Breathing Training Device

Abstract

A breathing training device for a subject, the device including at least one feedback member positioned in contact with the subject's abdomen near the subject's diaphragm; and, an attachment member at least partially extending around the subject, wherein the attachment member and the feedback member cooperate to mechanically provide discrete tactile feedback to the subject when the abdomen reaches a predetermined level of expansion.

1 . A breathing training device for a subject, the device including:
 at least one feedback member positioned in contact with the subject's abdomen near the subject's diaphragm; and,   an attachment member at least partially extending around the subject, wherein the attachment member and the feedback member cooperate to mechanically provide discrete tactile feedback to the subject when the abdomen reaches a predetermined level of expansion.   
     
     
         2 . The breathing training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the feedback member is resilient and movable from a first configuration at rest, to a second configuration under the influence of the abdomen reaching the predetermined level of expansion, wherein the feedback member provides the discrete tactile feedback to the subject upon transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. 
     
     
         3 . The breathing training device according to  claim 2 , wherein the feedback member includes an elongate body which:
 in the first configuration is substantially convex along an axis of elongation; and,   in the second configuration the convex portion is at least partially flattened along at least part of a length of the convex portion, wherein the transition includes a discrete mechanical snap.   
     
     
         4 . The breathing training device according to  claims 1 , wherein the attachment member and the feedback member cooperate to mechanically provide discrete tactile feedback to the subject when the abdomen reaches multiple predetermined levels of expansion. 
     
     
         5 . The breathing training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the feedback member includes at least one notch. 
     
     
         6 . The breathing training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the attachment member is adjustable. 
     
     
         7 . The breathing training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the attachment member is at least partially elastic. 
     
     
         8 . The breathing training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the feedback member includes at least one aperture for coupling the feedback member to the attachment member. 
     
     
         9 . The breathing training device according to  claim 1 , wherein a material composition of the feedback member at least partially determines the predetermined level. 
     
     
         10 . The breathing training device according to  claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the feedback member at least partially determines the predetermined level. 
     
     
         11 . The breathing training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the attachment member includes at least one of:
 a belt; and,   a strap.   
     
     
         12 . The breathing training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one feedback member includes any one of:
 two feedback members; and,   four feedback members.   
     
     
         13 . The breathing training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the feedback member includes a body in communication with protrusions on the attachment member, wherein the attachment member is deformed by expansion of the abdomen, to move the protrusions relative to at least a portion of the body and thereby provide the discrete tactile feedback. 
     
     
         14 . The breathing training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the feedback member includes a body including a button, the button being overlayed by the attachment member, wherein the attachment member is deformed by expansion of the abdomen to thereby depress the button at the predetermined level. 
     
     
         15 . The breathing device according to  claim 2 , wherein the feedback member includes at least two at least semi-rigid portions hingeably attached and substantially coplanar in the first configuration, and wherein in the second configuration the two portions are angularly offset. 
     
     
         16 . The breathing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the feedback member includes a biased assembly in communication with the attachment member, wherein the attachment member is deformed by expansion of the abdomen opposing the biased assembly, and the biased assembly is released at the predetermined level. 
     
     
         17 . The breathing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the feedback member includes a biased assembly in communication with the attachment member, wherein the attachment member is released by the biased assembly during expansion of the abdomen, and wherein the biased assembly stops releasing the attachment member at the predetermined level. 
     
     
         18 . The breathing training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device includes a counter configured to count a number of expansions of the abdomen. 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A breathing training device for a subject, the device including:
 a) at least one feedback member positioned in contact with the subject's abdomen near the subject's diaphragm; and,   b) an attachment member at least partially extending around the subject, wherein the attachment member and the feedback member cooperate to mechanically provide discrete tactile feedback to the subject when the abdomen reaches a predetermined level of contraction.   
     
     
         21 . A method of performing breathing training on a subject, the method including:
 a) providing a breathing training device on the subject, the device including:
 i) at least one feedback member positioned in contact with the subject's abdomen near the subject's diaphragm; and, 
 ii) an attachment member at least partially extending around the subject, wherein the attachment member and the feedback member cooperate to mechanically provide discrete tactile feedback to the subject when the abdomen reaches a predetermined level of expansion; and, 
   b) having the subject at least one of inhale and exhale, at least until the discrete tactile feedback is provided.   
     
     
         22 - 24 . (canceled)