Abstract:
A portable, multipurpose, air dispensing apparatus is disclosed, comprised of a small, portable canister that holds a combination of compressed oxygen and nitrogen that the user can tap in order to recuperate from the physical exertion by delivering these gasses to the cardiovascular system in a quick and efficient manner. The canister includes a mouthpiece/regulator combination that the user places in his or her mouth and, by depressing a button, a breath of the pure oxygen/nitrogen is delivered. The canister is disposable and replaceable and holds enough gas for approximately 15 average breaths. Carried in a convenient arm band, the canister gives the user the ability to tap the benefits of the gasses whenever the need is felt. Additionally, the present invention serves a safety purpose in high-altitude sports where the air is thin and oxygen supplies are low.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND DISCLOSURES  
       [0001]    The present invention is a Continuation in Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/264,699, filed on Mar. 8, 1999. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to air tanks, and, more particularly, to a portable, multipurpose, air dispensing apparatus.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    High intensity sports, exercises and other recreational activities are extremely popular these days. Whether one is involved in a traditional sports such as football or basketball, in high intensity exercises such as aerobics or running, or in a more modern or extreme sports like in-line skating, mountain biking and water sports, a high degree of physical exertion takes place.  
           [0006]    As a result of these activities, the body can be depleted of oxygen as the cardiovascular system is pressed to keep up with the level of physical exertion. Accordingly, there is a constant need for exercise or health aids that help the user to reduce the physical impact that their activities have on their bodies and allow them to recover quickly so that they can participate in yet more activities.  
           [0007]    Any type of portable oxygen or air dispenser must be portable, and therefore, not interfere with the activities of the potential user. Also, the device must be stored in a place where it can be easily found and used, since the device may be needed during an emergency situation, such as during drowning, where the person may be partially mentally impaired.  
           [0008]    In the related art, several devices disclose portable, self-contained oxygen dispensers or breathing apparatuses. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,664, issued in the name of Palmer, U.S. Pat. No. 4,409,978, issued in the name of Bartos, U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,236, issued in the name of Eckstein et. al., U.S. Pat. No. D 372,529, issued in the name of Remes and U.S. Pat. No. D297,869, issued in the name of Bartos.  
           [0009]    Several patents describe an emergency escape breathing apparatus. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,019, issued in the name of Celaya and U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,216, issued in the name of Kranz.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,461, issued in the name of Battaglia et. al., discloses a device for administering oxygen to infants while nursing.  
           [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,423,723, issued in the name of Winkler et. al., discloses a closed-cycle respirator with an emergency oxygen supply.  
           [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. D 311,679, issued in the name of Morris, discloses the ornamental design of a holder for an oxygenator bottle.  
           [0013]    The problem with many of these devices is that they are bulky, and are therefore, limited in use. Also, the devices are not specifically designed for use during non sporting activities, and are not portable enough to be carried in a purse or pocket. As such, executives needing oxygen before a speech, etc. are not contemplated by the prior art devices. The devices in the prior art have numerous components, and as such, are subject to component failure. These devices are also heavy, which reduces portability.  
           [0014]    Many of the devices are designed to function only in oxygen deprived atmospheres, and as such must be bulky and heavy. They do not contemplate supplemental or complementary air supplies during non-emergency situations, such as when only one or two breaths are needed.  
           [0015]    Also, not all of these devices are designed to release just one breath of air at a time.  
           [0016]    A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that anticipate directly many features of the instant invention.  
           [0017]    Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an apparatus and method which overcomes the problems cited above.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0018]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved portable, multipurpose, air dispensing apparatus that is easily stored and activated to provide a short term supplemental air supply.  
           [0019]    Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a portable, multipurpose, air dispensing apparatus is disclosed, comprising a small, portable canister that holds a combination of compressed oxygen and nitrogen that the user can tap in order to recuperate from the physical exertion by delivering these gasses to the cardiovascular system in a quick and efficient manner. The canister includes a mouthpiece/regulator combination that the user places in his or her mouth and, by depressing a button, a breath of the pure oxygen/nitrogen is delivered. The canister is disposable and replaceable and holds enough gas for approximately 15-90 average breaths, depending on exact canister size and PSI rating. Carried in a convenient arm wrap, the canister gives the user the ability to tap the benefits of the gasses whenever the need is felt. Additionally, the present invention serves a safety purpose in high-altitude sports where the air is thin and oxygen supplies are low.  
           [0020]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that can provide supplemental oxygen during events such as rafting, swimming, surfing, boating, skiing, sky diving, hang gliding, life guarding, in line skating, mountain biking, jogging, business functions, such as speeches.  
           [0021]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that can be stored in a pocket, and therefore can be used in public, when required.  
           [0022]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that adjustably fits around a user&#39;s arm or leg, thus ensuring quick access to the device during emergency situations.  
