US20140007521A1 - Physical exercise training techniques - Google Patents

Physical exercise training techniques Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20140007521A1
US20140007521A1 US14/006,958 US201214006958A US2014007521A1 US 20140007521 A1 US20140007521 A1 US 20140007521A1 US 201214006958 A US201214006958 A US 201214006958A US 2014007521 A1 US2014007521 A1 US 2014007521A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
cover assembly
frame
cover
chamber
assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/006,958
Inventor
Gregory Michael McMahon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20140007521A1 publication Critical patent/US20140007521A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/20—Tents or canopies, in general inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/343—Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport
    • E04B1/34315—Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport characterised by separable parts
    • E04B1/34326—Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport characterised by separable parts mainly constituted by longitudinal elements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H3/00—Buildings or groups of buildings for public or similar purposes; Institutions, e.g. infirmaries or prisons
    • E04H3/10—Buildings or groups of buildings for public or similar purposes; Institutions, e.g. infirmaries or prisons for meetings, entertainments, or sports
    • E04H3/14—Gymnasiums; Other sporting buildings
    • E04H3/16—Gymnasiums; Other sporting buildings for swimming
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/06—Safety devices; Coverings for baths
    • E04H4/10—Coverings of flexible material
    • E04H4/103—Coverings of flexible material with inflatable chambers
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/06—Safety devices; Coverings for baths
    • E04H4/10—Coverings of flexible material
    • E04H4/108—Coverings of flexible material supported by frames
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
    • A63B2208/05—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player the user being at least partly surrounded by a pressure different from the atmospheric pressure
    • A63B2208/056—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player the user being at least partly surrounded by a pressure different from the atmospheric pressure lower pressure
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2244/00—Sports without balls
    • A63B2244/20—Swimming
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/0028—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for running, jogging or speed-walking
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/20—Tents or canopies, in general inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure
    • E04H2015/201—Tents or canopies, in general inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure with inflatable tubular framework, with or without tent cover
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/20—Tents or canopies, in general inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure
    • E04H2015/208—Tents or canopies, in general inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure with inflatable mattresses

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to physical exercise training.
  • the present invention has particular, although not exclusive application to swimming.
  • a cover assembly including:
  • a frame including at least one inflatable portion
  • adjustment means for facilitating adjustment of the air conditions in the chamber compared with air conditions external the chamber.
  • the cover may cover an exercise training area.
  • the frame may be formed from an interconnected three-dimensional (3D) lattice of inflatable tubes.
  • the frame may include wall frame portions. Each wall frame portion form a single-dimensional array.
  • the frame may include roof portion. The roof portion form a rectangular multi-dimensional array.
  • the cover may include a single sheet or multiple sheets of material for affixing to the frame.
  • the cover may include removable side panels of material for affixing within endless side portions of the frame.
  • the cover may partition internal wall frame portions.
  • the material may be air impervious and formed from transparent polymeric material.
  • the cover may be affixed to the frame using a hook-and-loop (e.g. VelcroTM) fastening arrangement.
  • the exercise training area may include one or more training lanes.
  • the lanes may be swimming or running lanes.
  • Each wall portion may be aligned along a side of a training lane.
  • the cover assembly may further include one or more end strip doors.
  • Each strip door may include a number of hanging PVC strips.
  • the frame may include a plurality of handles to facilitate handling when deflated.
  • the frame may include a plurality of fastening means to which backstroke flags can be transversely fastened across the assembly.
  • Each fastening means may include a ring.
  • the assembly may further include one or more conduits for conveying pressurised air into or out of the cover assembly.
  • the assembly may further include a pump for pumping air in or out of the conduits.
  • the assembly may further include suspension means for suspending the conduits.
  • the training cover assembly may form at least one internal pressurized chamber.
  • FIG. 1 a is a side view of a swimming pool cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 1 b is a upper perspective view of the swimming pool cover assembly of FIG. 1 a;
  • FIG. 1 c is a lower perspective view of the swimming pool cover assembly of FIG. 1 a;
  • FIG. 1 d is an end view of the swimming pool cover assembly of FIG. 1 a;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bed cover assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a seat cover assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of inflatable dome cover assembly including the swimming pool cover assembly of FIG. 1 .
  • a cover assembly 2 which forms a pressurized chamber for swimming training as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the swimming pool cover assembly 2 includes an inflatable frame 4 formed from an interconnected three-dimensional (3D) lattice of inflatable tubes.
  • the cover assembly 2 further includes a cover 6 supported by the frame 4 to cover a swimming pool (not shown).
  • the cover 6 partitions off the pool from its surrounds so that the chamber can be pressurized to simulate altitude training.
  • the cover assembly 2 can be conveniently set up at a local pool to enable athletes to altitude train without needing to go to the trouble and expense of traveling to the mountains.
  • the entire frame 4 can be inflated at a single inflation point as the inflatable tubes are in fluid communication with each other.
  • the frame 4 includes three wall frame portions 8 a, 8 b, 8 c with each wall frame portion 8 forming a single-dimensional array.
  • Each adjacent pair of wall frame portions 8 are aligned along the sides of a respective swimming lane.
  • the frame 2 also includes an inflatable roof portion 10 forming a rectangular multi-dimensional array.
  • the cover 6 includes multiple panels of sheet material for releasably affixing with a hook-and-loop (e.g. VelcroTM) fastening arrangement to the top and sides of the frame 4 .
  • the cover 6 includes a roof sheet 12 for covering the roof portion 10 and removable side panels 14 for affixing within endless rectangular portions of the external and internal (i.e. partitioning) wall frame portions 8 .
  • the sheet material is air impervious and formed from transparent polymeric or plastic material.
  • the cover assembly 2 further includes four strip doors 26 at its end and in register with the swimming lanes.
  • Each strip door 26 includes a number of hanging PVC strips 28 .
  • some of the side panels 14 can have entry/exit slits 30 which can be releasably closed with a hook-and-loop (e.g. VelcroTM) fastening arrangement.
  • the frame 4 includes handles 32 to facilitate handling when the frame 4 is deflated.
  • the handles are located at the corners of each endless rectangular portion of the external wall frame portions 8 a, 8 c.
  • the frame 4 includes fastening rings 34 through which backstroke flags can be transversely fed and fastened across the inside of the cover assembly 2 .
  • the inflatable frame 4 is formed by stitching, gluing or thermal welding polyvinyl chloride polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material together. In practice, a blower can be continually required to inflate the inflatable frame 4 as air leaks from the frame 4 .
  • the cover assembly 2 further includes conduits 50 suspended in the pressure chamber from the top of respective wall frame portions 8 .
  • the conduits convey air into and out of the cover assembly 2 to adjust the air conditions within the internal chamber as .required to simulate altitude (e.g. up to 3.5 km above sea level).
  • the cover assembly 2 further includes a pump 52 for pumping air in or out of the internal chamber via the conduits 50 .
  • the pump 52 is a blower and blows air of reduced oxygen content (compared with the surrounding atmosphere) into the chamber.
  • the internal air pressure of the chamber is only slightly greater than the external atmospheric pressure. In this manner, the blower takes in air from the surrounding atmosphere, and adjusts the oxygen content in the air, before providing the air into the chamber.
  • the cover assembly 2 as long enough to completely cover a 25 meter or 50 meter swimming pool.
  • the separation between each adjacent pair of wall frame portions 8 accommodates a swimming lane.
  • FIG. 2 shows a bed cover assembly 200 in which a king sized bed or exercise bike can be located.
  • the bed cover assembly 200 includes an inflatable frame 202 .
  • the frame 202 is rectangular and a leg portion 204 of the frame includes a valve 206 through which air can be pumped during inflation.
  • An oversized sheet cover 208 is sealingly fastened along each inflatable straight portion of the frame 202 , and rests on the ground adjacent the frame 202 to facilitate sealing of the internal pressure chamber.
  • the pressure chamber does not have an internal floor which could otherwise be breached by a leg of the bed.
  • the cover 208 is fitted with a one-way valve 210 (i.e. pressure adjustment means) for facilitating adjustment of the pressure in the pressure chamber with a connected pump.
  • the cover 208 also includes a pair of re-sealable zip or loop-and-hook entrances 212 a, 212 b to gain access to the chamber.
  • FIG. 3 shows a seat (e.g. lounge chair or couch) cover assembly 300 .
  • the assembly includes an inflatable frame 302 having a square base portion and two crisscrossed arch portions.
  • Anchor lugs 304 are located at each corner of the base portion, and handles 306 extend from the frame 302 to facilitate handling.
  • the cover assembly 300 includes a transparent sheet cover 308 sealingly fastened along each inflatable portion of the frame 202 .
  • a transparent sheet floor 309 is sealingly fastened along each straight inflatable portion of the base of the frame 202 .
  • the cover 308 also includes a pair of re-sealable zip or loop-and-hook entrances 310 a, 310 b to gain access to the sealed internal chamber.
  • a valve is provided in the cover 308 to facilitate pressurizing the chamber with an external vacuum pump.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 enable athletes to undergo altitude conditioning when relaxing at home in bed or on a seat, or using an exercise bike.
  • FIG. 4 shows an inflatable dome cover assembly 400 including dome lattice framework 402 which can be provided over the swimming pool cover assembly 2 .
  • the framework 402 includes a number of arched and straight inflatable portions which are in fluid communication with each other.
  • Individual roof panels 404 can be fitted within each cell of the lattice framework 402 .
  • a flaccid sheet cover can cover the framework 402 .
  • the dome cover assembly 400 further includes a built-in pump storage container 406 for containing the pump 52 .
  • the pump fills the inflatable portions of the framework 402 and swimming pool cover assembly 2 , and adjusts the oxygen content and pressure inside the chambers within the swimming pool cover assembly 2 .
  • the pump adjusted the pressure and oxygen content of the air in the chamber.
  • the pump may also adjust the humidity, temperature or other like air conditions.
  • the inflatable tubes (i.e. portions) of the frame 4 may be partitioned into isolated sections which are separately inflatable so that a puncture or leak in one section will not result in deflation of the other sections.
  • the cover 6 can consist of a single sheet of material.
  • the cover assembly 2 can be located over a running track to cover running lanes.
  • the cover assembly 2 may be a 45 m ⁇ 1.6 m ⁇ 2.2 m long unit designed for hypoxic sprint training.
  • the present invention can be utilised in an animal exercise training area for training animals such as horses.
  • the cover assembly 2 includes at least one internal partition to form more than one internal pressure chamber in register with respective lanes, with each chamber able to be kept at a different pressure.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cover assembly including a frame including at least one inflatable portion. At least one cover is supported by the frame to define a chamber. Adjustment means is provided for adjusting the air conditions (e.g. pressure or oxygen content) of the pressure chamber.

Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The present invention generally relates to physical exercise training. The present invention has particular, although not exclusive application to swimming.
    • BACKGROUND
  • The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.
  • Elite sports is a serious business with athletes seeking every opportunity to gain a competitive edge over their rivals. Altitude training can be undertaken prior to major competitions whereby some endurance athletes train for several weeks in the mountains at high altitude. However, amateur athletes are often unable to afford the time and money involved with such altitude training.
  • It is an object of the present invention to provide a time and/or cost effective alternative for altitude conditioning.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover assembly including:
  • a frame including at least one inflatable portion;
  • at least one cover for being supported by the frame to define a chamber; and
  • adjustment means for facilitating adjustment of the air conditions in the chamber compared with air conditions external the chamber.
  • The cover may cover an exercise training area.
  • The frame may be formed from an interconnected three-dimensional (3D) lattice of inflatable tubes. The frame may include wall frame portions. Each wall frame portion form a single-dimensional array. The frame may include roof portion. The roof portion form a rectangular multi-dimensional array.
  • The cover may include a single sheet or multiple sheets of material for affixing to the frame. The cover may include removable side panels of material for affixing within endless side portions of the frame. The cover may partition internal wall frame portions. The material may be air impervious and formed from transparent polymeric material. The cover may be affixed to the frame using a hook-and-loop (e.g. Velcro™) fastening arrangement.
  • The exercise training area may include one or more training lanes. The lanes may be swimming or running lanes. Each wall portion may be aligned along a side of a training lane.
  • The cover assembly may further include one or more end strip doors. Each strip door may include a number of hanging PVC strips.
  • The frame may include a plurality of handles to facilitate handling when deflated. The frame may include a plurality of fastening means to which backstroke flags can be transversely fastened across the assembly. Each fastening means may include a ring.
  • The assembly may further include one or more conduits for conveying pressurised air into or out of the cover assembly. The assembly may further include a pump for pumping air in or out of the conduits. The assembly may further include suspension means for suspending the conduits. In use, the training cover assembly may form at least one internal pressurized chamber.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:
  • FIG. 1 a is a side view of a swimming pool cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 1 b is a upper perspective view of the swimming pool cover assembly of FIG. 1 a;
  • FIG. 1 c is a lower perspective view of the swimming pool cover assembly of FIG. 1 a;
  • FIG. 1 d is an end view of the swimming pool cover assembly of FIG. 1 a;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bed cover assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a seat cover assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of inflatable dome cover assembly including the swimming pool cover assembly of FIG. 1.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cover assembly 2 which forms a pressurized chamber for swimming training as shown in FIG. 1. The swimming pool cover assembly 2 includes an inflatable frame 4 formed from an interconnected three-dimensional (3D) lattice of inflatable tubes. The cover assembly 2 further includes a cover 6 supported by the frame 4 to cover a swimming pool (not shown). The cover 6 partitions off the pool from its surrounds so that the chamber can be pressurized to simulate altitude training. Advantageously, the cover assembly 2 can be conveniently set up at a local pool to enable athletes to altitude train without needing to go to the trouble and expense of traveling to the mountains.
  • The entire frame 4 can be inflated at a single inflation point as the inflatable tubes are in fluid communication with each other. As can best be seen in FIG. 1 c, the frame 4 includes three wall frame portions 8 a, 8 b, 8 c with each wall frame portion 8 forming a single-dimensional array. Each adjacent pair of wall frame portions 8 are aligned along the sides of a respective swimming lane. As can best be seen in FIG. 1 b, the frame 2 also includes an inflatable roof portion 10 forming a rectangular multi-dimensional array.
  • The cover 6 includes multiple panels of sheet material for releasably affixing with a hook-and-loop (e.g. Velcro™) fastening arrangement to the top and sides of the frame 4. In particular, the cover 6 includes a roof sheet 12 for covering the roof portion 10 and removable side panels 14 for affixing within endless rectangular portions of the external and internal (i.e. partitioning) wall frame portions 8. The sheet material is air impervious and formed from transparent polymeric or plastic material.
  • The cover assembly 2 further includes four strip doors 26 at its end and in register with the swimming lanes. Each strip door 26 includes a number of hanging PVC strips 28. In addition, some of the side panels 14 can have entry/exit slits 30 which can be releasably closed with a hook-and-loop (e.g. Velcro™) fastening arrangement.
  • The frame 4 includes handles 32 to facilitate handling when the frame 4 is deflated. The handles are located at the corners of each endless rectangular portion of the external wall frame portions 8 a, 8 c. The frame 4 includes fastening rings 34 through which backstroke flags can be transversely fed and fastened across the inside of the cover assembly 2. The inflatable frame 4 is formed by stitching, gluing or thermal welding polyvinyl chloride polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material together. In practice, a blower can be continually required to inflate the inflatable frame 4 as air leaks from the frame 4.
  • The cover assembly 2 further includes conduits 50 suspended in the pressure chamber from the top of respective wall frame portions 8. The conduits convey air into and out of the cover assembly 2 to adjust the air conditions within the internal chamber as .required to simulate altitude (e.g. up to 3.5 km above sea level). The cover assembly 2 further includes a pump 52 for pumping air in or out of the internal chamber via the conduits 50. Typically, the pump 52 is a blower and blows air of reduced oxygen content (compared with the surrounding atmosphere) into the chamber. However, the internal air pressure of the chamber is only slightly greater than the external atmospheric pressure. In this manner, the blower takes in air from the surrounding atmosphere, and adjusts the oxygen content in the air, before providing the air into the chamber.
  • The cover assembly 2 as long enough to completely cover a 25 meter or 50 meter swimming pool. The separation between each adjacent pair of wall frame portions 8 accommodates a swimming lane.
  • FIG. 2 shows a bed cover assembly 200 in which a king sized bed or exercise bike can be located. The bed cover assembly 200 includes an inflatable frame 202. The frame 202 is rectangular and a leg portion 204 of the frame includes a valve 206 through which air can be pumped during inflation. An oversized sheet cover 208 is sealingly fastened along each inflatable straight portion of the frame 202, and rests on the ground adjacent the frame 202 to facilitate sealing of the internal pressure chamber. Advantageously, the pressure chamber does not have an internal floor which could otherwise be breached by a leg of the bed.
  • The cover 208 is fitted with a one-way valve 210 (i.e. pressure adjustment means) for facilitating adjustment of the pressure in the pressure chamber with a connected pump. The cover 208 also includes a pair of re-sealable zip or loop-and- hook entrances 212 a, 212 b to gain access to the chamber.
  • FIG. 3 shows a seat (e.g. lounge chair or couch) cover assembly 300. The assembly includes an inflatable frame 302 having a square base portion and two crisscrossed arch portions. Anchor lugs 304 are located at each corner of the base portion, and handles 306 extend from the frame 302 to facilitate handling.
  • The cover assembly 300 includes a transparent sheet cover 308 sealingly fastened along each inflatable portion of the frame 202. In addition, a transparent sheet floor 309 is sealingly fastened along each straight inflatable portion of the base of the frame 202. The cover 308 also includes a pair of re-sealable zip or loop-and- hook entrances 310 a, 310 b to gain access to the sealed internal chamber. A valve is provided in the cover 308 to facilitate pressurizing the chamber with an external vacuum pump.
  • Advantageously, the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 enable athletes to undergo altitude conditioning when relaxing at home in bed or on a seat, or using an exercise bike.
  • FIG. 4 shows an inflatable dome cover assembly 400 including dome lattice framework 402 which can be provided over the swimming pool cover assembly 2. The framework 402 includes a number of arched and straight inflatable portions which are in fluid communication with each other. Individual roof panels 404 can be fitted within each cell of the lattice framework 402. Alternatively, a flaccid sheet cover can cover the framework 402. The dome cover assembly 400 further includes a built-in pump storage container 406 for containing the pump 52. In turn, the pump fills the inflatable portions of the framework 402 and swimming pool cover assembly 2, and adjusts the oxygen content and pressure inside the chambers within the swimming pool cover assembly 2.
  • A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.
  • In the preferred embodiment, the pump adjusted the pressure and oxygen content of the air in the chamber. In a further embodiment, the pump may also adjust the humidity, temperature or other like air conditions.
  • In one embodiment, the inflatable tubes (i.e. portions) of the frame 4 may be partitioned into isolated sections which are separately inflatable so that a puncture or leak in one section will not result in deflation of the other sections.
  • In one embodiment, the cover 6 can consist of a single sheet of material.
  • In one embodiment, the cover assembly 2 can be located over a running track to cover running lanes. The cover assembly 2 may be a 45 m×1.6 m×2.2 m long unit designed for hypoxic sprint training. In one embodiment, the present invention can be utilised in an animal exercise training area for training animals such as horses.
  • In one embodiment, the cover assembly 2 includes at least one internal partition to form more than one internal pressure chamber in register with respective lanes, with each chamber able to be kept at a different pressure.
  • In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (22)

