TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
MULTIFUNCTIONAL WARM AIR, STEAM INHALATION, VAPORISING AND BREATH-ASSISTING APPARATUS

Patent pending. GB2623096.1

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The principal objects of the present invention are set out herein below:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

1. The present invention relates generally to a multifunctional apparatus for personal respiratory care and room air treatment, and more particularly to an air warming, breath assisting, salinated and herbal steam inhaler and vaporizer, hereinafter referred to as AWBASHSIV. The invention pertains to the field of non-pharmacological, drug-free devices which combine warm air inhalation, salinated steam inhalation, herbal steam inhalation, mechanical breath assistance, and room air vaporisation and humidification into a single multifunctional apparatus, which may also be operated as separate individual functions as desired by a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

2. Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

3. Inhalation of warm air and steam has long been recognised as a natural and non-pharmacological approach to relieving congestion and soothing respiratory discomfort associated with conditions such as colds, influenza, sinusitis and allergies. According to multiple sources, the inhalation of combined warm air with salinated steam introduces moisture, heat and salt particles directly into the nasal passages and throat, and provides immediate, temporary relief by loosening and thinning mucus, reducing congestion and inflammation, moisturising dry airways, improving mucociliary clearance, soothing the vocal cords, improving sleep, and reducing the need for medication.

4. In addition to salinated steam inhalation, warm herbal inhalation is known to deliver immediate respiratory relief by combining therapeutic steam with the active botanical compounds of medicinal herbs, thereby acting as a natural, non-invasive remedy to clear airways and soothe irritated mucous membranes.

5. Existing devices for steam or warm air inhalation, however, are generally limited to a single function, such as simple steam production, and do not provide a combination of humidification, osmotic mucus clearance and mechanical respiratory muscle support within one apparatus. There exists, therefore, a need for a single apparatus capable of delivering oxygen, removing carbon dioxide, keeping airways open, and providing targeted, drug-free symptom relief for the upper and lower respiratory tracts, while also being adaptable for use as a room vaporiser and air filtration device. The present invention has been devised to address this need.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

6. The principal objects of the present invention are set out herein below:

• To provide a multifunctional apparatus which delivers warm air and salinated or herbal steam inhalation for health and healing benefits during respiratory tract diseases.

• To provide an apparatus which mechanically assists breathing so as to improve oxygen levels, remove waste gases, and relax tired breathing muscles.

• To provide an apparatus which can also be used as a herb or steam vaporiser to moisturise dry air, reduce toxic smoke and lung irritation, and help sleeping.

• To provide an apparatus capable of delivering highly targeted, drug-free symptom relief for the upper and lower respiratory tracts by combining humidification, osmotic mucus clearance, and respiratory muscle support.

• To provide an apparatus which, as a herb or steam vaporiser, offers clearer breathing, less toxin exposure, and skin hydration by using infused or boiled plant herbs to release helpful natural oils into the air.

• To provide an apparatus which is multifunctional in nature, being capable of operating either as a single function device or as a multi-function device, for example as a steam or herbal vaporiser and, simultaneously or separately, as a breath-assisting device.

• To provide an apparatus which may optionally be fitted with a separate or fixed fan/pump assembly for assisted breathing, room vaporising, and air filtration purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

7. This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.

8. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an air warming, breath assisting, salinated and herbal steam inhaler and vaporiser (AWBASHSIV) comprising a body having an air warmer, an air storage and divider, air distributors, a vaporiser, an air outlet, an air inlet, a refill point, a discharge point, a base and a heater. In an embodiment of the present invention, the air warmer draws air through an air inlet, warms it by passage around a series of concentric cylinders, and delivers the warmed air into an air storage and divider from where it is distributed substantially equally, through a plurality of air distributors, beneath a mesh forming part of a vaporiser, so as to generate microscopic water droplets and steam which are carried upward with the warm air and inhaled through an air outlet.

9. In another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is provided with a separate fan/pump unit which may be fitted at the air outlet to provide gentle breathing support with warm steam, or fitted at the air inlet to provide full powerful breath support, in addition to inhalation of warm, salinated or herbal steam. In a further embodiment, the fan/pump assembly is fixedly integrated with the main body of the apparatus and includes a plurality of stoppers and handles which selectively open and close air passages so as to direct air flow through the air outlet or the air inlet, according to the function desired, namely, assisted inhalation, room vaporising, or room air filtration.

10. The apparatus is thus multifunctional, being operable, without limitation, as a warm air and salinated steam inhaler, a warm herbal steam inhaler, a mechanical breath-assisting device, a room herb/steam vaporiser, and a room air filtration and humidity-improving device, either singly or in combination, thereby overcoming the limitations of single-function inhalation devices known in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

11. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in, and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

12. In the figures, similar components, and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

13. Figure 1 illustrates a guideline sectional view of the main parts of the AWBASHSIV apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

    Click to see figure 1

14. Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the air storage and divider and the vaporiser as shown in Figure 1;

    Click to see figure 2

15. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the air warmer of Figure 1, made up of a plurality of concentric cylinders;

    Click to see figure 3

16. Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the air warmer of Figure 3;

    Click to see figure 4

17. Figure 5 illustrates a separate fan/pump unit which forms a further part of the apparatus of Figure 1; and

    Click to see figure 5

18. Figure 6 illustrates a fixed fan/pump assembly forming a fixed part of the main body of the AWBASHSIV apparatus of Figure 1, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

    Click to see figure 6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

19. The following detailed description is provided so as to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, and sets out the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. It is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are illustrative of the principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims appended hereto.

    Click to see figure 1

20. Referring to Figure 1, the AWBASHSIV apparatus comprises a body (15) which houses and supports the several functional parts of the apparatus. The body (15) is provided with an air warmer (1), an air storage and divider (4), a plurality of air distributors (5), a vaporiser (6), an air outlet (8), an air inlet (9), a refill point (11), a discharge point (12), a base (13) and a heater (14).

21. The air outlet (8) is provided with an air passage (25), a stopper (26) and a handle (27), the handle (27) being operable to actuate the stopper (26) so as to close and open the air outlet (8) through the air passage (25). In an embodiment of the present invention, the heater (14) is a candle holder, whereas in another embodiment of the present invention, the heater (14) is a temperature-controlled electric heater, in which case the base (13) may not be required. The body (15) may further be provided with foldable or extendable legs so as to prevent the apparatus from falling over during use.

The Air Warmer – Figures 1, 3 and 4

22. The air warmer (1) has an air inlet (9), warm air outlets (2) and (21), and a floater (3), and is of a vertical cylindrical shape. The warm air outlet (21) is provided with an air passage (22), a stopper (23) and a handle (24), which is operable to close and open the air passage (22). In an embodiment of the present invention, the AWBASHSIV apparatus may be constructed without the warm air outlet (21) and its associated air passage.

23. As shown more particularly in Figures 3 Click to see figure 3 and 4 Click to see figure 4 , the air warmer (1) is made up of a plurality of concentric cylinders, illustrated as five cylinders, although a greater or lesser number of cylinders may be provided. The air inlet (9) links to the inner most cylinder (9a), which is linked in turn to the next outward cylinder, each cylinder being linked from the inside outwardly to the next adjacent cylinder, until the outer most cylinder, which is linked to the warm air outlet (2). By this construction, air drawn in through the air inlet (9) travels progressively outward around the successive cylinders of the air warmer (1), being warmed by contact with the cylinder walls before leaving through the warm air outlet (2).

Air Storage, Divider, Distributors and Vaporiser – Figures 1 and 2

24. A broken line (16) denotes the level of water below the air distributors (5). Stored air (20) is trapped between the water level (16) and the top of the air storage and divider (4). A broken line (7) denotes a mesh-like arrangement of multiple holes provided at the top of the vaporiser (6). A further broken line (17) denotes the hot/warm water level within the body (15). The top (10) of the body (15) is of a dome-like configuration, communicating with the warm air and salinated or herbal steam outlet (8).

25. The air storage and divider (4) and the vaporiser (6) are of similar corresponding shape, the top of the air storage and divider (4) being received within the bottom of the vaporiser (6). The air distributors (5) are of the same length, disposed below the top of the air storage and divider (4). In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may include a small bubble spirit level and an adjustment means so as to maintain the lower ends of the air distributors (5) at the same level above the water level (16). An air bubble guide (18) extends into the region of the stored air (20) and is provided with de-pressurisers (19).

26. Referring to Figure 2, Click to see figure 2 which is a top view of the air storage and divider (4) and vaporiser (6) of Figure 1, a plurality of air distributors (5) is shown, positioned equidistant from one another so as to cover substantially equal areas beneath the vaporiser (6). It is to be understood that a greater number of air distributors (5) may be provided than illustrated.

Dimensional Relationship of Air Passages

27. In an embodiment of the present invention, the widths of the air passages, such as those associated with the warm air outlet (2), the air outlet (8), and the air inlet (9), are of similar width to one another. The total width of the other air passages, such as those associated with the air distributors (5) and the mesh (7), may likewise be similar to the combined widths of the passages associated with the warm air outlet (2), air outlet (8) and air inlet (9). Similarly, the gaps between the concentric cylinders of the air warmer (1), as shown in Figure 3, may be of the same area width as the other air passages of the apparatus.

The Fan/Pump Unit – Figure 5

28. Figure 5 illustrates a fan/pump unit forming a separate part of the AWBASHSIV apparatus. The fan/pump unit comprises a fan/pump unit housing (1), a fan/pump (4), an air outlet (8) corresponding to the air outlet (8) of Figure 1, an air inlet (9) corresponding to the air inlet (9) of Figure 1, an adjustable power switch (3), a removable air filter (5), and an air filter house (6). An arrow (2) indicates the direction of air flow through the fan/pump unit.

29. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fan/pump unit is fitted at the air outlet (8) of Figure 1, with the filter (5) removed, so as to function as a vaporiser or as a gentle breathing support supplying warm steam, whether pure, salinated or herbal. In another embodiment of the present invention, the fan/pump unit is fitted at the air inlet (9) of Figure 1 so as to function as a full, powerful breath-supporter, in addition to providing inhalation of warm steam, which may likewise be pure, salinated or herbal.

30. The fan/pump unit may be provided with a separate power supply, or may be linked to the power supply of the main body of the apparatus, where such power supply is present, irrespective of whether the fan/pump unit is fitted at the air outlet (8) or the air inlet (9). Where the main apparatus of Figure 1 is provided together with the fan/pump unit of Figure 5, the air passage (25) and warm air outlet (21) of Figure 1 may not be required. It is to be noted that the AWBASHSIV apparatus of this type may also be used by normal breath-in inhalation, without the fan/pump unit of Figure 5. The removable air filter (5) clears incoming air at the air inlet (9), and in an embodiment of the present invention, the filter (5) is scented, so as to function additionally as a vaporiser or to enhance the atmosphere of a room.

The Fixed Fan/Pump Assembly – Figure 6

31. Figure 6 illustrates a fixed part of the main body of the AWBASHSIV apparatus of Figure 1, comprising a fan/pump house (12), an air outlet (8) corresponding to the air outlet (8) of Figure 1, and an air inlet (9) corresponding to the air inlet (9) of Figure 1. The air outlet (8), in addition to the parts already described with reference to Figure 1, is further provided with an air passage (14) and an air pressure-operated stopper (10), together with additional air passages (13) and (15).

32. The air inlet (9) is provided with air passages (16), (17) and (18) and an air pressure-operated stopper (11). The fan/pump house (12) comprises stoppers (2), (3), (4) and (5), a fan/pump (1), and handles (6) and (7). The handle (6) operates the stoppers (5) and (4) so as to close and open the air passages (16) and (17), while the handle (7) operates the stoppers (2) and (3) so as to close and open the air passages (13) and (15). A filter compartment (28) is located at the entry of the air inlet (9).

33. Table 1 – List of Reference Numerals

34. For ease of reference, the principal reference numerals used throughout the drawings and this specification, and the parts to which they correspond, are set out in Table 1 below.

OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

Operation with the Separate Fan/Pump Unit of Figure 5

35. In an embodiment of the present invention in which the AWBASHSIV apparatus is used together with the separate fan/pump unit of Figure 5, the apparatus may be constructed without the air passage (25), the air passage (22) and the warm air outlet (21).

36. In use, the AWBASHSIV apparatus is placed on a ground level surface, and the leveller, where included, is adjusted. An amount of hot water sufficient to fill the apparatus to the level of the base of the dome (10) is added, and the source of heat, namely the heater (14), is switched on so as to keep the water warm and to heat the air warmer (1), which likewise becomes hot by virtue of the temperature of the hot water. The floater (3) prevents water from entering the air warmer (1), and further prevents water from entering the space (20) between the air distributors (5).

37. The hot/warm water inlet (11) is then closed tightly, a breathing-in pipe is fitted to the warm air and steam outlet (8), and inhalation is commenced. As air pressure falls within the dome (10) as a result of inhalation, the higher pressure of the outside air enters through the air inlet (9) into the air warmer (1). As the air passes around the cylinders of the air warmer (1), as shown in Figures 3 and 4, it becomes warm by contact with the cylinder walls. The floater (3) opens so as to permit the warm air to leave the air warmer (1). Air bubbles leaving the warm air outlet (2) enter the empty space (20) through the air bubble guide (18), thereby increasing the air volume within the space (20) and pushing the water level (16) downward.

38. This downward displacement of the water level (16) permits the increased air volume within the space (20) to escape in substantially equal amounts through the air distributors (5), whereby the air is distributed substantially equally beneath the mesh (7) of the vaporiser (6). The air escapes upward, in the form of tiny bubbles, through the mesh (7), carrying with it a substantial quantity of microscopic water droplets, or steam, by the time the air reaches the empty space within the dome (10), where it is inhaled together with the warm air.

39. As the air bubbles enter the air bubble guide (18), the pressure within the air bubble guide (18) increases as the air bubbles rise. This increase in pressure is rapidly neutralised by the de-pressurisers (19).

Warm Salinated Steam Inhalation

40. In an embodiment of the present invention directed to salinated warm steam inhalation, an amount of approximately one percent (1%) Himalayan pink salt is added to the hot/warm water. The Himalayan pink salt contains eighty-one (81) microscopic trace minerals, and, having formed before the existence of oxygen billions of years ago, is pure and free from all oxidised contaminates. In use, the inhaled microscopic particles and volatile elements pass through the thin walls of the lung alveoli directly into the bloodstream. The salinated warm steam physically flushes out bacteria and reduces tissue swelling by way of osmosis.

Herbal Inhalation

41. In another embodiment of the present invention directed to herbal steam inhalation, an amount of dry or fresh herb, suited to the amount of water within the apparatus, is infused or decocted by boiling, strained well, and poured into the AWBASHSIV apparatus. Eucalyptus, peppermint, chamomile, rosemary and thyme are identified as among the safest and most effective herbs for steam inhalation. It is recommended that the herb/water concentration be started at less than one quarter of the recommended concentration and increased gradually to the recommended concentration. Should any side effects develop at a given concentration level, it is recommended that the concentration level be reduced and maintained at the reduced level. As a general precaution, before the use of a new herb, a small amount of the herb is rubbed on the back of the hand to determine whether any sensitivity results; if sensitivity occurs, that herb is avoided.

Assisted Breathing

42. In a further embodiment of the present invention directed to assisted breathing and inhalation, the accompanying fan/pump unit of Figure 5 is fitted from its air inlet (9) to the air inlet (9) of the AWBASHSIV apparatus of Figure 1. Whereas normal mouth inhalation draws steam, salinated steam or herbal steam only to the upper respiratory tract, assisted breathing draws such steam deep into the respiratory tract, as far as the lung alveoli. This embodiment is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

43. The breathing pipe fitted to the air outlet (8) may be linked to the fan/pump (4) of Figure 5, together with the adjustable power switch (3), positioned at a convenient point readily accessible to the hand of the inhaler or patient. As the user inhales, the adjustable power switch is used to increase or decrease the degree of assisted inhalation.

AWBASHSIV as a Room Vaporiser

44. In another embodiment of the present invention, the AWBASHSIV apparatus is used as a vaporiser so as to optimise sitting or sleeping rooms. For this purpose, the fan/pump unit of Figure 5 is fitted from its air outlet (8) to the air outlet (8) of Figure 1, and the filter (5) of Figure 5 is removed. Safe herbs and oils suited to use with a steam-inhaling vaporiser include peppermint, tea tree and eucalyptus, and either dry or fresh herbs, or essential oils, may be used. The herbs are infused or boiled in accordance with the instructions provided on the relevant label, strained, and poured into the AWBASHSIV apparatus. Where herbal essential oils are used, droplets thereof are added to the hot/warm water within the apparatus in accordance with the instructions provided on the relevant label.

Air Filtration and Improving Room Humidity

45. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the AWBASHSIV apparatus is provided with a special filter for filtering dust and contaminates from the air of a room, the filter being fitted at the air inlet (9) of Figure 1. The water within the apparatus may additionally act as a filter, removing any particles which escape the filter; in this embodiment, the heater (14) may be switched off. In another embodiment directed to improving room humidity, the AWBASHSIV apparatus is allowed to release warm steam or dry warm air without any fluid within the apparatus. In both such embodiments, the heater (14) is switched on and the fan/pump unit of Figure 5 is fitted at the air inlet point (9).

Operation of the Fixed Fan/Pump Assembly – Figure 6

46. The fan/pump (1) of the fixed assembly shown in Figure 6 drives air through the air inlet (9) or the air outlet (8), both as shown in Figure 1, so as to perform all functions of the AWBASHSIV apparatus described hereinabove. This fan/pump (1) assembly is fixed to the main body of the AWBASHSIV apparatus of Figure 1 and replaces the independent fan/pump unit of Figure 5.

47. In an embodiment of the present invention directed to use of the air outlet (8), the air passages (25), (13) and (15) are opened, and the air passages (23), (16) and (17) are closed. The fan/pump (1) is then switched on. Air within the air outlet (8) follows the direction indicated by the arrow shown therein. Once the fan/pump (1) is switched on, it draws air from within the main body of Figure 1, the air passing through the air passages (25), (13) and (15). The stopper (10) closes the air passage (14) against the flow of air, by reason of the higher air pressure above the stopper (10), where air is blown against it, and the lower air pressure below the stopper (10), where air is drawn from beneath it.

48. By reason of the fall in pressure within the main body of Figure 1, caused by the air drawn by the fan/pump (1) through the air outlet (8), air begins to flow through the air inlet (9) in the direction indicated by the arrow, crossing the air passage (18) by opening the air pressure-operated stopper (11), so as to enter the main body of Figure 1.

49. In another embodiment of the present invention directed to use of the air inlet (9), the air passages (16), (17) and (25) are opened, and the air passages (13), (15) and (23) are closed. This construction drives air into the body of Figure 1, from where it thereafter passes out through the air outlet (8).

50. In a further embodiment of the present invention directed to room air filtration, or to assisting with dry air, warmed inhalation or normal inhalation, the air passages (23), (16) and (17) are opened, and the air passages (25), (13) and (15) are closed.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

51. The best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention is that embodiment in which the AWBASHSIV apparatus comprises the body (15) fitted with the fixed fan/pump assembly of Figure 6, integrated with the air warmer (1) of Figures 3 and 4, the air storage and divider (4) with a plurality of air distributors (5) as shown in Figure 2, and the vaporiser (6) having the mesh (7). In this best mode, hot water is added to the body (15) to the level of the base of the dome (10), and approximately one percent (1%) Himalayan pink salt is dissolved therein so as to provide salinated steam inhalation, while the heater (14) maintains the water at a warm temperature. The handles (6) and (7) of the fan/pump house (12), shown in Figure 6, are operated so as to open the air passages (16), (17) and (25) and close the air passages (13), (15) and (23), whereby the fan/pump (1) drives air into the body through the air inlet (9) and thereafter out through the air outlet (8), providing simultaneously mechanically assisted breathing together with warm salinated steam inhalation. This construction is presently considered by the inventor to achieve the objects of the invention in the most efficient and convenient manner, while retaining the versatility of the apparatus to be reconfigured, by operation of the respective stoppers and handles, so as to perform as a herbal steam inhaler, a room vaporiser, or a room air filtration and humidification device, as described hereinabove.

52. The foregoing detailed description discloses the construction, arrangement and mode of operation of each of the several parts of the AWBASHSIV apparatus, identified by their respective reference numerals and set out in Table 1, together with the manner in which those parts co-operate with one another so as to achieve the several functions of the invention, namely warm air inhalation, salinated steam inhalation, herbal steam inhalation, mechanical breath-assistance, room vaporising, and room air filtration and humidification. The description, taken together with the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 6, is sufficient to enable a person skilled in the art to which this invention pertains to make and use the invention without undue experimentation, and sets out the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention.