GB2605374A

GB2605374A - A Hyperbaric Chamber

Info

Publication number: GB2605374A
Application number: GB2104428.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: M Dubois Adrian
Original assignee: Trident Dynamics Ltd
Current assignee: Trident Dynamics Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-29
Filing date: 2021-03-29
Publication date: 2022-10-05
Also published as: WO2022208349A1; GB202104428D0

Abstract

Hyperbaric chamber 1 comprising first 2 and second 4 rigid frame members which are connected to a base 6 to support a layer of gas impervious material to form a gas tight enclosure 8. The enclosure has a closable valve and a gas tight closable access hatch 10 which when closed hermetically seals the enclosure. The chamber may have a spacer connector 24 which connects the first and second frame members. The spacer may be adjustable in length. The frame members may be outside the enclosure. The base may be gas impermeable and have the gas impervious material connected thereto. The enclosure may have a filtering system and/or a pressurising means like a pump. The chamber may have a pressure sensor. The sensor may send an alert signal to an alarm when a predefined pressure is reached. The chamber may be portable and/or collapsible.

Description

A HYPERBARIC CHAMBER

FIELD

The present invention relates to a hyperbaric chamber, and in particular to a portable hyperbaric chamber.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Divers who surface too quickly from the water are at risk of decompression illness or sickness. This can happen when air bubbles form and expand in the body and can cause an air embolism.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is used to treat diving-related illnesses such as decompression illness. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment involves the use of oxygen at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure to increase the availability of oxygen in the body and therapeutic recompression which involves increasing the ambient pressure on a person, such as for example a diver, to treat decompression sickness or an air embolism by eliminating bubbles that have formed in the body. Without treatment, decompression illness can be life threatening within a short time frame.

PRIOR ART

International patent application WO-A1-2018/089982 (Delise) discloses a mobile hyperbaric chamber mounted on a vehicle.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a hyperbaric chamber comprising: first and second rigid frame members which are connected to a base and which support a layer of gas impervious material that forms a gas tight enclosure; the enclosure has a gas inlet which has a closable valve; and a gas tight closable access hatch is provided which when closed hermetically seals the enclosure from an ambient exterior.

In some embodiments a removable passage, which may be formed using flexible trunking, is provided to act as a connecting thoroughfare or passage that can be pressurised, and which connects two chambers one to another. When the removable passage or flexible trunking is used, for example to connect together two chambers, it provides an enclosed airtight conduit to an intermediary airlock, via which personnel may pass items, such as food drink, waste materials, medicaments, supplies, tools or other items, to/from the chamber to which it is connected. This transfer of items in and out of the chamber is achieved whilst maintaining the chamber under pressure because a pressurised volume is created adjacent the chamber within the removable passage.

Items left in the passage may be accessed from within the chamber, via a first access door, when the removable passage is at the same pressure as the chamber and is isolated from an external ambient pressure. Likewise items left in the passage may be accessed by third parties when pressure in the removable passage reaches the same pressure as the external ambient environment. That is when the passage is isolated from the chamber and is decompressed to atmospheric pressure and access to it is permitted via a second access door.

Preferably the two access doors are provided at either end of the removable passage in order to define an airlock chamber. Control and servo equipment is optionally provided which close, seal and lock the first and second access doors and thereby ensure that doors cannot be opened accidentally which might inadvertently lead to an unwanted decompression event.

The first and second rigid frame members are preferably upstanding from the base and spaced apart from each other. Each rigid frame member defines a plane. Preferably, the plane of the first rigid frame member extends substantially parallel to the plane of the second rigid frame member.

The hyperbaric chamber preferably further comprises at least one spacer connector configured to connect the first and second frame members to one another.

The spacer connector(s) is preferably configured to connect the first and second frame members to one another, and extend therebetween at an angle extending substantially perpendicular to a plane of one or each of the first and/or second frame members.

The spacer connector(s) may be adjustable in length. For example, the spacer connector(s) may be telescopically adjustable.

It is to be understood that the hyperbaric chamber may comprise additional rigid frame members. For example, the hyperbaric chamber may comprise three or four or five or six or more spaced apart rigid frame members. The rigid frame members may be inflatable, or they may be rigid members.

The first and second rigid frame members are preferably each located at or adjacent an end of the gas tight enclosure. Additional rigid frame members may be located between the first and second rigid frame members.

In one embodiment, the spacer connector(s) may be configured to connect the first and second rigid frame members and optionally one or more, for example each, of the additional rigid frame members to one another. In one embodiment, the spacer connector(s) may be configured to connect all of the rigid frame members to one another.

In one embodiment, the first and second rigid frame members, and optionally one or more additional rigid frame members, are located outside the gas tight enclosure.

The base is preferably a rigid base. The base is preferably gas impermeable.

The layer of gas impervious material is preferably connected to the base. The layer of gas impervious material may be connected to the base using any suitable means such as for example by use of an adhesive or weld.

The enclosure further comprises a door mounting assembly configured to provide access to a cavity defined by the enclosure. The door mounting assembly may be provided at any suitable location on the enclosure. The enclosure preferably comprises a pair of opposed ends and a side portion extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the door mounting assembly is provided on the side portion of the enclosure. The door mounting assembly is preferably located between the first and second rigid frame members.

In one embodiment, the enclosure, preferably a side portion of the enclosure, provides an opening configured to receive and engage the door mounting assembly. The access doors may include a magnetic hinged door. Ideally the trunking has an interconnect in the form of a castellated inter-connect which ensures that the chamber is correctly connected to either the first or the second access door.

In one embodiment, the door mounting assembly comprises a door frame configured to be received within the opening of the enclosure and to form a gas tight seal with adjacent portions of the enclosure surrounding the opening. The door frame preferably comprises an internal sealing face configured to form a gas tight seal with adjacent portions of the enclosure surrounding the opening The door frame preferably defines an opening extending therethrough Preferably, the door mounting assembly comprises a door mounted on the door frame. The door is configured to extend across and to substantially cover the opening of the door frame. Preferably the door mounting assembly is a hermetically sealed door mounting assembly. The door and the door frame may be configured for magnetic engagement to provide a magnetic hermetically sealed door assembly.

The door may comprise a rubber seal and latch handle configured to engage the door frame.

In one embodiment, the enclosure includes at least one transparent window or viewing panel providing a line of sight into the cavity defined by the enclosure. In one embodiment, the at least one transparent window or viewing panel may be located on one or more ends of the enclosure and/or on the side portion of the enclosure. Preferably, the at least one transparent window or viewing panel is provided on the side portion of the enclosure.

The hyperbaric chamber preferably further comprises a filtering system for removing a gas or particulate passing into the enclosure from the ambient exterior. The filtering system is preferably configured to prevent contaminants from entering the enclosure from the ambient exterior.

The hyperbaric chamber may further comprise a pressurising means, such as a pump.

The gas fight closable access hatch preferably includes at least one air fight closable access means, such as an airtight zipped entry.

The hyperbaric chamber preferably further comprises a pressure sensor. Preferably, the hyperbaric chamber further comprises an alarm. The pressure sensor is preferably operable to send an alert signal to an alarm at a predefined gas pressure threshold. The alarm may for example be a local alarm located at or adjacent the hyperbaric chamber. The alarm may for example be a remote alarm located at a distance away from the hyperbaric chamber, for example at a remote location.

The alarm may be a visual and/or audible alarm. Preferably the alarm comprises an audible alarm.

In one embodiment, the hyperbaric chamber comprises a transmission means configured to receive an alert signal from the pressure sensor and to transmit the alert signal to a receiver which is connected to an alarm at a remote location.

The receiver may for example be included in a mobile communications device, such as a smartphone, which is configured in accordance with application specific software.

In one embodiment, the hyperbaric chamber may further comprise a control panel configured to enable a user outside of the chamber to control settings inside the chamber.

The gas inlet is preferably configured to be in communication with a supply of air, for example compressed air and/or oxygen. The hyperbaric chamber may further comprise one or more of the following: compressed air tank; oxygen tank.

The enclosure may further comprise a pressure release valve configured to be operable to release pressure within the enclosure when in excess of a predetermined value The enclosure may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions. In one embodiment, the enclosure is substantially cylindrical in shape.

In one embodiment, the enclosure is formed by a layer of gas impervious material, defining a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second opposed end thereof. The gas tight closable access hatch may be provided at one or each of the first and second ends of the enclosure, which when closed hermetically seals the enclosure from an ambient exterior. The gas tight closable access hatch may for example be a side lock and/or a medical lock.

For example, a side lock may be provided at a first end of the enclosure to sealingly engage a first opening. A transfer flange and a medical lock may be provided at the second opposed end of the enclosure to sealingly engage a second opening. The medical lock may be in communication with a transfer lock. The medical lock is configured to enable items to be passed into the enclosure during use.