                                                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY                                10   portable, multipurpose,    66   outer chamber           air dispensing    67   conduit           apparatus    68   valve housing       20   canister    69   flexible tube       30   regulator    70   female threads       40   mouthpiece    71   piston       45   mouth    72   lever arm       50   activation button    73   pivot mound       51   threaded shank    75   male threads       52   constant volume discharge    80   sealing means           valve    83   puncture stem       53   seat member    90   canister securing means       54   annular seat   100   arm       55   thumb   110   arm wrap       56   ball   120   arm wrap securement means       57   hand   125   interior surface       58   metal seat   130   nonslip surface       59   spring   140   canister pouch       60   female inlet   150   flap       61   metal pin   153   opening       62   valve arm   160   flap securement means       63   coil spring   165   flap       64   chamber       65   orifice passageway                  
 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]    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:  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of portable, multipurpose, air dispensing apparatus  10 ;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 is a side view thereof;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 4 is an in-use view thereof;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5 is an exploded view thereof;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 6 is a bottom view thereof;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the canister securement means;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the canister securement means shown in-use with a human arm;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 9 is an in-use view of another embodiment of the canister securement means;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view as taken along lines X-X of FIG. 2; and,  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the constant volume discharge valve according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0035]    The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the FIGS. 1 through 8.  
         [0036]    1. Detailed Description of the Figures  
         [0037]    Referring now to FIG. 1, a portable, multipurpose, air dispensing apparatus  10  is shown, according to the present invention, comprises a small, portable canister  20  that holds a combination of compressed oxygen and nitrogen.  
         [0038]    The canister  20  is of a linearly elongated, cylindrical, hollow configuration, and is constructed of a lightweight metal, such as aluminum or steel.  
         [0039]    The present invention is designed to be used to facilitate speedy recuperation from the physical exertion by delivering these gasses to the cardiovascular system in a quick and efficient manner. It is envisioned that the canister holds enough gas for approximately 15 average breaths.  
         [0040]    Referring now to FIG. 2, located on the top of the canister is a regulator  30 , and above the regulator  30 , a mouthpiece  40 , over which the user places in his or her mouth  45  (not shown in FIG. 2).  
         [0041]    Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, an activation button  50  is located on the top of the regulator  30 . By depressing the activation button  50 , the regulator  30  releases the equivalent of one breath of the oxygen nitrogen mixture through the mouthpiece  40  and into the mouth  45  (not shown in FIG. 3) of the user.  
         [0042]    A constant volume discharge valve  52  (shown in FIG. 11) is located inside a valve housing  68  of the regulator  30 . The valve housing  68  is formed of metal having the constant volume discharge valve  52  machined therein. A threaded shank  69  for capturing a piston  71  and its essential components is threadably received in the valve housing  68 . The discharge valve  52  includes a biased valve closure member defined by the piston  71  having a supple and sealing seat member  53  engaging an annular seat  54 .  
         [0043]    The discharge valve  52  further includes a ball  56  for engaging a hard metal seat  58  for acting as a pressure control means. The ball  56  is biased in a closed position by internal pressure of the canister  20  and a resilient spring  59 . The hard metal seat  58  prevents a sealing seat from being achieved. As the supply pressure of the oxygen nitrogen mixture decreases, the ball  56  is lifted from the hard metal seat  58  by a metal pin  61  being resiliently biased through a valve arm  62  and a resilient coil spring  63 . The valve arm  62  thereby functions as a pressure regulator for maintaining a substantially constant pressure within a chamber  64 .  
         [0044]    The valve arm  62  has a fixed diameter orifice passageway  65  communicating from the chamber  64  to an outer chamber  66  thereby providing open communication through a conduit  67  and a flexible tube  69  to the puncture stem  83  (not shown). The valve arm  62  is actuated by a lever arm  72  resting above a pivot mound  73  and being coupled at one end to the valve arm  62  and at an opposite end to the lower surface of the activation button  50 . Pressure exerted on the activation button  50  actuates the lever arm  72  to pivot about the mound  73  thereby lifting the lever arm  72  for releasing a preset amount of the oxygen nitrogen mixture.  
         [0045]    The valve arm  62  thus further functions to release a preset amount of the oxygen nitrogen mixture equivalent to one human breath, each time the activation button  50  is depressed.  
         [0046]    The present invention is configured and designed for activation via a human thumb  55  (not shown in FIG. 3). The size and configuration of the present invention allows holding and activation of the canister  20  with only one hand  57 .  
         [0047]    It is envisioned that the canister  20  is sufficiently small so as to be portable, capable of easy grasping, holding and activation with one hand  57 , and capable of being carried in a pocket. As such, the present invention can be used anywhere it is needed. For purposes of disclosure, the canister  20  is depicted as being 1 inch in radial diameter, and 3 and ½ inches in height. This configuration allows for optimal usage, while other sizes are also envisioned. The canister  20  size can range from 5 and ½ inches to 15 inches, depending on the needs of the user.  
