Abstract:
A respiratory training device provides a method for assisting in training for a more effective breathing technique, particularly when performing exercises with the device. The exercise device is constructed similar to an exercise bicycle, and having movable handle grips that motion a rotating wheel. An abdominal pad is located at the rear of the device. The device is supported on a platform and having a bench seat. In use, the user practices a particular breathing technique while pressing their abdominal area against the pad and operating the handle grips.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/032,868 filed Aug. 4, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a training device providing a method for assisting in training for a more effective breathing technique. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The lack of proper breathing technique is often the initial cause of many physical illnesses. Without sufficient oxygen, one&#39;s organs—including the heart, lungs and brain will quickly weaken. Overtime, this oxygen deprivation ultimately affects the ability to perform daily activities including beneficial exercises which may then lead to other health problems. As such, it is well known that the ability to distribute oxygen to other organs within the body via the bloodstream is critical to not only increasing endurance, but maintaining and enhancing life as well. 
     Without a proper breathing technique, users will always feel tired and unable to perform basic tasks. Furthermore, the ability to properly breathe aids in retarding the aging process, and revitalizes muscles for a long life. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which a user can be easily taught proper breathing techniques, and have such techniques reinforced so that such techniques become rote and easily reproduced in one&#39;s daily life. The use of the training device and method of use provides users the benefits of proper and healthy breathing, and helps teach them to breathe properly even when not using the invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a training device providing a method for assisting in training for a more effective breathing technique. 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a training device, comprising a support frame which comprises of a foot platform and a seat platform which are vertically upstanding and secured near an end of the foot platform. The device also comprises a training device assembly which has a rotating member, a transmission in mechanical communication with the rotating member via a pair of linkage members and secured within a housing attached to the rotating member, a pair of reciprocating handlebars each in mechanical communication with one (1) of the pair of linkage members, a device frame securing the rotating member and the housing to the foot platform, a processor configured to be in electrical communication with a power source, a display in electrical communication with the power source and located on the frame, a sensing means in mechanical communication with the rotation member and the transmission, and an abdominal pad adjustably attached to an upper end of a post, the post having a lower end attached to the housing. 
     The device also comprises a resistance mechanism which is attached to each of the pair of handlebars. The foot platform also comprises a plurality of casters along the bottom surface. The support frame is secured to an upper surface of the foot platform using a plurality of fasteners which may be brackets. The seat platform may consist of a bench seat. The abdominal pad is designed with an outer curve which is adapted to align with the curves of a given user&#39;s abdomen. The abdominal pad comprises a plate affixed to a rear side of the pad and a fixture affixed to the plate opposite the pad. The fixture is capable of being secured at a given user&#39;s desired position along the post. The fixture consists of a hand knob, a threaded shaft mechanically secured to the hand knob and a support frame which has an aperture. The fixture is capable of traveling along the post and secured in place by the threaded shaft. The threaded shaft also has a captive feature which prevents the removal of the threaded shaft from the fixture. 
     The method for using the device is as follows: step one (1), having a user obtain a device as described above; step two (2), having the user apply a force to the seat platform; step three (3), having the user adjust the abdominal pad to abut the user&#39;s abdomen; step four (4), having the user apply a force by pressing his or her abdomen against the abdominal pad; step five (5), having the user apply an alternating force by motioning the pair of reciprocating handlebars back and forth, resulting in the spinning of the rotating member; step six (6), having the user breath during steps one through five (1-5) through his or her nose and exhaling through his or her mouth; step seven (7), having the user continue the motioning, pressing, and breathing steps for a minimum of five minutes; step eight (8), having the user physically engage the display while performing the motioning, pressing, and breathing steps to regulate and monitor the user&#39;s performance; step nine (9), having the user adjust the resistance mechanism attached to each of the pair of handlebars to a desired greater or lesser force; step ten (10), having the user adjust the fixture along the length of the post; and lastly step eleven (11), having the user turn the hand knob which cause the threaded shaft to secure the fixture in place along the post. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a respiratory training device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an environmental view of the respiratory training device  10  depicting an in-use state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the abdominal pad  75  along with its supporting structure as seen along a line I-I as shown in  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is a mechanical force diagram depicting the actions and forces generated by the respiratory training device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  respiratory training device 
               20  user support frame 
               22  foot platform 
               25  seat platform 
               50  training device assembly 
               52  rotating member 
               54  training device frame 
               56  reciprocating handlebar 
               57  hand grip 
               58  display 
               60  resistance adjustment mechanism 
               62  linkage 
               64  transmission housing 
               66  caster 
               70  post 
               75  abdominal pad 
               78  plate 
               80  height adjustment fixture 
               100  user 
               105  abdomen 
               110  outer curved surface 
               115  hand knob 
               120  threaded shaft 
               122  captive feature 
               125  support frame 
               130  first applied force 
               135  second applied force 
               140  third applied force 
               145  fourth applied force 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1-4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a respiratory training device (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides an exercise machine that provides an effective upper body workout while reinforcing a proper breathing technique. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  provides a user support frame  20  and a training device assembly  50 . The user support frame  20  includes a foot platform  22  and a seat  25 . The user support frame  20  provides an “L”-shaped structure onto which a user  100  occupies a rearwardly located seat  25  and places their feet upon a foot platform  22  during performance of an upper body and breathing training workout session. The user support frame  20  is envisioned being made of durable rigid materials such as, but not limited to: metal, wood, or plastic, and may be covered with carpeting, padding, or the like based upon a user&#39;s preference. It is envisioned that the foot platform  22  would provide a plurality of casters  66  along a bottom surface to provide convenient portability of the apparatus  10 . The foot platform  22  provides a means of attachment of a training device frame portion  54  of the training device assembly  50  using suitable brackets fastener portions. The seat  25  is stylized as a bench-type seating platform in a preferred embodiment. 
