motivation to perform the exercises. The immediate bonus of the pleasure of playing connects the patient with his health goals. In addition, since the toys and games can be shared, the loneliness conventional rehabilitation is alleviated. The blowing device is light and adaptable to almost any physical limitation that the patient could present. It can be used at home, at a health center or any other chosen place. Moreover, the blowing device is comfortable and easy for use both indoors and outdoors, at any moment, facilitating patient's independence. Patients geographically remote from the rehabilitation centers can use this product to obtain the required assistance. Lastly, the blowing device hereto presented is a product easy to understand, easy to use, easy to manufacture and low-cost.

The present invention provides for a novel blowing-device, generally useful for blowing and/or aspiring training. Said device is especially useful to provide the enhancement or rehabilitation of respiratory related organs in that it improves ventilation, decreases air trapping in the lungs, decreases the work of breathing, improves breathing patterns and causes general relaxation. In addition, the aforementioned device strengthens the diaphragm, coordinates diaphragm movement when breathing, causes less effort to be required for breathing and less energy to be used for breathing. The respiratory related organs defined above are selected, yet not limited to facial motility muscles, nose, mouth, windpipe, lungs and diaphragm.

Moreover, the term ‘respiratory related organs’ also relates in the present invention to any of the facial nerves and/or the central nerve system (CNS) as well as to any member of the cardiorespiratory system, which directly or indirectly affects the breathing mechanism.

The terms ‘blowing’ and/or ‘aspiring’ are denoted in the present invention interchangeably to include all known terms of breathing, including inspiration and/or expiration, wherein inspiration is the mechanism by which air is brought into the lungs, and expiration is the mechanism by which air is moved out from the lungs.

As set forth above, the patients’ acquisition, recovery and/or training of predetermined breathing abilities are undertaken in the context of their particular illness, and therefore tedious exercises are not required by the patients daily and/or for long periods of time. Similarly, musical players, especially toddlers taking their first musical steps, whose instrumental playing level is insufficient to produce noticeable musical sounds or tunes or melodies, have difficulties in improving their embouchure quality and breathing abilities. Thus, the present invention provides a wide and novel range of blowing games and breathing related toys, thus presenting parents and other trainers with a stimulating means to rehabilitate, improve, control and/or train children using feedback. This game, toy or training device is easy to use, easy to handle, easy to manufacture, cost effective and can be use either indoors or outdoors. This device comprises a mouthpiece in free communication with the inner portion of an envelope and at least one movable element located inside said envelope. The movable element is further adapted to be activated in a predetermined course whenever blowing and/or aspiration is provided via said mouth piece.

Reference is made now to FIG. 1, presenting one embodiment (1) of the present invention. This blowing toy is characterized in the manner defined above, wherein it comprises the following three ingredients:

    • (a) an envelope (2);
    • (b) an assembly of at least one movable element (10a-10c) and a predetermined course located in the inner portion of said envelope (11); and
    • (c) a mouth piece; comprising at least one inlet or outlet orifice in communication with the player's mouth.

The envelope (2) comprises a proximal side (P), positioned towards the user (i.e., the blower, the respirator, the player etc) and a distal side (D), positioned in the opposite direction. Envelope (2) comprises at least one opening (6) adapted for wind inlet, and preferably another opening (11), adapted for wind outlet The envelope further comprises a set of handles (9a and 9b), whereat the user as defined above grasps the envelope while blowing wind.

A mouthpiece (3) is attached to the proximal portion of an open-bore tube (4p). The tube is extended into the envelope via opening (6) in such a manner that its distal portion (4d) is directed towards the movable elements (10a-10c). The orientation of either the tube (4) and/or the mouthpiece located at the proximal portion of said tube are preferably adapted to be directed by the user, so the blown and/or respired wind is to be targeted effectively so that the movable elements shall be activated in a desired course and/or to a desired measure.

It is in the core of the present invention thus to effect, to regulate and/or to influence the course and/or the measure of movement of at least a portion of the movable elements described above by means of the blowing/respiration and/or by the manner of said blowing/respiration. Preferably, said regulation and/or influence is provided so the activation of said portion of the movable elements is a function of the blowing/respiration characteristics.