         [0048]    It is envisioned that the simple configuration ensures fewer component failures. The small, lightweight design ensures ease of use anywhere during any activity.  
         [0049]    Referring now to FIG. 5, the regulator  30  is attached to the top of the canister  20  via a female inlet  60  and female threads  70 , located on the bottom of the regulator  30 . These female threads mate with male threads  75  located on the top of the canister. Sealing means  80 , such as an O-ring, ensure an air tight seal between the regulator  30  and the canister  20 . A conventional puncture stem  83  on the top of the canister  20  allows air to be dispensed from the canister  20  once attached to the regulator  30 .  
         [0050]    As such, the canister  20  is releasably secured to the regulator  30  and thereby the mouthpiece  40 . Being disposable, the canister  20  can be replaced when depleted.  
         [0051]    Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the present invention is releasably secured to the body of the user via a convenient canister securement means  90 . The canister securement means  90  is designed to releasably secure the canister  20  to the arm  100  or leg of the user, within easy grasp of the user. The canister securement means  90  eliminates the need to search for the canister  20 , especially during times where time is of the essence, or mental functioning is impaired, such as during emergencies involving water.  
         [0052]    For purposes of disclosure, the canister securement means  90  is depicted as an adjustable arm wrap  110 , of a generally rectangular configuration. The arm wrap  110  is constructed of a strong, lightweight, elastic material, such as neoprene or cloth. The arm wrap  110  is wrapped around the arm  100  of the user, and adjustably secured via arm wrap securement means  120 , such as a hook and loop fastener. The interior surface  125  of the arm wrap  110 , which rests against the arm  100  of the user, contains a non-slip surface to reduce movement of the arm wrap  110  along the arm  100  during activity.  
         [0053]    A canister pouch  140  is located on the exterior surface of the arm wrap  110 . The canister pouch  140  is configured and sized so as to snugly hold the canister  20  within itself. When the canister  20  is in the canister pouch  140  and the canister pouch  140  secured to the user&#39;s arm  100 , the elongated centerline of the canister  20  is parallel to the elongated centerline of the arm  100 , so as to facilitate easy grasping by the opposite arm  100  when needed.  
         [0054]    It is also envisioned that a flap  150  is attached to the exterior surface of the arm wrap  110 , and covers the opening  153  in the canister pouch  140 . The flap  150  is releasably secured against the exterior surface of the canister pouch  140  via flap securement means  160 , such as a hook and loop fastener or a snap fastener. The flap securement means  160  is designed to be easily and quickly disconnected to allow easy access to the canister  20 .  
         [0055]    The canister pouch  140  does not completely cover the canister  20  once inserted, so that when the flap  150  is released, the canister  20  can be easily grasped by the top. For intense activities, the canister pouch  140  may be altered so that the canister  20  fits completely inside the canister pouch  140 , like a knife in a sheath.  
         [0056]    Referring now to FIG. 9, in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the canister  20  is releasably secured to the exterior surface of the arm wrap  110  via a flap  165  and flap securement means  160 . The canister pouch  140  is not included.  
         [0057]    The present invention is designed to be used during all water activities as well as when the air is thin, such as during sky diving or mountain climbing. The portable nature also facilitates use during everyday activities, such as when a person is nervous giving a speech, where the canister  20  can be stored in a purse or pocket.  
         [0058]    The present invention is also designed to serve as an emergency air supply for those who use oxygen on a long term basis, such as asthmatics. The present invention may be used as a temporary air supply, and as such, would be useful in first aid kits, extinguisher compartments, and the like.  
         [0059]    As such, it is envisioned that the present invention can be used to provide supplemental oxygen during events such as rafting, swimming, surfing, boating, skiing, sky diving, hang gliding, life guarding, in line skating, mountain biking, jogging, and during business functions, such as speeches.  
         [0060]    In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the mouthpiece  40  and regulator  30  are permanently affixed to the pre-filled canister  20 , and as such, the entire device is disposable when the canister  20  is depleted. This reduces the need to store the device after use.  
         [0061]    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.  
         [0062]    2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment  
         [0063]    Referring now to FIG. 6, to use the present invention, the canister  20  is secured to the person&#39;s arm  100  or leg via the canister securement means  90 . When air is needed, the user releases the flap securement means  160 , grabs the canister  20  with any free hand  57  and places the mouthpiece  40  against his or her mouth  45 . Next, the user places his thumb  55 , from the hand  57  holding the canister  20 , onto the top of the canister  20  and depresses the activation button  50 . A supply of air equivalent to one breath of air enters the user&#39;s mouth  45 . Each time a breath is needed, the activation button  50  is depressed. In the preferred embodiment, when the canister  20  is depleted of oxygen, the canister  20  can be unscrewed from the regulator  30 , and replaced. In the alternate embodiment, the entire device is discarded.  
         [0064]    The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.