Abstract:
The present invention is a pulmonary harmonica for achieving health and wellness through controlled breathing. The invention is a modified harmonica with specifically low-tuned reeds that produce frequencies not associated with normal musical performance that allow the user to generate a stream of controlled low frequency sound waves that break up congestion in the user&#39;s lungs and sinuses. The invention includes a pulmonary rehabilitation treatment using inspiratory and expiratory muscle training that encourages continued use of the pulmonary harmonica so that use of the device and diaphragmatic breathing become habitual through practice.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to International Application No. PCT/US2014/046641, filed Jul. 15, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/856,283, filed on Jul. 19, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of pulmonary instruments and, more particularly, to the field of devices and methods for the treatment of and prevention of pulmonary illnesses and diseases. The present invention is a pulmonary harmonica for achieving health and wellness through controlled breathing. The invention is a modified harmonica with specifically low-tuned reeds that produce frequencies not typically associated with normal or traditional harmonica musical performance that allows the user to generate a stream of controlled low frequency sound waves that loosen congestion in the user&#39;s lungs and sinuses resulting in improved breathing. 
         [0003]    Pulmonary illnesses and diseases impact people around the world. People lose about half their lung capacity by age 70. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that such illnesses include asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other bronchial, sinus, and airflow obstructing diseases. Such conditions may result from smoking, occupational exposures, air pollution, genetics, autoimmune diseases, acute exacerbations, and the like. People with such impaired lung function often have tenacious secretions that they cannot cough up and that worsen their condition. Additionally, many people, especially those overweight, have become habitual shallow breathers, which deprives them of sufficient oxygen for optimum health. 
         [0004]    Traditional treatments have focused oral and intravenous medications as well as nebulizer and spacer administered medications. Despite the availability of such treatments for the conditions, respiratory muscle dysfunction frequently persists and worsens in patients. 
         [0005]    Because of the muscle dysfunction, pulmonary patients are often referred to additional treatment in the form of pulmonary rehabilitation. Inspiratory and expiratory muscle training has sometimes been used instead of or in addition to such pulmonary rehabilitation. Such inspiratory muscle training has been recommended to be performed using a pressure or resistance device for a duration and frequency of up to 15-30 minutes and as often as 5-7 days per week. However, people do not enjoy using standard respiratory therapy devices because the devices are boring and clearly medical devices reminiscent of hospitals and the like. The monotony and relative frequency associated with such treatments may result in diminished effectiveness of treatments as patients may apply the treatments less often than recommended and for shorter durations than recommended. Likewise, patients may simply discontinue the treatments, being noncompliant with recommended self-care. Therefore, there is a need in the art for an effective pulmonary rehabilitation treatment using inspiratory and expiratory muscle training that improves the negative effects of muscle dysfunction and also encourages treatment regimen retention. There is also a need in the art for an effective pulmonary rehabilitation treatment using inspiratory and expiratory muscle training that loosens tenacious lung secretions and other fluids which can then be coughed up or otherwise eliminated from the body. There is also a need in the art for an effective pulmonary rehabilitation treatment using inspiratory and expiratory muscle training that promotes deep, abdominal breathing (i.e., diaphragmatic breathing). There is also a need in the art for an effective pulmonary rehabilitation treatment using inspiratory and expiratory muscle training that encourages continued use of the treatment device so that use of the device and the benefits of increased abdominal breathing both become habitual through practice. There is also a need in the art for an effective pulmonary rehabilitation treatment using inspiratory and expiratory muscle training that is smooth, attractive and pleasant to use, which empowers patients, although one with sharper edges would still be functional. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an effective pulmonary rehabilitation treatment using inspiratory and expiratory muscle training that improves the negative effects of muscle dysfunction and also encourages treatment regimen retention. 
         [0007]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an effective pulmonary rehabilitation treatment using inspiratory and expiratory muscle training that loosens lung secretions and other fluids that can then be more easily eliminated. 
         [0008]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an effective pulmonary rehabilitation treatment using inspiratory and expiratory muscle training that promotes long, slow, deep, and complete abdominal breathing. 
         [0009]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an effective pulmonary rehabilitation treatment using inspiratory and expiratory muscle training that encourages continued use of the treatment device so that use of the device and developed abdominal breathing both become habitual through practice. 
         [0010]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an effective pulmonary rehabilitation treatment using inspiratory and expiratory muscle training that is smooth, attractive and pleasant to use, which empowers patients, although such a device with sharper edges would be effective but not the optimal presentation of the device. 
