Spirometer Toy

Abstract

The invention provides a toy that functions to propel a projectile through a tube at someone or something by exerting sufficient air pressure from the user's lungs through the tube. This action has the effect of challenging and building the user's respiratory system, including the respiratory musculature and lung capacity, through the repeated use of the toy.

1 . An apparatus comprising a tube having a mouthpiece on one end and at least one aperture along the length of the tube. 
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tube is a circular tube. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tube has a length between about 4 inches and about 36 inches. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tube has a diameter between about 5 mm and about 20 mm. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tube is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, polymer, laminate, resin, metal, polycarbonate and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the aperture is chimney formed as a substantially perpendicular projection from the tube having an open end opposite the junction with the tube and adapted to receive a projectile through the open end. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a closure for the aperture selected from the group consisting of a sleeve, a door and an aperture tube. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece comprises a crimped end of the tube. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece comprises a material that is removably-engaged from the tube. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece comprises a screen positioned within the mouthpiece to prevent an object from moving from within the tube out the end of the tube trough the mouthpiece. 
   
   
       11 . A kit comprising the apparatus of  claim 1  and at least one projectile selected from the group consisting of a marshmallow, a mini-marshmallow, a pea, a ball and a piece of foam. 
   
   
       12 . A method of enhancing the respiratory system in a user comprising inserting a projectile through the aperture and into the tube of the apparatus of  claim 1 , placing the lips of the user on the mouthpiece of the apparatus, and exhaling through the mouthpiece with sufficient force to expel the projectile from the tube.