Hence for example, sharp blowing elevates the movable elements towards a predetermined goal, while moderate blowing directs the element smoothly forwards. Another example is that by a sequence of ‘staccato-like’ blows, said element is directed through a predetermined 3D labyrinth while a ‘legato-like’ blow elevates said element upward, out of said labyrinth. Another example is that by a sequence of ‘staccato-like’ respiration efforts of a predetermined measure, said element is directed in a zigzag trail, slalom, and/or an upward-downward winding pathway.

The open-bore tube may be ended in its proximal rim with an integrally attached mouthpiece or alternatively, may comprise an effective means for attaching any suitable mouthpiece of various shapes and sizes. For example, said mouthpiece may be selected from a group of trumpet-like mouthpiece, clarinet-like or oboe-like mouthpiece, a straw-like open-bore abutment, a single or multiple bored tube-like members, wide bore or thick bore tube members etc.

Said tube may provide for wind inlet and/or outlet, and may further be comprised of one or more attachments, such as one or more valves; unidirectional valves; pipes; sound-makers such as whistles; weathercock-like members; indicators; flow or flux meters; filters, membranes or any other nets such as net (5) etc.

Envelope (2) may be rigid or at least partially flexible, and hence may be comprised of a frame made of a non-flexible material and a more flexible coat, coating said frame. The envelope may be square patterned or of any polygonal shape, rounded shape or any combination thereof. The envelope may be at least partially transparent.

The size of the envelope is preferably in the range from a few cubic centimeters, approx. 5 cm3, to approx. 75,000 cm3 and preferably in the range of about 1,000 to 15,000 cm3. Nevertheless, it is in the scope of another embodiment of the present invention wherein the above listed dimensions are varied, such as in the case of a blowing device adapted especially for toddlers, ill or disabled persons, professional music players etc. The lengths of the tube (4) and its inner bore thus range from a small dimension to a wider scale. Said envelope is adapted to be open so the inner portion is exposed to the user, or alternatively, the envelope may be sealed.

The envelope (2) may be comprised of a planar base (B), wherein the base of the inner portion of the envelope is the coating enveloping the device, or wherein the envelope (2) comprises a false base (8) of any shape or size. Said false base may be of one or more apexes, curves, pathways, trails, slopes, recesses, slots, openings, attachments and/or auxiliaries of any kind or size; drawn patterns or any combination thereof.

The moveable elements may be selected, yet not limited to any moveable element, such as geometrical articles, such as balls, cubes, coin-like elements; vehicle articles such as car-like, ship-like, airplane-like etc; and to representations of living creatures, such as men-like, animal-like, cartoon-like characteristics etc.

It is well acknowledged in this respect that at least a portion of those moveable elements and/or the predetermined course are virtual, and presented electronically by any suitable computer guided means. Thus, it is in the scope of the present invention wherein the term ‘movable element’ or ‘element’, as well as the term ‘course’ relates both to physically existing or virtually presented elements and courses.

FIG. 1 presents one false base (8) comprising two contrary oriented planar slopes. Three balls are assigned as the movable elements (10a-10c), adapted to move in any direction, preferably towards the outlet opening (11). Nevertheless, said outlet opening (11) may be adapted only for wind exit. This desired 3D movement is provided by the wind characteristics, the orientation of the tube, and especially of the distal portion of the tube (4d), the orientation of the envelope, as grasped by the user by means of the aforementioned handles (9) or any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the hereto-defined blowing device may comprise at least one moveable attachment and/or auxiliary or any combination thereof. The moveable attachment and/or auxiliary defined above may be activated either in a predetermined course, in a random pattern, or in any combination thereof. In this case, the desired 3D movement of the movable elements (e.g., 10a-10c) is provided also by various characteristics of the said moveable attachment and/or auxiliary.

Reference is made now to FIG. 2, presenting a schematic illustration of the inner portion of the said envelope. The distal inner wall is comprised of a basket attachment and a false base comprising two slopes. Here, a basketball like game is provided, wherein the player is forced to blow in an accurate manner in order to insert balls into the basket.

Reference is made now to FIG. 3, presenting another schematic illustration of the inner portion of the said envelope. The distal inner wall is comprised of a set of six bowling like attachments and a false base comprising two slopes. Here, a bowling-like game is provided, wherein the player is forced to blow in an accurate manner in order to hit said six bowling like attachments.

Reference is made now to FIG. 4, presenting another schematic illustration of the inner portion of the said envelope. The distal inner wall is comprised of a set of three funnel-like attachments and a false base comprising two slopes. Here, a multiple basketball game is provided, wherein the player is forced to blow in an accurate manner in order to hit all three said balls inside said funnel like attachments.

Reference is made now to FIG. 5, presenting another schematic illustration of the inner portion of the said envelope. The distal inner wall is comprised of a set of two football goal-like attachments and a false base comprising two slopes. Here, a football-like game is provided, wherein the player is forced to blow in an accurate manner in order to score two of said balls into said goal-like attachments.

Reference is made now to FIG. 6, presenting another schematic illustration of the inner portion of the said envelope. The distal inner wall is comprised of a set of three pipe-like attachments and a false base comprising two slopes. Here, a multiple shooting game is provided, wherein the player is forced to blow in an accurate manner in order to force all said three balls inside said pipe-like attachments.

Reference is made now to FIG. 7, presenting another schematic illustration of the inner portion of the said envelope. This embodiment of the device hereto defined is especially useful for embouchure control, musical training singing training and speech therapy. The inner portion of the envelope comprises a plurality of obstacles, wherein the player should pass by means of well-defined blowing or tonguing efforts. A strong and sharp staccato-like blow causes the ball (71) to elevate (75) and to pass the first obstacle (74). Said blow must be short and powerful, otherwise the ball passes the second obstacle. Thus, only a well-performed staccato-like blow directs the ball (72) to make a downward movement (76) in order to stay in the desired position (73).

Reference is made now to FIG. 8, presenting another schematic illustration of the inner portion of the said envelope. This embodiment of the device hereto defined is also useful for embouchure control, musical training singing training and speech therapy. The inner portion of the envelope is composed of a labyrinth, whereat a staccato-like blow elevates the ball upward (81) towards the entrance, a subsequent legato-like long blow elevates the ball inside the labyrinth in the direction (81), and lastly, either strong aspiration or sharp blowing directs the ball upwards (83) and out of the exit bore of the labyrinth. It is acknowledged in this respect that movement (81-83) may be accompanied with a musical sound, such as clicking noise (the staccato-like entrance and exit for example), whistling (the legato-like movement for example).

Reference is made now to FIG. 9, presenting another schematic illustration of the inner portion of the said envelope. This embodiment of the device hereto defined is also useful for rehabilitation, embouchure control, musical training, singing training and speech therapy. The inner portion of the envelope is composed of a circular labyrinth, whereat a staccato-like blow elevates the ball upward (91) towards the entrance, a subsequent legato-like long blow allows the ball to circulate along the inner portion of the circular labyrinth, so cessation of said legato-like blow is followed by exit of the ball outside the labyrinth in a downward movement (93). It is acknowledged in this respect that the circular movement (92) may be accompanied with a musical sound, whistle etc.

Reference is made now to FIG. 10, presenting a schematic illustration of the player holding the blowing device comprising a false base of two slopes as described and defined above. The user directs the aforementioned tube downward towards the distal slope of the false base, so that the ball is directed backwards. In FIG. 11, however, the player is holding the blowing device and directing the aforementioned tube upward towards the distal inner wall, so that the ball is directed forwards.

The aforementioned device or game or training device as defined in any of the above may additionally comprise a scoreboard. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the term ‘scoreboard’ is of wider scope, and additionally includes any feedback means adapted to inline or offline improvement, direction, guidance, rehabilitation or any other controlling activity. Said controlling activity may be presented, directed, or signed either directly or indirectly on a scoreboard, electronic or computerized media Said direct and/or indirect media may be selected by intercommunication means, such as Internet, telephone-line or cellular network etc. Said presentation, direction, or sign of the controlling activity is selected, yet not limited, to any visual, vocal, tactile means or any combination thereof.

It is further in the scope of the present invention wherein each of the devices as defined and described in the present invention comprises more than one game, and or more than one set of either moveable elements or predetermined courses.

Claims

1. A blowing device useful for acquisition of blowing and/or aspiring abilities, wherein the user is directed to blow and/or aspire is a predetermined manner, comprising; a. An envelope; b. At least one movable element located inside the inner portion of said envelope; c. A directable tube of an open bore, having a proximal portion and a distal portion; said tube is protruded into said envelope at the proximal end and extended to a mouthpiece, adapted to be in communication with said user mouth; the distal portion of said tube is further extended into the inner portion of the envelope; wherein said movable element is directed to move in a predetermined course by a means of the blowing and/or aspiration characteristics.

2. A rehabilitation device according to claim 1, adapted to provide the improvement or rehabilitation of respiratory related organs.

3. The rehabilitation device according to claim 2, wherein the respiratory related organs are selected from facial motility muscles, nose, mouth, larynx, windpipe, lungs and diaphragm.

4. The rehabilitation device according to claim 2, adapted to improve or to rehabilitate respiratory related organs by a means selected from the group of improving ventilation, decreasing air trapping in the lungs, decreasing the work of breathing, improving breathing patterns and causing general relaxation, coordinating diaphragm movement when breathing, causing less effort to be required for breathing and less energy to be used for breathing or any combination thereof.

5. A training device according to claim 1, adapted to embouchure control.

6. The musical training device according to claim 5, wherein the mouthpiece is shaped as a hole; single, double or multiple reed system; a cup; a straw-like windpipe or any combination thereof.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the envelope comprises one or more handles so the user is able to hold the device effectively and hence to guide said envelope to a desired orientation, so the moveable element is directed to move in a predetermined course.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least the distal portion of the tube is tunable, so the moveable element is directed to move in a predetermined course by means of directing the distal portion of the tube while blowing and/or aspiring towards the element, the inner portion of the envelope or any combination thereof.

9. The device according to claim 1, additionally comprising at least one attachment or auxiliary located in the inner portion of the envelope.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein at least one attachment or auxiliary comprises an activation mechanism.

11. The device according to claim 9 wherein the element is directed to move by means of at least one attachment or auxiliary located in the inner portion of the envelope.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the envelope comprises one or more inlet and/or outlet openings, wherein either the moveable elements or the wind is directed to pass through said opening.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the envelope is either rigid or at least partially flexible.

14. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the envelope comprises a square patterned shape, polygonal shape, rounded shape or any combination thereof.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the envelope is at least partially transparent.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the volume of the envelope ranges between about 5 to 75,000 cm3.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein the volume of the envelope ranges between about 1,000 to 15,000 cm3.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein the envelope comprises a false base.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the false base comprises at least one apex, curve, pathway, trail, slope, recess, slot, opening, attachments and/or auxiliaries of any kind or size, drawn patterns or any combination thereof.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein the tube comprises at least one attachment selected from valve; unidirectional valve; pipe; sound-maker unit, weathercock-like member; indicator; flow or flux meters, a filtering means or any combination thereof.

21. (canceled)

22. The game according to claim 21, wherein the moveable elements, attachments and/or additives located in the inner portion of the envelope provide for a game selected from football-like, basketball-like, volleyball-like, racquetball-like, polo- like, handball-like, softball-like, slot-ball like, tennis-like, ping-pong-like, bowling-like, shooting-like, 2D or 3D labyrinth-escaping games, running, racing, car racing or any combination thereof.

23. The game according to claim 21, additionally comprising a scoreboard.

24. A method for improving the blowing and/or respiring characteristics by a feed-back means of the device defined in claim 1, comprising a plurality of blowing and/or respiring efforts in such a manner that the moveable elements are directed to move in a predetermined course.

25. The method as defined in claim 24, especially useful for rehabilitation and/or improvement of the respiratory related organs.

26. The method as defined in claim 24, especially useful for rehabilitation and/or improvement of the respiratory related organs.

27. The method as defined in claim 24, especially useful in active muscle therapy, wherein the patient exercises the committed muscles voluntarily.

28. The method as defined in claim 24, especially useful for embouchure control.

29. The method as defined in claim 24, especially useful for musical training.

30. The method as defined in claim 24, especially useful for speech therapy.

31. The method as defined in claim 24, especially useful for singing training.

Patent History
Publication number: 20060223675
Type: Application
Filed: May 9, 2004
Publication Date: Oct 5, 2006
Inventor: Perla Lew (Jerusalem)
Application Number: 10/556,296
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 482/13.000
International Classification: A63B 23/18 (20060101);