It is to be understood that the hyperbaric chamber may be portable. For example, one or more of: the base, the first and second rigid frame members and/or the enclosure may be collapsible. For example, the first and second rigid frame members may be releasably engageable to the base. In one or more embodiments, the base may be moveable between a first retracted position, suitable for stowage in which the distance between opposed ends and/or side portions of the base is reduced, and a second extended position, suitable for use, in which the distance between the opposed ends and/or side portions of the base is extended and configured to support the enclosure thereon. For example, the spacer connector(s) is moveable such that in the first retracted position, opposed ends of the spacer connector (and the first and second rigid frame members) are moved closer together, and in the second extended position, opposed ends of the spaced connector, and the first and second rigid frame members, are moved further apart. In one embodiment, the hyperbaric chamber is configured to permit relative movement of the first and second rigid frame members towards and apart from each other.

The hyperbaric chamber of the present invention may be moved to the required located and erected efficiently and easily so that the user can receive treatment quickly The present invention provides a hyperbaric chamber configured to provide self-sustaining pressure and gas environment capability required in order to provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy efficiently and effectively to a user.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further details with reference to the accompanying Figures:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of the hyperbaric chamber according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of the hyperbaric chamber according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a front view of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2; Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2; Figures 7A-7C are schematic illustrations of the door mounting assembly of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2; Figures 8A and 8B are schematic illustrations of the transfer lock of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2; Figures 9A and 9B are schematic illustrations of the medical lock of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2; Figures 10A and 10B are schematic illustrations of the blind flange of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2.

Figures 11A and 11B are schematic illustrations of the base of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 1; Figures 12A and 12B are schematic illustrations of the base of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2; and Figures 13A and 13B are schematic illustrations of the side lock of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the Figures, the hyperbaric chamber 1, 101 comprises: first 2, 102 and second 4, 104 rigid frame members which are connected to a base 6, 106 and which support a layer of gas impervious material that forms a gas tight enclosure 8, 108.

The enclosure 8, 108 has a gas inlet which has a closable valve. The enclosure has a gas tight closable access hatch 10, 110 which when closed hermetically seals the enclosure 8, 108 from an ambient exterior.

With reference to Figure 1, the hyperbaric chamber 1 has an enclosure 8 with a first end 12 and an opposed second end 14. The first rigid frame member 2 is located at or adjacent the first end 12 of the enclosure 8. The second rigid frame member 4 is located at or adjacent the second end 14 of the enclosure 8. The hyperbaric chamber 1 further comprises a third and fourth 16, 18 rigid frame members, located between the first and second 12, 14 rigid frame members and spaced apart from each other.

With reference to Figure 2, the hyperbaric chamber 101 has an enclosure 108 with a first end 112 and an opposed second end 114. The first rigid frame member 102 is located at or adjacent the first end 112 of the enclosure 108. The second rigid frame member 104 is located at or adjacent the second end 114 of the enclosure 108. The hyperbaric chamber 101 further comprises a third, fourth, fifth and sixth 116, 118, 120, 122 rigid frame members, located between the first and second 112, 114 rigid frame members and spaced apart from each other.

It is to be understood that the hyperbaric chamber 1, 101 may comprise any suitable number of rigid frame members and is not limited to those shown in the illustrated embodiments.

It is to be understood that the hyperbaric chamber 1 may be provided in a stowed configuration and erected at a desired location. The hyperbaric chamber 1 may be erected by engaging the first and second rigid frame members (and any additional frame members) to the base 6, 106 and positioning the enclosure within.

Each rigid frame member extends outwardly from the base 6, 106 and defines a plane extending substantially parallel to the plane defined by the other rigid frame members of the hyperbaric chamber 1, 101. Each rigid frame member is located outside of the enclosure 8, 108.

The hyperbaric chamber 1 further comprises a spacer connector 24, 124 connecting the first and second frame member 2, 102, 4, 104. The length of the spacer connector 24, 124, as defined between opposing ends thereof, for example as defined between the first and second frame members, is adjustable, for example the spacer connector is telescopically adjustable.

The enclosure 8, 108 further comprises a door mounting assembly 24, 124 configured to provide access to a cavity defined by the enclosure 8, 108. The enclosure 8, 108 comprises a pair of opposed ends 12, 14 and a side portion 26, 126 extending therebetween. The door mounting assembly 24, 124 is provided on the side portion 26, 126 of the enclosure 8, 108. The door mounting assembly 24, 124 is located between the first and second rigid frame members 2, 102, 4, 104.

The side portion 26, 126 of the enclosure 8, 108 provides an opening configured to receive and sealingly engage the door mounting assembly 24, 124.

The door mounting assembly 24, 124 comprises a door frame 28 configured to be received within the opening of the enclosure 8, 108 and to form a gas tight seal with adjacent portions of the enclosure surrounding the opening. The door frame 28 comprises an internal sealing face configured to form a gas tight seal with adjacent portions of the enclosure 8, 108 surrounding the opening and defines an opening 30 extending therethrough.

The door mounting assembly 24, 124 further comprises a door 32, 132 mounted on the door frame 28. The door 32, 132 is configured to extend across and to substantially cover the opening of the door frame 28. The door mounting assembly 24, 124 is a hermetically sealed door mounting assembly. The door 32, 132 and the door frame 28 are configured for magnetic engagement to provide a magnetic hermetically sealed door assembly 24, 124.

The hyperbaric chamber 1, 101 includes a pressurising means (not shown), such as a pump. The pressurising means is configured to increase the pressure of the interior of the enclosure 8, 108 to predetermined values. For example, the pressure of the interior of the enclosure 8, 108 is configured to be raised by the pressurising means from a baseline measure of 1 atmosphere depth (101 kPa) to about 2, 3, of 4 depths of atmosphere levels (203, 204, 405 kPa).

The hyperbaric chamber 1, 101 also includes a pressure sensor (not shown). The pressure sensor (not shown) is configured to monitor the pressure within the interior of the enclosure 8, 108 and to send an alert signal to an alarm (not shown) when the pressure reaches a predefined gas pressure threshold. The alarm may be one or more of: an audible and/or visual alarm.

It is to be understood that the alarm may be triggered at any suitable location. For example, the hyperbaric chamber 1, 101 may be configured such that an alarm is located local to the enclosure 8, 108 or at a remote location. For example, the hyperbaric chamber 8, 108 may include a transmission means configured to transmit the alert signal to a receiver which is connected to an alarm at a remote location. The receiver may for example include a mobile communications device, such as a smartphone, which is configured in accordance with application specific software.

As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the hyperbaric chamber 1, for example the enclosure 8, 108, may comprise pressure indicator means and/or oxygen indicator means operable to provide a visual indicator as to the levels of pressure and/or oxygen within the enclosure 8, 108 In use, the first and second rigid frame members 2, 102, 4, 104 (and additional frame members) are connected to the base 6, 106. The base 6 may be provided as a single integral unit or as a plurality of base members configured to be engageable, preferably releasably engageable to provide the base 6. The spacer connector 23, 123 is connected to the first and second rigid frame members 2, 102, 4, 104 and adjusted in length to a predetermined length.

The enclosure 8, 108 is positioned within the frame members 2, 102, 4, 104.

A pressurised air supply is connected to the gas inlet. The patient (for example a diver) opens the door 32, 132 and positions themselves within the enclosure 8, 108, The door 32, 132 magnetically seals against the door frame 32. The operator activates the pressurising means such that the pressure within the enclosure is raised to a predetermined level equivalent to a certain depth at a certain pace. The pressurising means maintains the hyperbaric pressure at a constant, and the operator or control system adjust the pressure according to a predefined pressure trajectory to bring the patient back to normal pressure during the process.

The invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the aforementioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hyperbaric chamber comprising: first and second rigid frame members which are connected to a base and which support a layer of gas impervious material that forms a gas tight enclosure; the enclosure has a gas inlet which has a closable valve; and a gas tight closable access hatch is provided which when closed hermetically seals the enclosure from an ambient exterior.
2. A hyperbaric chamber according to claim 1 wherein the frame members connect to the base and a spacer connector connects the first and second frame members one to another.
3. A hyperbaric chamber according to claim 2 wherein the spacer connector is adjustable in length.
4. A hyperbaric chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the frame members are located outside the enclosure.
5. A hyperbaric chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the rigid base is gas impermeable, and the gas impervious material is connected thereto.
6. A hyperbaric chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the enclosure includes at least one transparent window or viewing panel.
7. A hyperbaric chamber according to any preceding claim includes a filtering system for removing a gas or particulate passing into the enclosure from the ambient exterior.
8. A hyperbaric chamber according to any preceding claim includes a filtering system for removing a gas or particulate passing from the ambient exterior into the enclosure.
9. A hyperbaric chamber according to any preceding claim includes a pressurising means, such as a pump.
10. A hyperbaric chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the gas tight closable access hatch includes at least one air tight closable access means, such as an airtight zipped entry.
11. A hyperbaric chamber according to any preceding claim includes a pressure sensor.
12. A hyperbaric chamber according to claim 11 wherein the pressure sensor sends an alert signal to an alarm at a predefined gas pressure threshold.
13. A hyperbaric chamber according to claim 12 wherein the alarm is a local audible alarm.
14. A hyperbaric chamber according to any of claims 12 or 13 wherein a transmission means transmits the alert signal to a receiver which is connected to an alarm at a remote location.
15. A hyperbaric chamber according to claim 14 wherein the receiver is included in a mobile communications device, such as a smartphone, which is configured in accordance with application specific software.