Breath Containment Keepsake Item and Method

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.

1 ) A device for capturing breath as a keepsake, comprising:
 a hollow capsule having an internal volume, sidewalls, an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture;   said inlet aperture having a non-return valve to allow breath to be forcibly entered into said capsule internal volume, whereby said valve is open, and then sealed closed when breath ceases to enter said inlet aperture;   said outlet aperture having a non-return valve to allow air within said capsule interior volume to exit as said breath displaces said air, said outlet valve opening as said breath displaces said internal air, and closing when said breath ceases to enter said inlet aperture.   
     
     
         2 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said capsule further comprises an exterior bracelet or necklace attachment means. 
     
     
         3 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said capsule further comprises a removable cap that houses said inlet aperture and allows access to said capsule interior volume. 
     
     
         4 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said inlet non-return valve further comprises a spring-loaded valve plunger and valve seat, adapted to open under pressure from said user breath, and adapted to seal closed when breath is not being entered into said capsule. 
     
     
         5 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said outlet non-return valve further comprises a spring-loaded valve plunger and valve seat, adapted to open under pressure from said user breath and displaced capsule air, and adapted to seal closed when breath is not being entered into said capsule. 
     
     
         6 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said inlet non-return valve is a membrane vent that is adapted to open under pressure from said user breath, and adapted to seal closed when breath is not being entered into said capsule. 
     
     
         7 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said outlet non-return valve is a membrane vent that is adapted to open under pressure from said user breath and displaced capsule air and adapted to seal closed when breath is not being entered into said capsule. 
     
     
         8 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said capsule sidewalls and hollow interior form an ornamental shape of that of a heart. 
     
     
         9 ) A method of trapping an individual's breath within a capsule as gift, comprising the steps of:
 providing a capsule capable of entrapping an individual's breath, the vessel having an air inlet aperture and an air outlet aperture,   the individual blowing through said air inlet aperture and into said capsule to open a non-return valve in said inlet aperture and expel air within said capsule through a non-return valve in said outlet aperture;   sealing the capsule to permanently trap the individual's breath therein by ceasing said blowing to allow said non-return valves to close and seal said breath within said capsule.   
     
     
         10 ) The method of  claim 9 , further comprising the steps of:
 attaching said capsule to a necklace or bracelet for allowing said capsule to be worn.