1. An athlete conditioning cover assembly including:
a frame including at least one inflatable portion;
at least one cover for being supported by the frame to define a chamber; and
adjustment means for adjusting oxygen content of air in the chamber compared with air external the chamber.
2. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame is formed from an interconnected three-dimensional (3D) lattice of inflatable tubes.
3. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame includes wall frame portions with each wall frame portion forming a single-dimensional array.
4. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame includes a roof portion forming a rectangular multi-dimensional array.
5. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover includes a single sheet or multiple sheets of material for affixing to the frame and the cover assembly forms an open bottom.
6. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the material is formed from polymeric material and is affixed to the frame using a hook-and-loop fastening arrangement.
7. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover includes removable side panels of material for affixing to endless side portions of the frame.
8. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, including a partition for partitioning the inside of the assembly into respective chambers.
9. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover is dimensioned to cover an exercise training area including one or more training lanes.
10. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 9 and dimensioned to completely cover at least one swimming lane of a 25 meter or 50 meter pool.
11. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein adjacent pairs of wall frame portions of the frame can be aligned along the sides of a respective training lane.
12. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, further including one or more end strip doors with each strip door including a number of hanging strips.
13. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame includes handles to facilitate handling of the frame when deflated.
14. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame includes fastening means to which backstroke flags can be transversely fastened across the assembly.
15. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustment means includes one or more conduits for conveying air into or out of the chamber.
16. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustment means includes a pump or blower for pumping air in or out of the chamber or reducing the oxygen content of the air in the chamber.
17. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustment means includes a valve in fluid communication with the chamber.
18. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cover is oversized to facilitate sealing of the chamber adjacent the frame.
19. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, further including a bed, seat or exercise bike within the chamber.
20. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, further including a floor sealably engaged with the frame.
21. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover includes at least one re-sealable entrance to gain access to the chamber.
22. A cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, further including an inflatable dome lattice framework for covering the frame.
US14/006,958 2011-05-11 2012-05-11 Physical exercise training techniques Abandoned US20140007521A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2011202180 2011-05-11
AU2011202180A AU2011202180A1 (en) 2011-05-11 2011-05-11 Physical Exercise Training Techniques
PCT/AU2012/000523 WO2012103598A2 (en) 2011-05-11 2012-05-11 Physical exercise training techniques