         [0011]    Further objects of the invention include helping people with respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, chest or sinus congestion, or people with the desire for pulmonary therapy, to breathe better and enjoy life more. The invention is particularly designed to promote diaphragmatic breathing and produce deep, resonant, meditative sound waves that can be felt in the users&#39; lungs but also penetrate to the sinuses. The invention requires no musical talent or ability whatsoever, and no prior experience with controlled breathing or meditative exercises and techniques. The invention is specifically designed to be smooth and comfortable to hold, with smooth edges that will prevent nicks and cuts in users with compromised immune systems or thinned skin in its optimal presentation. 
         [0012]    These and other objects and advantages of the invention are achieved by providing a pulmonary harmonica device and method for using a pulmonary harmonica device. The device has low frequency notes that deliver powerful vibrations (pulses) to the user&#39;s respiratory system. When the method of the invention is practiced, as users blow and draw breaths through the low notes on this pulmonary harmonica, harmonic vibrations pulse the lungs and help loosen secretions that can be coughed up. This device promotes long, slow, deep, complete, abdominal breathing, which is continued after use because it becomes habitual through practice. 
         [0013]    According to one embodiment of the invention, the device is a pulmonary harmonica for promoting deep abdominal breathing by a user having an outer housing, a comb having a mouthpiece portion and one or more holes, one or more reed plates, a plurality of reeds, located on the reed plates (unless the comb is designed to include that function), tuned to vibrate at low frequencies and to emit low frequency sound waves producing a harmonic resonance when blown or drawn by a user which pulses in the user&#39;s respiratory system resulting in the break-up of mucus, and fastening hardware for securing the comb, securing reeds to the reed plate (unless glued, melded, welded, brazed, or soldered) and the reed plate to the outer housing. In its extreme, the entire instrument could be molded or otherwise fashioned from fewer individual pieces, culminating in a single piece of material appropriately designed to deliver the same type of pulsing to the lungs from breathing through reeds. 
         [0014]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the pulmonary harmonica may include that each one of the reeds is heavy, relative to reeds of a traditional harmonica in the same position (or hole) on the harmonica. This extra weight provides a variable resistance across several holes that helps build respiratory strength. 
         [0015]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the pulmonary harmonica&#39;s lowest tuned reed has a frequency no higher than 150 Hz. 
         [0016]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the pulmonary harmonica can be tuned to different tonal scales, such as having one or more reeds tuned to a frequency of 136.1 Hz or other chakra frequency below 150 Hz. 
         [0017]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the comb may have 10 holes and the reeds may be further tuned to full diatonic scales of chords in a major or minor key. 
         [0018]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the comb may include a single and only a single hole, the one or more reed plates may include a single and only a single reed plate, and the plurality of reeds may include two and only two reeds. 
         [0019]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the outer housing may include two smooth cover plates. 
         [0020]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the smooth cover plates, comb, and the reeds further may include anti-microbial materials for improved hygienic function. 
         [0021]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the fastening hardware may be selected from the group comprising screws, bolts, rivets, nails, welds, melds, and glues. 
         [0022]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the pulmonary harmonica may include a built-in force guide which elicits a buzzing sound from one of the reeds when the device is used with excessive force during inhalation by the user. 
         [0023]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the pulmonary harmonica may include a built-in force guide which elicits a buzzing sound from one of the reeds when the device is used with excessive force during exhalation by the user. 
         [0024]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the device may be tuned in order to provide a pleasant sound in its optimal presentation. The device is smooth, attractive and pleasant to use, which empowers patients. The present invention may be characterized by lack of a discordant sound which is present and heard in traditionally tuned harmonicas. Thus, the present invention is even more suitable for people with no musical ability. Use of the harmonica device of the present invention may motivate patients to continue to use the treatment. The device may provide strong vibrations to the lungs. Rather than having sharp edges that can cut fragile skin, the optimal presentation of the device has an exterior surface that is smooth, although some presentations of the device could have sharp edges and still develop effective low frequency pulses. The optimal presentation of the device may be considered attractive and pleasant to use. 
         [0025]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the device may include a comb, reeds, some of which may have weights on the end, reed plate(s), cover plate(s), and fastening hardware such as screws. 
         [0026]    According to another embodiment of the invention, there may be two cover plates—upper and lower, two reed plates with reeds attached, a central comb with holes for mouthpiece and air movement, and fasteners to attach the reeds to the reed plates and secure all components together. 
         [0027]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the device may include as few as one sounding hole and one reed plate, as long as there are at least two reeds tuned to resonant frequencies, and could be square, rectangular, cylindrical, curved or other overall shape in appearance. 
         [0028]    According to another embodiment of the invention, any number of sounding holes may be included. Ten holes allows for two full diatonic scales, including scales of chords in key, which may provide a wide range of resistance training and may be tuned to allow the user to play songs. 
         [0029]    According to another embodiment, the number of screws used to fasten the reed plates to the comb can vary. The device parts may be fastened from a single side using tapped holes on the opposing reed plate for fastening or parts could be nailed, welded, glued, or otherwise fastened together. 
         [0030]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the device may be tuned to different frequencies. According to one such embodiment, some reeds may be tuned to a specific frequency that is not a standard musical note, such as 136.1 Hz, which is commonly acknowledged to be the frequency of the mystical Sanskrit symbol OM and the Hindu heart Chakra. The invention specifically contemplates tuning the reeds to various Chakra frequencies. In tuning the device in this way, the device will make a sound that can be highly meditative or evocative to followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, as well as to people who meditate without a specific affiliation. 
         [0031]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the upper limit on the lowest frequency reed for the invention may be 150 Hz. Further, optimal pulsing can be achieved for most people by using a range of single reed frequencies below 150 Hz as the lower notes and combining them as chords. Using multiple reeds below 150 Hz further optimizes the usefulness of the invention for more people by offering a user-selectable amount of pulsing for their lungs. For convenience, the pulsing effect can be generated by the invention when reduced to as few as one hole and two reeds tuned to resonant frequencies. 
         [0032]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the cover plates may be configured with a relatively low profile. Such a configuration may include a built-in force guide which elicits a buzzing of one of the reeds when the device is used with excessive force during inhalation on low chords. 
         [0033]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the cover plates may be configured with a relatively low profile. Such a configuration may include a built-in force guide which elicits a buzzing of one of the reeds when the device is used with excessive force during exhalation on low chords. 
         [0034]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the device may encourage longer reed life by limiting the travel of the lower pitched reeds. 
         [0035]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the combs, cover plates, or reeds may be manufactured with anti-microbial materials, such as anti-microbial polymers, coatings, ceramics, copper and its alloys (brasses, bronzes, cupronickel, copper-nickel-zinc, and others), silver, or stainless steel. As such, the hygienic function may be improved for some conditions. 
         [0036]    According to a method of practicing the invention, the device may be held by the user in either one or both hands by the cover plate(s). According to another embodiment, a supportive device may be used in lieu of hands. The comb or hole(s) may be held up to the user&#39;s mouth. The user may then blow and/or draw breath through the comb in a controlled, comfortable manner. The airflow created by the user&#39;s lungs across the reeds generates low frequency sound waves. These low frequency sound waves vibrate in the user&#39;s respiratory system, resulting in the break-up of mucus and congestion in the user&#39;s lungs and sinuses. These effects can be achieved extremely quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes. With regular use, the user is able to breathe clearer, feel better, and experience an improved quality of life. The beneficiaries of improved oxygenation include patients who have decreased lung function and those who are recovering from surgery or trauma, or other acute diseases, long-term wound patients, including diabetics, people whose obesity has restricted their lung function, people with panic attacks and other mood disorders, dementia, chronic fatigue, asthma, and sinus or lung congestion. Meditation is known to have a wide range of beneficial side effects, including a calmer state of mind which is especially important when dealing with the inability to breathe or an impending asthma attack. 
         [0037]    According to another embodiment of the method, musicians and athletes could use this device to build lung capacity to improve performance. People who meditate could use this device as a meditation aide. People with mild respiratory distress or acute respiratory illness could use this device to help loosen secretions and relax. People interested in improving the oxygenation of their body may use this device to derive the benefits of deep abdominal breathing against variable resistance. By encouraging meditation, the device can help lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels and the resulting inflammation. The meditative aspect combined with giving people something to do with their hands and mouth could also make this device a smoking cessation or weight loss aide. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0038]    The present invention is best understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read in view of the accompanying drawings. 
           [0039]      FIG. 1  is an environmental perspective view of an embodiment of the pulmonary harmonica device with the device tipped upwards to make playing single notes easier; 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is an environmental perspective view of an embodiment of the pulmonary harmonica device with the device held straight-in to promote deep abdominal breathing consistent with the method of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the pulmonary harmonica device having ten holes and twenty reeds; 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  is a partial exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the pulmonary harmonica device highlighting the reed structure; 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an embodiment of the pulmonary harmonica device; 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  is a top view of an embodiment of the pulmonary harmonica device; 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  is a an end view of an embodiment of the pulmonary harmonica device; 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the pulmonary harmonica device having two holes and four reeds; 
           [0047]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of and embodiment of the pulmonary harmonica device having one hole and four reeds; 
           [0048]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the pulmonary harmonica device having one hole and two reeds; 
           [0049]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the pulmonary harmonica device having two holes; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the pulmonary harmonica device having one hole. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0051]    Referring now specifically to the drawings, a pulmonary harmonica device is shown generally at reference numeral  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device  10  and method, which is especially shown in  FIG. 2 , of the present invention can be used by anyone, just about anywhere, without musical talent or experience with musical instruments, and with no prior knowledge or experience with meditation or controlled breathing exercises and techniques. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the parts of the pulmonary harmonica device  10  include a comb  30  or other structure to hold the reeds  22  in place, two or more reeds  22 , one or more reed plates  20  or other structure to allow for a gap through which the reed  22  passes in use, a housing in the form of one or more cover plates  40 ,  42 , fastening hardware  50 , and low frequency sound waves. The reed plate  20  is defined as a structure to allow for a gap through which the reed  22  passes in use. The reeds  22  may have weights  26  attached the ends of the reeds  22 . 
         [0052]    The cover plates  40 ,  42  and comb  30  can be made of plastic, wood, brass, aluminum, bronze, or stainless steel, or other materials with sufficient integrity (with or without antimicrobial properties), and can be plated, painted, lacquered, shellacked, oiled, or anodized. The reeds  22  and reed plates  20  can be made of brass, bronze, German silver, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, titanium, or other material with appropriate spring-like characteristics. Alternatively, it may be molded out of a single piece of plastic, ceramic, or like materials. The tuning of the reeds  22  can be in any key with two restrictions: low-pulse generating methodology is followed (i.e., reeds tuned to resonant frequencies, such as the notes that form a major or minor chord), and the pulses generated are sufficiently low to be felt in the upper-chest. Although people&#39;s sensitivities to chest pulsing varies, harmonicas meeting the criteria for this invention and pragmatically low enough in frequency to be effective will need to have their lowest tuned reed of the reeds  22  no higher than 150 Hz. 
         [0053]    The device  10  is used by blowing or drawing air through one or more holes  32  along the mouthpiece portion  34  of the comb  30 . Behind the holes are chambers  36  containing at least one reed  22  which may be attached to a reed plate  20 . The reed  22  is a flat elongated spring typically made of brass, bronze, or stainless steel, which is secured at one end over a slot  24  that serves as an airway. When the free end of the reed  22  is made to vibrate by blowing or drawing breath across it, it blocks and unblocks the airway to produce sound and a resistance that varies with pitch. By tuning the reeds  22  to vibrate at specific low frequencies, a harmonic resonance is set up, which pulses the lungs of a user  60  and helps loosen secretions and enable expectoration. Low-tuned reeds  22  are heavy and hard to blow and draw relative to a traditional harmonica. These low-tuned reeds  22  provide a resistance that helps build respiratory strength. By having some reeds  22  tuned higher and others lower, variable resistance training can be accomplished. By having the reeds  22  tuned to full diatonic scales of chords in its major or minor key, dissonant notes and chords are eliminated and the improved pulmonary harmonica  10  can be used by anyone regardless of musical background or ability. Ten-hole tuning as shown in  FIG. 3 , can allow two octaves of the complete diatonic scale of chords, and includes spiral tuning that can be used for a wide variety of songs. Fewer than 10 holes, as in  FIGS. 8-12 , can also be used with this spiral tuning and a full octave can still be achieved. By having smooth edges on all surfaces of the device  10  and only pleasant sounds, the device is safe and encourages compliance. Because the device  10  makes noise, it is easy to monitor compliance by a user  60 . The draw and blow notes can also be tuned to as few as one extended chord so that people using the device  10  in a group can all sound harmonious when using the device together and with no knowledge of music or what to play. 
         [0054]    The device  10  is intended for use by people  60  with respiratory disorders or who seek the benefits of improved oxygenation and meditative relaxation. As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the device  10  is held by the user  60  in either one or both hands  62  by the cover plate(s)  40 ,  42  or by a holder designed for the purpose. The comb  30  and/or blow/draw hole(s)  32  is held up to the user&#39;s  60  mouth. The user  60  then blows and/or draws breath through comb  30  in a controlled, comfortable manner. Preferably, the device  10  is utilized as in  FIG. 2  with the device  10  held straight-in relative to the mouth of the user  60  to promote deep abdominal breathing. The airflow created by the user&#39;s  60  lungs across the reeds  22  generates low frequency sound waves. These low frequency sound waves vibrate in the user&#39;s  60  respiratory system, resulting in the break-up of mucus and congestion in the user&#39;s  60  lungs and sinuses. The invention  10  contemplates a regimen of controlled breathing using the device. These effects can be achieved extremely quickly. With regular use of the device  10 , the user  60  is able to breathe clearer, feel better, and experience an improved quality of life. 
         [0055]    A pulmonary harmonica device  10  and method for using a pulmonary harmonica device  10  according to the invention has been described. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims.