DE202007019505U1 - Portable breath - Google Patents

Abstract

Portable Breathing Cycle – with a signal unit (5, 6) for perceptibly transmitting a signal to the body of the user, and       with a control unit for periodically activating the signal unit (5, 6) by means of a drive signal, wherein a period of the drive signal comprises an inhalation phase and an expiration phase, characterized in that the signal is a vibration signal, a current pulse signal and / or a temperature signal, and that Drive signal is formed independently of physiological body values.

Description

The invention relates to a respiratory tract, with which a user is able to acquire a healthy breathing, to control his body functions (pulse, heartbeat, vegetative nervous system) in acute stress situations and to reduce the stress load by cortisol etc. immediately.

A breathtaker outputs a signal perceptible by a user, which predetermines the phases of inspiration, exhalation phases and possibly pauses. At these stages, the user aligns his breathing.

Healthy breathing is important for the prevention of stress disorders. Physical and mental stress disorders are steadily increasing, especially in industrial societies. Stress is the cause of numerous health problems with the resulting economic and societal costs.

Stress can be responsible for many sequelae, such as high blood pressure, back pain, cardiovascular disease, angina pectoris, heart attack and stroke. In addition, stress causes concentration and performance disorders, chronic fatigue, anxiety disorders, panic attacks and depression. In addition, stress is suspected to increase the risk of tumor diseases. Stress can also become chronic and permanently endanger and endanger health.

From the DE 693 19 742 T2 a respirator is known to treat respiratory disorder disorders. The regulator determines the ratio between inspiratory time and expiratory time in a respiratory cycle. Depending on this ratio, a user-audible audible signal is output to which the user directs his breathing. If, by evaluating the ratio, the respirator determines that the user's breathing is again consistent with a predetermined healthy respiratory pattern, it automatically shuts off. The disadvantage is that the regulator has a complicated technical structure and thus is expensive to manufacture. Besides, it is not easy to use. Another disadvantage is that it is conspicuous and perceptible for third parties.

Object of the present invention is to provide a simple-to-produce, cost-effective and also by children -. ADHD (Hyperactivity) - an easy-to-use device that allows a user to learn healthy breathing. Another object is to provide the device so that it can be carried inconspicuously.

The object is achieved by a breathing cycle with the features of the independent claim.

The breathing clock according to the invention comprises simple and inexpensive components, such as a signal unit for transmitting a vibration, a current pulse or a temperature change. These signals can be transferable individually or in any combination.

The control unit generates a periodic drive signal, with which the signal unit is activated and outputs a corresponding periodic signal, which is perceptible by a user. The control unit may for this purpose comprise a suitably programmed microcontroller. The data for the drive signal takes the control unit, for example, a suitable memory, which is integrated in the breathtaking.

The different phases (inhalation, exhalation and possibly pausing) are perceived differently by the user, so that he can keep them apart. This is important because he has to align his breathing in these phases to achieve the desired purpose, healthier breathing. The invention also includes the case that a phase is characterized in that no positive perceptible signal is emitted when the temporally immediately adjacent phases comprise positive signals. Decisive is the recognizability of the individual phases for the user. Positively detectable signals may be uniform or non-uniform.

The breathing cycle according to the invention dispenses, in contrast to the known regulator, to a control device which is realized with complicated electronic circuits and requires suitable sensors for detecting physical conditions of the user. A controller, including the required sensors, is expensive. In addition, it complicates the operation of the regulator, which would restrict the use of children and the elderly as well as people with low intellectual abilities.

However, the breath of the invention is able to affect the user's breathing in the long term just as positive as the complicated known devices. It has been shown that the result of the breathing exercise depends on the breathing exercise being performed regularly and of adequate daily duration.

The breathing clock according to the invention is portable and requires no visual control. The user does not need to lie or devote his visual attention to the breath. It can therefore be used almost anywhere For example, when jogging, driving a car, holding lectures, in dangerous situations (fire brigade, rescue personnel, divers etc.) or generally in situations that require concentration and attention.

• – Stressbedingt hoher Blutdruck wird ohne Medikamente gesenkt
• – Ein- und Durchschlafstörungen werden verringert
• – Ängste und Panikstörungen können besser kontrolliert werden
• – Herz- und Kreislauf werden wieder ins Gleichgewicht gebracht (bei erlittenem Herzinfarkt besteht bei einer hohen HRV eine neunmal bessere Chance, keinen zweiten Herzinfarkt zu erleiden)
• – Bei kurz dauernder Diabetes wird die Zerstörung des Vagusnervs hinausgezögert
• – Die Produktion schädlicher Stresshormone wird gedrosselt
• – Die DHEA-Werte (DHEA: Dehydroepiandrosteron, Zellerneuerungshormon) erhöhen sich bei einer täglichen Atemübung von insgesamt dreißig Minuten nach achtundzwanzig Tagen bereits um 100%
• – Die Immunkräfte werden gestärkt
• – Konzentration und Leistungsfähigkeit werden gesichert
• – Die generelle Stressresistenz wird erhöht
• – Zusammen mit Stretching verdoppelt sich die HRV in nur achtundzwanzig Tagen (selbst bei seit einem Jahr bestehendem Muskel- und Kreislauftraining)
• – Die Alterung wichtiger Organsysteme wird durch eine hohe HRV gehemmt

The breathing cycle according to the invention has a positive effect on the health of the user, in particular through an increase in heart rate variability (HRV: heart rate fluctuations from beat to beat) and cardiac coherence (state of synchronization of breathing, heart rate and blood pressure). The HRV value is a parameter indicating physiological states. It measures stress levels and conditions of the organ system. The measured HRV value is a reliable indicator of different disturbances. Increasing the cardiac adaptability (cardiac coherence) by using the breathtrap leads to the prevention and reduction of risky organ states. To name a few are:

• - Stress-related high blood pressure is lowered without medication
• - Sleep and drowsiness are reduced
• - Fears and panic disorders can be better controlled
• - Cardiovascular system is rebalanced (in case of heart attack, a high HRV gives you a nine times better chance of not having a second heart attack)
• - In the case of short lasting diabetes, the destruction of the vagus nerve is delayed
• - The production of harmful stress hormones is throttled
• - DHEA levels (DHEA: dehydroepiandrosterone, cell renewal hormone) are already increased by 100% in a daily breathing exercise of thirty minutes in total after twenty-eight days
• - The immune forces are strengthened
• - Concentration and efficiency are ensured
• - The general stress resistance is increased
• - Together with stretching, the HRV doubles in just twenty-eight days (even with one year of muscle and cycle training)
• - The aging of important organ systems is inhibited by a high HRV

For the power supply of the Atemtakters invention, a battery is preferably used, which is integrated replaceable in the breathtaking. Suitable batteries are known for example from wristwatches. However, the breathtaking stroke can also be provided with an accumulator which can be charged via a connectable charging cable or a solar cell. It is also possible that the accumulator is charged via an automatic elevator. For this purpose, the breathtactor has, for example, a movable part (for example, a ball circulating in a guide groove), which is set in motion by movements of the breathtaker and charges the accumulator via a small generator by converting its kinetic energy into electrical energy.

It is advantageous if the breathing stroke has a fastening means in order to fasten it to the body of the user. Suitable fastening means are, for example, a chest band, abdominal belt, bracelet, headset, an anatomically or non-anatomically shaped ear clip, a Velcro device or an ear capsule. However, it is also possible that the respiratory tact is carried loosely in a pocket. Care must be taken that the signals can be perceived by the user. The breath timer can also be integrated into other devices, such as a cell phone.

In one embodiment, the invention provides that the signal additionally comprises an acoustic and / or optical signal. The additional acoustic and / or optical signal improves the perceptibility of the signal or makes it visible to several people at the same time. In principle, any sound is considered an acoustic signal, preferably a sound of an instrument, a voice or a natural sound.

It is advantageous if the signal of the signal unit is adjustable. For example, the volume of the acoustic signal can be changed by a volume control provided on the breath timer.

It is expedient if the duration of the period, the duration of the inhalation phase, the duration of the exhalation phase and the duration of an optional pause phase are adjustable. This allows adaptation to different users with different respiratory rhythms, for example, for the different persons of a family. This allows multiple people to use a single device. This increases the economy of Atemtakters invention. Suitably, the breathtaker has a memory with storage locations for individual settings of the breath timer (eg, distances of the breathing exercises, vibration intensity, volume, temperature). The individual settings can be called up via a suitable input element (eg a button).

It has been found to be advantageous if the duration of the inhalation phase is shorter, preferably about 2 seconds shorter, than the duration of the exhalation phase or if there are preferably six complete respiratory cycles per minute optimally regulating the physiological balance, such as from latest research results. For this reason, it is expedient if the respiratory stroke according to the invention is designed accordingly. In a particular embodiment, the inhalation phase has a duration of 3 to 5 seconds, preferably about 4 seconds, and the exhalation phase has a duration of 5 to 7 seconds, preferably about 6 seconds. Optionally, a pause phase may be provided after the exhalation phase. This expediently has a duration of 0.5 to 2 seconds, preferably of about 1 second.

According to the invention, it is provided that the signal unit has a loudspeaker, a light-emitting diode, a temperature element, a current pulse element and / or a vibration element. With these elements, the signals can be easily transmitted to the user perceptible. The speaker is preferably provided on the ear, for example on an ear clip. The light-emitting diode is preferably provided for carrying close to the eyes, for example on a pair of glasses or a spectacle frame. The temperature element is preferably provided as an insulated or uninsulated metal element, for example a metal strip, for wearing on the skin. The vibrating element is preferably provided as an eccentric for wearing on the skin. However, it is also possible to form the vibrating element as a loudspeaker with a loudspeaker diaphragm which is vibrated at low frequencies. These low-frequency vibrations are haptically perceptible as a vibration. The vibration element can also be worn in the trouser pocket, etc., if the vibration is sufficiently strong or can be set sufficiently strong. In a preferred embodiment it is provided that during the inhalation phase the signal has a vibration of increasing intensity and / or increasing frequency, wherein the increase preferably takes place uniformly. It is expedient in this case (but not only in this case) if the signal during the exhalation phase has a vibration of decreasing intensity and / or decreasing frequency, wherein the decrease preferably takes place uniformly. It has been shown that people like their breathing; align with signals that change evenly. Of course, the vibration during the exhalation phase may also have an increasing intensity and / or frequency.

If the signal is a current pulse or a current pulse sequence, it can be formed in a phase with a positive signal uniformly, increasing or decreasing.

A further embodiment of varying signals is obtained when the signal has a spatially propagating or propagating vibration during the inspiratory phase and a vibration opposite to the inspiratory phase during the exhalation phase. Suitably, the change is uniform in this embodiment. By spatially continuous is meant that the area of vibration remains constant, but the location (such as on the skin) of the vibration changes. As the vibration spreads, not only does the location change (a new location is added), but so does the area of vibration, such as a circularly spreading vibration. In the exhalation phase, the circular area of the vibration contracts again in the above embodiment (decreasing circles).

With a temperature element, a changing signal can be realized when the signal during the inhalation phase has an increasing temperature and during the exhalation phase a decreasing temperature or vice versa. Preferably, the change in the temperature is uniform.

It has been found that good health progress is achieved when breathing is regularly exercised. For this reason, it is provided according to the invention that the control unit is designed to monitor whether a predetermined period of use of the breath timer is achieved within a predetermined period of time. For example, the predetermined period of use is thirty minutes and the predetermined time is twenty-four hours. Appropriately, a start time is set, for example, a specific time. If the user has not yet fulfilled his period of use for the period of time, it may be provided that the respiratory clock issues a warning, for example as an acoustic tone or optical signal. The warning preferably takes place in good time so that the period of use can still be achieved. The warning can also occur several times and with increasing intensity. The breath timer may also be arranged to provide preset time sequences of use, for example, sequences from 5 minutes to one hour.

The breathtalk can also be activated without a time limit. This is useful in acute stress situations, insomnia, etc.

In a particular embodiment, the breathing clock according to the invention is waterproof. So it can be used outside when it rains or in the water. For the use of the Atemtakters invention by divers is important that the breath is sufficiently stable to withstand the pressures occurring in the water. As a general rule, the pressure should be around 1 bar per 10 m Water depth increases. For example, the breathtaker must withstand a pressure of at least 3 bar for dives up to 20 m water depth, and at 30 m water depth already 4 bar. In the materials used for the Atemtakter, for example, for a housing or a seal, it is appropriate to consider whether the breath is to be used in freshwater or saltwater waters.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment shown in the following figure. It shows

1 an embodiment of the breathtrap according to the invention,

2 a perspective top view of a further embodiment of the Atemtakters invention and

3 a perspective rear view of the Atemtakters 2 ,

In 1 is a portable breath 1 shown.

The breath 1 includes a bracelet 2 , The bracelet 2 can be attached to a closure 3 open and close.

On the inside 4 (the arm-facing side) of the bracelet 2 is a vibrating element 5 appropriate. The vibration element 5 is controlled by a control unit, not shown, with a sequence of drive signals such that a series of inhalation, exhalation and pause phases is formed. The inhalation phase has a duration of four seconds, the expiratory phase six seconds. A pause phase is not provided in this example.

The control unit is switched on or off via an on / off switch, not shown. The on / off switch is on the bracelet 2 arranged.

On the inside 4 is a temperature element 6 appropriate. The temperature element 6 has a plurality of substantially parallel wires 7 on. The temperature element 6 is connected to the control unit. The above sequence of inhalation, exhalation and pause phases takes the form of different temperature element temperatures 6 educated. The wires are made of copper to allow a sufficiently rapid temperature change. Other suitable materials for the wires are silver and gold.

On the inside 4 is a heart rate monitor 8th attached, which measures the pulse of the user. About an LED 9 (Light Emission Diode), the pulse rate is visually displayed. However, the measured pulse has no influence on the signal sequence. It is possible to provide further sensors for physiological body values, for example for the blood pressure or the achievement of optimal HRV or cardiac coherence, which likewise have no influence on the signal sequence.

2 shows a further embodiment of a Atemtakters invention 10 ,

The breath 10 includes a housing 11 into which a signal unit 12 and a control unit, not shown, are integrated.

The breath 10 also includes a chest band 13 as a fastener.

The chest band 13 is through two slots 14 pulled through, attached to the case 11 are formed. Through this connection of the housing 11 and the chest band 13 is it possible the case 11 relative to the chest band 13 to move.

The breath 10 has controls 15 . 16 on.

The controls 15 serve to adjust the strength of the signal unit signal 12 ,

With the controls 16 Other settings can be made, such as selecting person settings or signal settings.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

respiratory stroke

2

bracelet

3

shutter

4

inside

5

vibrating element

6

temperature element

7

wire

8th

Heart Rate Monitor

9

LED

10

respiratory stroke

11

casing

12

signal unit

13

Brustband

14

Long hole

15

operating element

16

operating element

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 69319742 T2 [0005]

Claims (15)

Portable breath timer - with a signal unit ( 5 . 6 ) for perceptibly transmitting a signal to the body of the user, and - with a control unit for periodically driving the signal unit ( 5 . 6 ) by means of a drive signal, wherein a period of the drive signal comprises an inhalation phase and an expiratory phase, characterized in that the signal is a vibration signal, a current pulse signal and / or a temperature signal, and that the drive signal is formed independently of physiological body values. Portable respiratory clock according to claim 1, characterized in that the period comprises a pause phase. Portable respiratory clock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a fastening means ( 2 ) for attaching the Atemtakters ( 1 ) on the body or on a body-hugging garment of a user. Portable breathing cycle according to claim 3, characterized in that the fastening means ( 2 ) is an ear clip, an ear piece, a chest band, a bracelet, a foot band, a Velcro device or an adhesive strip. Portable respiratory clock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal additionally comprises an acoustic and / or optical signal. Portable respiratory clock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the period duration, the duration of the inhalation phase, the duration of the exhalation phase and the duration of the at least one optional pause phase are adjustable. Portable respiratory clock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the duration of the inhalation phase is shorter than the duration of the exhalation phase. Portable respiratory clock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inhalation phase has a duration of 3 to 5 seconds and the exhalation phase has a duration of 5 to 7 seconds. Portable respiratory clock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal unit ( 5 . 6 ) a loudspeaker and / or a vibration element ( 5 ) having. Portable respiratory clock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal during the inhalation phase has a vibration of increasing intensity and / or increasing frequency. Portable respiratory clock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal during the exhalation phase has a vibration of decreasing intensity and / or decreasing frequency. A portable respiratory clock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal during the inhalation phase has a spatially propagating or propagating vibration and during the exhalation phase has a vibration which is opposite to the inhalation phase. Portable respiratory clock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal during the inhalation phase has an increasing temperature and during the exhalation phase has a decreasing temperature. Portable respiratory clock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is set up to monitor whether a predetermined period of use of the portable respiratory timer ( 1 ) is reached in a predetermined period of time. Portable respiratory clock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable breathing cycle ( 1 ) is waterproof.

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