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2012/000523 A-371-Of-International WO2012103598A2 (en) 2011-05-11 2012-05-11 Physical exercise training techniques

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/845,669 Continuation US9797155B2 (en) 2011-05-11 2015-09-04 Physical exercise training techniques

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20140007521A1 true US20140007521A1 (en) 2014-01-09

Family

ID=46603121

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/006,958 Abandoned US20140007521A1 (en) 2011-05-11 2012-05-11 Physical exercise training techniques
US14/845,669 Active US9797155B2 (en) 2011-05-11 2015-09-04 Physical exercise training techniques
US15/712,685 Abandoned US20180010358A1 (en) 2011-05-11 2017-09-22 Physical exercise training techniques

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/845,669 Active US9797155B2 (en) 2011-05-11 2015-09-04 Physical exercise training techniques
US15/712,685 Abandoned US20180010358A1 (en) 2011-05-11 2017-09-22 Physical exercise training techniques

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (3) US20140007521A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2707559B1 (en)
AU (2) AU2011202180A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012103598A2 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120291362A1 (en) * 2011-05-17 2012-11-22 International Shelter Solutions LLC Method and apparatus for building a structure
US20160362903A1 (en) * 2015-06-15 2016-12-15 Rodney Overstreet Wind-resistant cover
US10066395B2 (en) * 2014-12-15 2018-09-04 Aleksandar Stevanov Modular roof structure
US10704289B1 (en) * 2018-02-19 2020-07-07 Jesse Walsh Poulin Inflatable shelter

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2014201228B2 (en) * 2012-05-11 2021-10-21 Gregory Michael Mcmahon Physical Exercise Training Techniques
SK6715Y1 (en) * 2013-04-08 2014-04-02 Zepelin S R O Tent with inflatable supporting structure
US20160044929A1 (en) * 2013-04-12 2016-02-18 Gregory Michael McMahon Animal Gassing Module
US10245491B2 (en) * 2015-02-19 2019-04-02 Scherba Industries, Inc. Inflatable dojo structure
CN208875828U (en) * 2017-11-30 2019-05-21 浙江嘉声环保科技有限公司 Inflate fence
EP3842602A1 (en) * 2019-12-23 2021-06-30 OTEC GmbH & Co. KG Device for marking borders of swimming pools
KR200492067Y1 (en) * 2019-12-24 2020-07-30 이춘주 Portable experience apparatus for escaping and swimming
JP7117791B2 (en) * 2020-12-23 2022-08-15 株式会社Ｍ２プランニング high altitude training capsule
US20220268466A1 (en) * 2021-02-24 2022-08-25 John Doerr Collapsible Smoke Containment Apparatus
US20220333400A1 (en) * 2021-04-20 2022-10-20 Tactical Manoeuvre, Inc. Inflatable venue

Citations (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2895490A (en) * 1957-05-02 1959-07-21 Merill R Dimond Inflatable tents
US3006339A (en) * 1958-10-06 1961-10-31 Shampaine Ind Inc Oxygen tents
US3338001A (en) * 1966-11-04 1967-08-29 Robert L Fraser Inflatable structure
US4000749A (en) * 1975-05-30 1977-01-04 Float Isolation module
US4197681A (en) * 1978-07-21 1980-04-15 Duane J. Baxter Inflatable frame for tent
US4427385A (en) * 1982-06-23 1984-01-24 Andre Galerne Mixed gas bell diving deep ocean simulator
US4556391A (en) * 1984-05-31 1985-12-03 Tardivel Georges M Inflatable ship interior simulating play tent
US4974829A (en) * 1985-06-10 1990-12-04 Portable Hyperbarics, Inc. Hyperbaric chamber
US5109837A (en) * 1987-02-02 1992-05-05 Hyperbaric Mountain Technologies, Inc. Hyperbaric chamber
US5247768A (en) * 1991-10-15 1993-09-28 Vincent Russo Inflatable structure
US5298678A (en) * 1990-02-14 1994-03-29 Yamaha Corporation Musical tone waveform signal forming apparatus having pitch control means
US5360001A (en) * 1985-06-10 1994-11-01 Lance Brill Hyperbaric chamber closure means
US5398678A (en) * 1985-06-10 1995-03-21 Portable Hyperbarics, Inc. Hyperbaric chamber and exercise environment
US6192633B1 (en) * 1999-09-10 2001-02-27 Clint J. Hilbert Rapidly deployable protective enclosure
US6271549B1 (en) * 1998-12-24 2001-08-07 Nec Corporation Process for fabricating a metal silicide layer of a semiconductor and apparatus
US6347628B1 (en) * 1998-08-25 2002-02-19 Jack Robert Maison Modular hyperbaric chamber
US20040006926A1 (en) * 2002-07-15 2004-01-15 Neeley Clifton B. Climate controlled practice facility and method utilizing the same
US6679811B2 (en) * 2001-05-29 2004-01-20 Sam Sheng Chen Air enclosure trampoline safety system
US20040050411A1 (en) * 2002-09-13 2004-03-18 Buster Lawrence Inflatable shelter
US6820619B2 (en) * 1997-09-11 2004-11-23 Kroll Family Trust Altitude adjustment method and apparatus
US20050049090A1 (en) * 2003-08-29 2005-03-03 Samuel Chen Inflatable basketball structure
US20050109381A1 (en) * 2003-10-06 2005-05-26 Kevin Mosteller Collapsible, transportable, composite shelter and hyperbaric chamber
US20060169284A1 (en) * 2002-11-22 2006-08-03 Meyer Allan D Hyperbaric therapy capsule
US20070186466A1 (en) * 2006-01-27 2007-08-16 Gardiner Christopher B Plant protective cover system with collapsible rigid frame
US20070221225A1 (en) * 2006-01-24 2007-09-27 Larry Kutt Simulated Altitude Method and Apparatus
US7520277B1 (en) * 2003-04-01 2009-04-21 Daniel Grady CPAP enclosure for the treatment of sleep apnea
US20090217930A1 (en) * 2007-11-23 2009-09-03 Holley Merrell T Hyperbaric exercise facility, hyperbaric dome, catastrophe or civil defense shelter

Family Cites Families (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1964818A (en) * 1933-03-25 1934-07-03 Robert A Hood Air-inflated collapsible structure
US3779847A (en) * 1971-12-20 1973-12-18 A Turner Process of assembling fabric and plastic to form a building structure which may be inflated and chemically rigidized
US4296960A (en) * 1979-06-07 1981-10-27 Winchester Loren R Inflatable camper
US4317315A (en) * 1979-07-25 1982-03-02 Leblang Dennis W Inflatable shelter
US4309851A (en) * 1979-08-06 1982-01-12 Flagg Rodger H Structure of inflatable tubes with closed loop connectors
US4918877A (en) * 1988-12-08 1990-04-24 Dutka Walter J Inflatable tubular structure
US5293652A (en) * 1993-03-08 1994-03-15 Furr Jere P Swimming pool winterizing method and apparatus
US5570544A (en) * 1994-11-10 1996-11-05 Hale; Gary A. Inflatable structure
FR2732997A1 (en) * 1995-04-13 1996-10-18 Tillieux Corinne Temporary shelter for gardens, exposition tents, sports stadia etc.
US5964222A (en) * 1995-07-21 1999-10-12 Kotliar; Igor K. Hypoxic tent system
CA2172929A1 (en) * 1996-03-28 1997-09-29 Yoshimi Kano Portable enclosure system and method for providing a suitable breathing environment therein
NO302215B1 (en) * 1996-05-20 1998-02-09 Knut Bonvik isolate
DE29613200U1 (en) * 1996-07-30 1996-10-10 Liu, Chang-Hsiung, Yang-Mei, Taoyuan Protective device with an inflatable frame structure
US5692795A (en) * 1996-12-16 1997-12-02 Mininger; Nathan Tailgate tent
JP3724919B2 (en) * 1997-06-04 2005-12-07 帝人テクノプロダクツ株式会社 Air membrane structure
US5987822A (en) * 1997-09-18 1999-11-23 Cyrk, Inc. Inflatable tent
US5906373A (en) * 1997-10-24 1999-05-25 Sanders; Gary M. Water-tag game played within a maze
US6179367B1 (en) * 1998-07-01 2001-01-30 Frank P. H. Bowen Inflatable tent for sport utility vehicle
US6508850B1 (en) * 2000-11-16 2003-01-21 Igor K. Kotliar Clean air tent system
US7021008B2 (en) * 2003-01-10 2006-04-04 Busby Tyler E Inflatable structure with inflatable interior frame
US7198045B2 (en) * 2003-02-10 2007-04-03 Hollis Parker Risley Low pressure hyperbaric chamber and method of using the same
US6799338B1 (en) * 2003-06-20 2004-10-05 Ben Ming Hsia Portable playyard
US20090107020A1 (en) * 2007-10-29 2009-04-30 Gary Aires Portable display frame
FR2927347B1 (en) * 2008-02-13 2013-04-26 Jean Pierre Stenzel "INFLATABLE STRUCTURE USING A TENDER"
US20110023378A1 (en) * 2009-07-31 2011-02-03 Steve Hogue Portable set system and methods related thereto
US20110136597A1 (en) * 2009-12-02 2011-06-09 Gordon Donald W Inflatable game structure

Patent Citations (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2895490A (en) * 1957-05-02 1959-07-21 Merill R Dimond Inflatable tents
US3006339A (en) * 1958-10-06 1961-10-31 Shampaine Ind Inc Oxygen tents
US3338001A (en) * 1966-11-04 1967-08-29 Robert L Fraser Inflatable structure
US4000749A (en) * 1975-05-30 1977-01-04 Float Isolation module
US4197681A (en) * 1978-07-21 1980-04-15 Duane J. Baxter Inflatable frame for tent
US4427385A (en) * 1982-06-23 1984-01-24 Andre Galerne Mixed gas bell diving deep ocean simulator
US4556391A (en) * 1984-05-31 1985-12-03 Tardivel Georges M Inflatable ship interior simulating play tent
US4974829A (en) * 1985-06-10 1990-12-04 Portable Hyperbarics, Inc. Hyperbaric chamber
US5360001A (en) * 1985-06-10 1994-11-01 Lance Brill Hyperbaric chamber closure means
US5398678A (en) * 1985-06-10 1995-03-21 Portable Hyperbarics, Inc. Hyperbaric chamber and exercise environment
US5109837A (en) * 1987-02-02 1992-05-05 Hyperbaric Mountain Technologies, Inc. Hyperbaric chamber
US5298678A (en) * 1990-02-14 1994-03-29 Yamaha Corporation Musical tone waveform signal forming apparatus having pitch control means
US5247768A (en) * 1991-10-15 1993-09-28 Vincent Russo Inflatable structure
US6820619B2 (en) * 1997-09-11 2004-11-23 Kroll Family Trust Altitude adjustment method and apparatus
US6347628B1 (en) * 1998-08-25 2002-02-19 Jack Robert Maison Modular hyperbaric chamber
US6271549B1 (en) * 1998-12-24 2001-08-07 Nec Corporation Process for fabricating a metal silicide layer of a semiconductor and apparatus
US6192633B1 (en) * 1999-09-10 2001-02-27 Clint J. Hilbert Rapidly deployable protective enclosure
US6679811B2 (en) * 2001-05-29 2004-01-20 Sam Sheng Chen Air enclosure trampoline safety system
US20040006926A1 (en) * 2002-07-15 2004-01-15 Neeley Clifton B. Climate controlled practice facility and method utilizing the same
US20040050411A1 (en) * 2002-09-13 2004-03-18 Buster Lawrence Inflatable shelter
US20060169284A1 (en) * 2002-11-22 2006-08-03 Meyer Allan D Hyperbaric therapy capsule
US7556040B2 (en) * 2002-11-22 2009-07-07 Oxygen Therapy International Pty Ltd. Hyperbaric therapy capsule
US7520277B1 (en) * 2003-04-01 2009-04-21 Daniel Grady CPAP enclosure for the treatment of sleep apnea
US20050049090A1 (en) * 2003-08-29 2005-03-03 Samuel Chen Inflatable basketball structure
US20050109381A1 (en) * 2003-10-06 2005-05-26 Kevin Mosteller Collapsible, transportable, composite shelter and hyperbaric chamber
US20070221225A1 (en) * 2006-01-24 2007-09-27 Larry Kutt Simulated Altitude Method and Apparatus
US20070186466A1 (en) * 2006-01-27 2007-08-16 Gardiner Christopher B Plant protective cover system with collapsible rigid frame
US20090217930A1 (en) * 2007-11-23 2009-09-03 Holley Merrell T Hyperbaric exercise facility, hyperbaric dome, catastrophe or civil defense shelter
US8297282B2 (en) * 2007-11-23 2012-10-30 Holley Merrell T Hyperbaric exercise facility, hyperbaric dome, catastrophe or civil defense shelter
US20130111826A1 (en) * 2007-11-23 2013-05-09 Merrell T. Holley Hyperbaric exercise facility, hyperbaric dome, catastrophe or civil defense shelter

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120291362A1 (en) * 2011-05-17 2012-11-22 International Shelter Solutions LLC Method and apparatus for building a structure
US9499970B2 (en) * 2011-05-17 2016-11-22 International Shelter Solutions LLC Method and apparatus for building a structure
US10066395B2 (en) * 2014-12-15 2018-09-04 Aleksandar Stevanov Modular roof structure
US20160362903A1 (en) * 2015-06-15 2016-12-15 Rodney Overstreet Wind-resistant cover
US10704289B1 (en) * 2018-02-19 2020-07-07 Jesse Walsh Poulin Inflatable shelter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2707559A2 (en) 2014-03-19
AU2012212408A1 (en) 2013-07-18
WO2012103598A3 (en) 2012-10-04
AU2011202180A1 (en) 2012-11-29
EP2707559A4 (en) 2015-08-12
AU2012212408B2 (en) 2013-10-31
WO2012103598A2 (en) 2012-08-09
US9797155B2 (en) 2017-10-24
EP2707559B1 (en) 2019-06-12
US20150376911A1 (en) 2015-12-31
US20180010358A1 (en) 2018-01-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9797155B2 (en) Physical exercise training techniques
US10888759B2 (en) Inflatable dojo structure
US11857078B2 (en) Inflatable airbed mattress internal support system
US8336143B2 (en) Air mattress
US4974829A (en) Hyperbaric chamber
US20080318697A1 (en) Inflatable Game Table
US9353540B2 (en) Swimming pool pillow
US20180236370A1 (en) Inflatable Obstacle Course Equipment
US20150321061A1 (en) Multi-sport inflatable cage/structure
AU2014201228B2 (en) Physical Exercise Training Techniques
US20220219062A1 (en) Open Field Game Arrangement Including Glowing and Responsive Targets
US6971133B2 (en) Air mattress apparatus
ES2798223A1 (en) Inflatable and transportable sports facility (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
ES2443072T3 (en) Pool with a cover, in which the air inside the cover can be conditioned
US9745765B2 (en) Swimming pool floating cover
CN209142343U (en) A kind of inflatable is gone fishing novel on-hook plate peculiar to vessel
CN205659312U (en) Physical stamina combined training device
ES2278470B1 (en) Self-sustaining structure for fixed or movable type housing, has inflated sustentation element positioned vertically as wall, which consists of plastic flexible plate that is thermally insulated inside
US20180243632A1 (en) Inflatable pad
GB2541444A (en) Fluid-inflatable cube
US20170016240A1 (en) Apparatus and method for disaster survival
CA3002336A1 (en) Aquatic recreational article
Moe A Pneumatic Architectural System for an Accessible Children Playground
CN104623885A (en) Detachable and transportable combined type safety football field
MX2012003164A (en) Recreational inflatable device with two playing spaces, one having an inner labyrinth and the other a network of suspenders in the same module.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION