US 2023/0414996 A1 · APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING SEMI-OCCLUDED VOCAL TRACT EXERCISES

Abstract

This application pertains generally to a physical exercise and therapy apparatus and method, and more specifically to an improved apparatus and method for practicing Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract exercises. The improved apparatus for semi-occluded vocal tract exercises disclosed herein may comprise a novel hollow apparatus that enables and enhances semi-occluded vocal tract breathing and vocalizing exercises. It may further comprise a novel means of adjustment. A preferable embodiment comprises a hollow air chamber or chambers enclosed in an encasing with an air entrance and one or more exits. The encasing may be made of metal, rubber, silicone, plastic, and/or another durable material. The encasing may be rigid or flexible in different embodiments. It may comprise rigid and flexible elements in the same embodiment. In certain embodiments, the encasing would comprise a material that has antimicrobial properties such as the oligodynamic effect found in copper, brass, silver, gold, and several other metals and alloys. In certain embodiments of the present improved apparatus, the air channel is adjustable. Certain embodiments comprise elements that enable the apparatus to be worn as a necklace, ring, clip, or other wearable apparatus. In certain embodiments, it is used as an instrument, a vocal mute, and/or as a vocal warm-up tool.

Claims19

Dependent claims

An apparatus for semi-occluded vocal tract exercises, comprising:

an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end;
an inlet configured to receive air blown from a mouth of a user, said inlet being disposed at said proximal end;
an exit configured to permit said air exit through said distal end, said exit being disposed coaxially to said inlet at said distal end;
one or more diamond-shaped apertures disposed over said elongated body along said longitudinal axis, said one or more apertures extending from an exterior wall of said elongated body to an interior wall of said elongated body;
and
a central lumen, having a gradually decreasing cross-section extending along said longitudinal axis from said inlet to said exit, said central lumen being defined by said interior wall of said elongated body and configured to put said inlet in fluid communication with said one or more apertures and with said exit for an air flow caused by air blown from said mouth of said user;
wherein selective blocking of said one or more apertures and said exit enables change in a resistance offered to said air flow as per requirement of said user;
and
wherein the diamond shape of said apertures is configured to increase a surface area over which air flows as it passes by and through said apertures to lower the potential energy of the exiting air which may result in generation of whistling tone due to vibration.

6 more elements

An apparatus for semi-occluded vocal tract exercises, comprising:

an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end;
an inlet configured to receive air blown from a mouth of a user, said inlet being disposed at said proximal end;
an exit configured to permit said air exit through said distal end, said exit being disposed coaxially to said inlet at said distal end;
a plurality of apertures disposed over said elongated body along said longitudinal axis extending from an exterior wall of said elongated body to an interior wall of said elongated body, one of said plurality of apertures being located on a first lateral side of said elongated body facing a direction substantially opposite to a second lateral side of said elongated body having a rest of said plurality of apertures;
and
a securement loop configured to be held by a finger of said user attached to said exterior wall on said second lateral side of said elongated body opposite said one of said plurality of apertures being located on said first lateral side;
a central lumen, having a cross-section extending along said longitudinal axis from said inlet to said exit, said central lumen being defined by said interior wall of said elongated body and configured to put said inlet in fluid communication with said plurality of apertures and with said exit for an air flow caused by air blown from said mouth of said user;
wherein selective blocking of said plurality of apertures and said exit enables change in resistance offered to said air flow as per requirement of said user.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus and method for performing semi-occluded vocal tract exercises

Life of this patent

Apparatus and method for performing semi-occluded vocal tract exercises

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19