Nose blow training apparatus

Abstract

A training apparatus for training a child how to blow his or her nose includes a tapered chute having proximal and distal ends. The tapered chute defines an internal passageway connecting the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end includes a proximal opening that is sufficiently wide to fit over a child's nose. The distal end includes a distal opening that is smaller than the proximal opening. The internal passageway includes a narrow portion, adjoining the distal opening, and sized to snugly accommodate a projectile lodged therein. When air is exhaled into the proximal opening, the exhaled air passes through the internal passageway and builds pressure behind the projectile such that the projectile is forcefully ejectable from the distal opening.

1 . A training apparatus, for training a child how to blow his or her nose, comprising:
 (a) a tapered chute having proximal and distal ends, the tapered chute defining an internal passageway connecting the proximal and distal ends;   (b) wherein the proximal end includes a proximal opening that is sufficiently wide to fit over a child's nose;   (c) wherein the distal end includes a distal opening that is smaller than the proximal opening;   (d) wherein the internal passageway includes a narrow portion, adjoining the distal opening, and sized to snugly accommodate a projectile lodged therein; and   (e) wherein when air is exhaled into the proximal opening, the exhaled air passes through the internal passageway and builds pressure behind the projectile such that the projectile is forcefully ejectable from the distal opening.   
     
     
         2 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tapered chute is made from a silicone material. 
     
     
         3 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tapered chute is made from a plastic material. 
     
     
         4 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tapered chute is made using an injecting molding process. 
     
     
         5 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the internal passageway includes a central portion, adjoining the narrow portion, and sized to prevent the projectile from being inhaled. 
     
     
         6 . A training apparatus, for training a child how to blow his or her nose, comprising:
 (a) a chute having proximal and distal ends, the chute defining an internal passageway connecting the proximal and distal ends; and   (b) a whistle component having a whistle opening;   (c) wherein the proximal end includes a proximal opening that is sufficiently wide to fit over a child's nose; and   (d) wherein when air is exhaled into the proximal opening, the exhaled air passes through the internal passageway and at least some of the exhaled air exits via the whistle opening, thereby emitting an audible sound.   
     
     
         7 . The training apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the chute is made from a silicone material. 
     
     
         8 . The training apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the chute is made from a plastic material. 
     
     
         9 . The training apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the chute is made using an injecting molding process. 
     
     
         10 . The training apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the whistle component is integral with the chute. 
     
     
         11 . The training apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the whistle component is a separate structure adapted to fit into a side of the chute. 
     
     
         12 . The training apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the whistle component is adapted to emit a different audible sound when air is inhaled through the whistle opening. 
     
     
         13 . The training apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the whistle component is adapted to be silent when air is inhaled through the whistle opening. 
     
     
         14 . A training apparatus, for training a child how to blow his or her nose, comprising:
 (a) a chute having proximal and distal ends, the chute defining an internal passageway connecting the proximal and distal ends; and   (b) a force measurement device arranged at the distal end, the force measurement device including a float object positioned therein;   (c) wherein the proximal end includes a proximal opening that is sufficiently wide to fit over a child's nose; and   (d) wherein when air is exhaled into the proximal opening, the exhaled air passes through the internal passageway and builds pressure behind the float object such that the float object is forced upward within the force measurement device.   
     
     
         15 . The training apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the chute is made from a silicone material. 
     
     
         16 . The training apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the chute is made from a plastic material. 
     
     
         17 . The training apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the chute is made using an injecting molding process. 
     
     
         18 . The training apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the force measurement device is integral with the chute. 
     
     
         19 . The training apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the force measurement device is a separate structure adapted to fit at the distal end of the chute. 
     
     
         20 . The training apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the force measurement device includes gradation lines to quantify the amount of force being exerted by the exhaled air.