     The training device assembly  50  is envisioned to provide a similar construction as a conventional stationary bicycle exercise machine including a rotating member  52 , a pair of reciprocating handlebars  56  with grip portions  57 , a resistance adjustment mechanism  60 , a processor; and, a digital display  58  in electrical communication with a sensing means in mechanical communication with the rotating member  52 . The sensing means communicates physical data gleaned from the rotating member  52  and coupled with the resistance settings of the adjustment mechanism  61  communicates performance parameters to the processor which is in electrical communication with the digital display  58 . The training device assembly  50  also includes a plurality of linkage members  62  and a transmission (not shown), housed in a housing  64  which mechanically couple the reciprocating handlebars  56  to the rotating member  52 , embodied as a front wheel of a stationary bicycle. 
     The abdominal pad  75  includes an integral height adjustment fixture  80  along a rear surface which provides height adjustable attachment to a post  70  portion of the training device assembly  50 . The post  70  is envisioned to be made of rectangular tubing being insertable through the height adjustment fixture  80 , being integral to, and protruding upward from the training device assembly  50  to allow a user  100  to selectively position the abdominal pad  75  against their abdominal muscles  105  (see  FIG. 2 ). The post  70  is supported by the transmission housing  64 , as it is located directly below and in front of the seat  25 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting an in-use state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. In use, a user  100  sits upon the seat  25  with their feet stationarily positioned upon the foot platform  22 , while grasping and motioning the reciprocating handlebars  56 . The user  100  may adjust a level of resistance to movement of the reciprocating handlebars  56  if desired using a knob portion of the resistance adjustment mechanism  60 . Additionally, the user  100  is encouraged to perform a particular breathing technique  100  during the workout to maximize an effectiveness of the workout routine (as described below). It is envisioned that the user  100  will experience a strengthening of heart and lungs, thereby obtaining a higher level of endurance. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 3 , a sectional view of the abdominal pad  75  along with its supporting structure as seen along a line I-I as shown in  FIG. 1 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The abdominal pad  75  is provided with an outer curved surface  110  that closely aligns with the abdomen  105  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the user  100  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Said alignment is critical to the proper use of the respiratory training device  10  along with obtaining the maximum physical benefit. Alignment is obtained by use of the height adjustment fixture  80  which necessitates turning a hand knob  115  that is connected to a threaded shaft  120 . A feature  122  located on the distal end of the threaded shaft  120  enables the threaded shaft  120  to be held captive by a support frame  125  that slides along the post  70 . Simultaneously, the support frame  125  is mechanically connected to a plate  78  affixed to a rear of the abdominal pad  75 . When the proper position of the abdominal pad  75  is obtained by test fitting, trial and error process, the hand knob  115  is tightened down, forcing the threaded shaft  120  against the post  70  where it remains firmly in position until further adjustment, perhaps for a different user  100 , is necessary. The hand knob  115  is then loosened to enable further adjustment. 
     Referring finally to  FIG. 4 , a mechanical force diagram depicting the actions and forces generated by the respiratory training device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. A first applied force  130  is generated when the user  100  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) sits upon the seat  25 . A second applied force  135  is generated by the abdominal pad  75  against the abdomen of the user  100  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Said second applied force  135  is then magnified to improve the breathing process of the user  100  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) as the reciprocating handlebar  56  are driven back and forth in accordance with a third applied force  140  and a fourth applied force  145  as shown by the arms of the user  100  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). It is envisioned the tension and speed of the third applied force  140  and a fourth applied force  145  can be varied in an increasing manner as the user  100  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) improves with each cyclic use of the respiratory training device  10 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed and utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     The method of configuring and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring the apparatus  10 ; sitting upon the seat  25  with feet flat on the foot platform  22 ; adjusting the height of the abdominal pad  75  against one&#39;s abdomen  105  using the height adjustment fixture  80 ; grasping grip portions  57  and motioning the reciprocating handlebars  56  forward and rearward in a reciprocating manner; pressing an abdominal area  105  against the abdominal pad  75  during the exercise; performing an enhanced breathing technique during the exercise by breathing in through the nose and exhaling through the mouth to increase oxygen intake into the body and muscles; continuing the exercise for approximately five minutes ( 5  mires) duration; utilizing the display  58  while exercising to regulate and monitor exercise parameters such as, but not limited to handlebar reciprocating frequency, heart rate, and duration; repeating the workout routine daily; strengthening heart and lung muscles by consistently performing the exercise over a period of time while practicing the breathing technique; and, benefiting from strengthened heart and lung muscles and a higher level of endurance, afforded a user  100  of the present invention  10 . 
     It is envisioned that performing the exercise as described above in a consistent manner over a period of approximately thirty-five to forty-five days (35-45 d) will enable the user&#39;s body to experience a strengthening of heart and lung muscles, thereby obtaining a higher level of endurance. 
     The present invention  10  improves the physical body condition of the user  100  and provides a lifelong benefit through continued reinforcing use. Said present invention  10  improves the blood oxygen level of the user  100  thus aiding in the retardation of the aging process, the rejuvenation of tissues and results in stronger lungs that will expel a higher percentage of carbon dioxide from the tissues. Usage per the described description will result in proper breathing and an improved quality of life. This is accomplished by “retraining” the lungs to a natural breathing process to obtain the maximum performance from the human body by burning food energy and not lactic acid. The actual retraining process is enhanced by pressure caused by the abdominal pad  75  pressing against the abdominal muscles thus forcing the proper breathing method by breathing in (inhaling) through the nose and breathing out (exhaling) through the mouth. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.