US 4,601,465 · Granted 1986-07-22
The Breathing-Resistance Mask That Makes Exercise Harder on Purpose
This is a breathing mask or mouthpiece that makes it intentionally harder to breathe by adding resistance and extra dead space in your airways. Athletes use devices like this during training to build stronger lungs and respiratory endurance, kind of like how lifting heavier weights builds muscle.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a respiratory training device consisting of a mouthpiece or face mask with a central breathing opening, connected to a tube that contains a membrane creating breathing resistance. What's protected here is the specific combination of the mask or mouthpiece, the tube design, the internal membrane that resists airflow, and the length of the tube to increase dead space—together as a system to make breathing deliberately harder in one or both directions.
Why it matters
This patent protects a foundational design for altitude training and respiratory conditioning devices. By making the lungs work harder against resistance, athletes can build greater oxygen capacity and endurance. The patent covers the core mechanics that later commercial hypoxic training masks and breathing resistance devices are built on, creating a protected category of fitness equipment that remains relevant decades later.
Real-world use
Runners, CrossFit athletes, and military personnel wear resistance breathing masks during training to simulate high-altitude conditions and strengthen their cardiovascular system without leaving sea level.
Original USPTO abstract
A device for stimulating the human respiratory system by making breathing more difficult and limiting lung ventilation. The device comprises a mouth-piece for insertion in the mouth of a person, or a mask attachable to the face of this person. The mouth-piece or mask has a central opening through which the person may breathe. A tubular body defining an air duct is connected at one end to the mouth-piece or to the mask with the air duct in alignment and communication with the opening. The device also comprises a membrane mounted in the tubular body at the other end thereof to put up a breathing resistance in at least one respiratory direction. Proper stimulation is obtained when use is made of a tubular body long enough to increase the dead space of the respiratory system of the person using the device.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 4,601,465
- Filing date
- 1984-03-22
- Grant date
- 1986-07-22
- Assignee
- Roy Jean Yves
- Inventor(s)
- ROY; JEAN-YVES
- CPC class
- A63B23/18
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