Abstract:
Disclosed is an exchangeable and wearable keepsake containing a volume of breath from a loved one, comprising a sealed capsule having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture for forcing air into the capsule and retainment thereof. A method of gift exchange and capturing a quantity of breath is further disclosed, wherein a user forces air into a capsule as the air within the capsule is displaced, trapping a quantity of breath within the capsule indefinitely. A non-return valve is positioned in the inlet aperture and an outlet vent is positioned at the outlet aperture to allow air to exit the capsule control volume as incoming air is forced thereinto. The device is adapted to provide a memento or gift that allows a user to carry an article providing physical remembrance of lost or loved ones. The enclosure itself comprises a hollow structure that can take several ornamental forms.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/428,042 filed on Dec. 29 th , 2010, entitled “Breath in a Bottle.” 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a wearable memento and device for capturing a volume of a user&#39;s breath. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for exchanging a volume of a user&#39;s breath, which is stored in a specifically designed enclosure that allows air to be forced thereinto without causing an internal pressure buildup that would limit one&#39;s ability to enter air into the capsule. A method of exchanging a volume of breath is also disclosed that involves exchanging or gifting a container of an individual&#39;s breath as a keepsake or memento. 
         [0004]    There are a great many ways to express affection for a loved one or for memorializing the memory of one that has passed away or is away for a prolonged period of time. The exchange of gifts shows affection during courtship, reinforcing one&#39;s feelings and expresses emotional attachment to a recipient. Photos, lockets, and other mementos are common means for preserving a memory of a loved one, wherein these items provide a means to visualize an individual, stir memories and warm thoughts. Some individuals prefer to gift an artifact or physical memento of themselves, such as lock of hair or article of clothing having special meaning or fragrance of the original wearer. Physical gifts such as these can provide a link to those who are not present, or those who have passed away. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0006]    The present invention pertains to a unique method and device for facilitating the gifting of a physical artifact from one person to another. Specifically, the present invention comprises a sealed chamber for storing a volume of a user&#39;s breath, in which a quantity of breath can be entered into the chamber and given to a loved one to demonstrate affection. The chamber is stored for safekeeping or can be worn by a recipient as a constant reminder of the giver. The breath is sealed within the chamber and prevented from leaking. The chamber itself comprises a container having a geometric shape, a first inlet valve and an outlet vent. The shape of the device may take any novelty form desired by the user, while the inlet and outlet allow air to be forced into the chamber and displace any air that was originally therein. The use of an outlet vent allows the user to force air into the chamber without building up backpressure that would resist incoming air. 
         [0007]    Devices have been patented and applications published for articles utilized to entrap a quantity of air forced therein, as well as a method of gifting a canister of air having a blow-pipe mouthpiece to force air into a vessel. These devices do not describe the structure and intent of the disclosed device, which requires no external tools or means of forcing air into a capsule. The present invention provides an inlet upon which a user forces air passed a non-return valve. Air within the capsule is forced out through an outlet vent and the user&#39;s breath is trapped therein when the user has stopped forcing air thereinto. The shape and design of the capsule may take any desirable form that is visually pleasant. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,746 to Schneider discloses a method and apparatus for preserving a saliva sample for chemical analysis using a specimen cup. The cup contains a volume of aqueous solution of pH buffered saline and enzymatic inhibitor. The Schneider device is adapted to collect saliva samples for drug and alcohol testing, rather than one that is adapted for capturing a quantity of one&#39;s breath for gifting and keepsake purposes. The Schneider device further does not disclose the elements of the capsule, wherein an inlet valve and outlet vent are provided for capturing breath gas from an exhaling user. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,477 to Hamilton describes an air sampling device for obtaining an air sample from a person&#39;s lungs. The device comprises an expandable bag structure, an adhesive patch and removable adhesive patch cover. An outer shell over the bag ensures the captured air will not escape in the event of the bag rupture. A tube is inserted into the bag while the user blows into the tube to inflate the interior bag for containment of air therein. The Hamilton device describes a temporary structure for rapidly gathering a lung air sample. The structure of the bag is suited for short term storage of the injected air, as opposed to a rigid capsule having a means to retain air or breath over an extended period of time. The bag of Hamilton is inflated from a vacuumed initial state to an inflated, working state. The present invention provides a rigid capsule structure with venting to allow air infiltration and exit of existing air within the capsule. Further, the shape of the present invention may be designed for ornamental purposes, wherein the capsule is given to another as a keepsake or gift. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,915 to Queen describes a transparent keepsake capsule having two compartments to receive a two dimensional and three dimensional object, respectively. The three dimensional object may be a lock of hair or other keepsake item that is desired to be stored within the capsule and worn by a user. The capsule comprises a keychain or similar means to be carried, while the capsule walls are transparent to provide visualization of a two dimensional image and three dimensional object. The Queen device, while providing a novel keepsake device and fulfilling a need in the art, its structure and intent differ considerably from the present invention, which is intended specifically as an enclosure for one&#39;s breath and to be used as a keepsake capsule therefore. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,052,933 to Schirmer discloses a method for entrapping an individual&#39;s breath as a keepsake item, wherein a structure and method therefor is disclosed comprising a hollow vessel having an aperture and an external blow-pipe utilized to engage the aperture and fill the vessel. The blow-pipe comprises a means to communicate breath to the vessel from one or more individuals, wherein the passageway for the blow-pipe is slightly larger than to allow exhausted air to be expelled from the vessel interior. This means of vacating air from the vessel and introducing a user&#39;s breath creates an outward flow of air towards the user as he or she is blowing thereinto. Further, the use of an external blow-pipe device limits the Schirmer device, wherein the present invention does not require an external fitting or pipe to enter air thereinto. A user simply applies air pressure from his or her mouth through the inlet valve to depress the non-return valve. Air is entered into the present capsule as air within the capsule cavity is displaced through an outlet vent. The vent and inlet valve seal when the user has ceased forcing air into the capsule interior, trapping the user&#39;s breath indefinitely. 
         [0012]    The devices in the prior art are adapted to capture saliva or breath using differing means and structures. The present invention is provided for creating a unique memento, keepsake or talisman that captures a user&#39;s breath for safekeeping. The keepsake is useful for showing affection, memorializing lost ones or remembering distant loved ones. It is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing keepsake devices for capture a user&#39;s breath. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of keepsake devices for capture a user&#39;s breath now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new keepsake item wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when capturing a user&#39;s breath into a unique capsule. 
         [0014]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved keepsake device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention to provide a method of gifting a quantity of a user&#39;s breath from one person to another using a capsule device having a structure defined by a first inlet valve and a second outlet vent. 
         [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for providing a sealed quantity of a user&#39;s breath having internal features that facilitate the entrapment of breath, and one that requires no external tools or means to communicate the user&#39;s breath into the capsule. 
         [0017]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide breath capsule that employs a sealed internal volume and an exterior shape having an ornamental design, and one that can be worn by the user in the form of a necklace. 
         [0018]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the present capsule in a sealed, working position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  shows a cross section side view of the present capsule. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the present capsule attached as a necklace. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the breath keepsake device and method of gifting a capsule of breath. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a quantity of a user&#39;s breath as a keepsake or gift. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a breath capsule of the present invention in a working position. The breath capsule comprises a hollow container  11  having sidewalls, an inlet  14  aperture and an outlet aperture  13 . Within the container is an open area for which to store a quantity of a user&#39;s breath once forced thereinto. The shape of the capsule is one that may take any ornamental design that may be desired for the specific occasion, including a cylindrical capsule as shown in  FIG. 1 , or a design that represents a specific feature or conveys a meaning. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cylindrical capsule is provided with an inlet aperture having a non-return valve. This valve is utilized to ensure no air escapes the capsule when in a non-working position, while allowing air to enter when forced thereinto by the user. The inlet aperture  14  is adapted to allow a user to directly place his or her lips thereonto and forcibly enter their breath through the aperture. The force of this incoming air opens the non-return valve into an open position, wherein the air passes through the inlet aperture  14  and into the hollow body of the capsule  11 . Once the interior volume of the capsule is filled with air, further incoming air begins to build up pressure within the capsule. The outlet aperture  13  provides a valve or vent that allows air to exit under this excess pressure. In this way, a user can fill the capsule  11  with air from their breath while displacing any air that is within the capsule. The outlet acts as a means to prevent pressure buildup that would prevent air from entering the interior volume. 
         [0025]    Also visualizing in  FIG. 1  is an embodiment of the capsule having a removable cap  12  and means for attaching  15  the capsule to a necklace or bracelet along the exterior of the capsule. The attachment means  15  is provided to attach the device to another structure, such as a string or jewelry article in order to create a pendant-style capsule that can be physically worn by the user if desired. Alternatively, the capsule may be stored for safekeeping over a long period of time, in a similar fashion as a photo, memento or urn of those loved and lost. 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a cross section side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present breath capsule. The interior of the capsule  11  is a hollow chamber for which to house a volume of a breath that is forced thereinto. The inlet aperture  14  comprises of a hole that allows fluid communication from the user&#39;s mouth to the interior of the capsule. A non-return valve  16  is provided within the inlet aperture  14 , which allows air to be forced into the capsule when in an open position, and prevented from leaking when in a closed position. In a particular embodiment, the non-return valve comprises a spring-loaded valve plunger that closes the inlet aperture  14  in its resting position. When the user forces air into the aperture  14 , the valve plunger is forced open, wherein the spring is depressed and the plunger retracts away from the valve seat (closed position), allowing air flow therepast and fluid communication through the aperture and into the capsule internal volume. Once the user ceases forcing air into the inlet, the valve plunger returns to a seated, closed position as the spring compresses the plunger against the valve seat, sealing the inlet and preventing air leakage. 
         [0027]    The outlet aperture  13  is one that acts in a similar fashion to the inlet aperture, wherein air may be forced therethrough when pressure builds up within the capsule, but is prevented from leaking under normal conditions. Within the outlet aperture is a vent or one-way valve, wherein pressure within the capsule allows the air within to exit through the vent and outlet valve. This allows incoming air and the user&#39;s breath to displace any air within the capsule. The vent may comprise the same non-return valve as the inlet, or may be of simpler construction, such as a diaphragm vent that opens under pressure and reseals when not under pressure. The exact construction of the inlet and outlet may take the same form, or may be of differing construction and sophistication, if so desired. It is required that both elements provide a means to communicate air therepast while sealing the inner chamber of the capsule when not being utilized, allowing a user&#39;s breath to be preserved within the capsule over prolonged periods without risk of leakage. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown an embodiment of the capsule structure that provides an ornamental design, specifically suited to convey an emotion and for attachment  15  to a necklace or bracelet. As shown, the capsule  11  is formed of a hollow, heart-shaped structure with a first inlet valve  14  and a second outlet valve  13 . The inlet valve  14  of this embodiment, or that of any shaped capsule, comprises a valve that allows air to enter but not to escape. The outlet valve comprises a valve that allows displaced air within the capsule to escape when incoming air pressurizes the capsule interior, but closes when incoming air has ceased. Once closed, the outlet aperture valve prevents air leakage or further escapement. 
         [0029]    Associated with the disclosed device is a method of capturing a quantity of a user&#39;s breath and providing the same as a gift for providing a memento or keepsake to another, using the disclosed device therefor. The steps of the method comprise first utilizing a capsule having an inlet and outlet aperture to capture a quantity of the user&#39;s breath. The user places his or her mouth on the inlet aperture, forcing air into the inlet aperture as air within the capsule is displaced through the outlet aperture. After sufficiently filling the capsule with the user&#39;s breath, the user ceases forcing air through the capsule inlet aperture. Air is then captured within the capsule after the user has stopped blowing and the non-return valves of the inlet and outlet apertures return to a closed, seal position. The capsule can then be gifted to another individual for safekeeping. As an additional step, the device may be attached to a necklace or bracelet for the gift recipient to wear on their person. The present method utilizes no external tools or means to facilitate the entry of breath into the capsule, as the capsule comprises imbedded elements necessary to enter, entrap and store the quantity of breath. 
         [0030]    The gifting of keepsakes, pendants, talismans or other physical gifts are well known means and articles to gift between individuals. Physical keepsakes provide a means to remember those who have passed away, or those that are away for prolonged periods. The present device and method discloses a new means and method for exchanging a physical keepsake, wherein a quantity of the gift giver&#39;s breath is stored a retained for the gift receiver to store or wear as is desired. The breath is a memento of another that can serve as a reminder, and can be thought of as an intimate reminder of another. The devices in the art provides means to capture fluid from a user for chemical analysis, or provide a method of gifting a quantity of a user&#39;s breath using a more sophisticated and less convenient device. The present device and method requires no extra tools or blow-pipes to enter air into the capsule, but rather employs an imbedded air infiltration aperture and means to retain the incoming air and displace any air existing within the capsule. 
         [0031]    It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0032]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.