The present invention belongs to the field of hyperbaric chambers for performing hyperbaric and hyperbaric-oxygen therapies for medical or non-medical purposes, more precisely to the field of construction of flexible-inflatable hyperbaric chambers.
Hyperbaric chambers are intended for hyperbaric therapies, which have positive effects on human body. The particular effect of hyperbaric therapies in combination with oxygen is already known, but the known chambers are complicated and consequently expensive. Hyperbaric chambers have to comply with different safety requirements, thus individual functional parts of hyperbaric chambers have to be properly constructed and designed to fulfil said requirements.
The technical problem is a constructional design of an inflatable transportable hyperbaric chamber (in continuation inflatable hyperbaric chamber) for therapeutic and regeneration purposes, that will allow pressures inside the chamber between 130 kPa (1.3 bar) and 300 kPa (3.0 bar). The components of the chamber have to allow folding of individual parts, so that assembly into the final shape is possible even without tools and accessories. Connections for the bags forming the chamber have to withstand the tension due to overpressure, and the best possible sealing of the joints must be ensured the weak part of the flexible inflatable chamber is a zipper for closing the entrance into the chamber, as it can be opened due to the overpressure. Further, all components of the chamber have to be fastened in a simple and reliable manner in order to ensure the patient safe conditions through the entire therapy inside the chamber.
The aim of the invention is thus a constructional design allowing controlled conditions inside the hyperbaric chamber, wherein pressure, oxygen pressure, humidity and temperature can be regulated.
Hyperbaric chambers have been described in multitude of patents and patent applications, wherein the chambers have been designed in various manners.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,001 describes a hyperbaric chamber with oxygen supply, wherein the chamber is approximately cylindrically shaped and is made of a flexible, air impermeable material. This solution differs from the present invention in its frame and overall chamber design.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,543 discloses that a lightweight, transportable, inflatable and collapsible hyperbaric chamber is made of a flexible, foldable and non-slip material and has pressure-generating equipment with means for setting pressure inside the chamber as well as an outlet device of a differential pressure valve for reaching and maintaining air pressure inside the chamber. The chamber also has means for entering and leaving the chamber, which can be closed to prevent loss of air pressure. Said system enables air pressure inside the chamber around 0.2 to 22 psi higher than it is in the environment, while the entering and leaving means comprise at least one inner layer and at least one outer layer, wherein each layer closes with a zipper, and wherein one of the zippers is a mechanical zipper.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,093 describes a hyperbaric chamber comprising a flexible, air impermeable cell, which is equipped with one opening on one or on each end, an internal frame for maintaining the shape, an outer grid especially placed in one side wall of the cell. The invention has a flexible restraining cage in the shape of the outer grid, made from straight textile straps distributed in a number of radial hoops and in a number of longitudinal elements, wherein the cross-sections of the hoops and longitudinal elements is fixed in order to ensure consistent geometry of the said cage. The flexible cage is provided with a metal shield and metal collar. This solution differs from the present invention in that the flexible air impermeable material cell and the outer net are designed in a different manner as in this solution.
The essence of the inflatable hyperbaric chamber with a multilayer structure according to the invention is in the three-layer structure and in a separable (releasable) connection of individual layers of the said structure as well as in functional elements, which allow operation of the chamber at pressures between 130 kPa (1.3 bar) and 300 kPa (3.0 bar). The three-layer structure comprises an inner bag for sealing, an outer bag for protection and relief of the inner bag as well as maintenance of the shape of the chamber, and a grid for maintaining the structure and uniform distribution of forces.
The inflatable hyperbaric chamber with the multi-layer structure according to the invention can thus achieve high working pressures due to:
The inflatable hyperbaric chamber with a multi-layer structure according to the invention will be described in more detail based on an embodiments and figures, which show:
As shown in
The adhesion between the inner bag 4 and outer bag 2 can also be secured in other way, such as gluing, welding, any coupling or clamping system, or the inner bag 4 is not attached to the outer bag 2 at all.
The inner bag 4 comprises a base wrap 41 and a first circularly shaped bottom 42 and a second circularly shaped bottom 42′ (see
As shown in
The first reinforcement 412 is rectangularly shaped with a circular hole with an attachment 412a in the middle. On one side of the opening with the attachment 412a strap 412b and a strap 412c on the other side are sewn on the reinforcement 412. Straps 412b and 412c are parts of the tape with hooks of the Velcro® straps. Around the opening with the attachment 412a preferably from the inner and the outer side of the reinforcement 412, a first pair of rings 412d is welded affixing the attachment 412a for a valve or instrument.
The second reinforcement 412′ is rectangularly shaped with a circular hole with an attachment 412a′ in the middle. On the reinforcement 412′ with the attachment 412a′, the tape 412b′ on one side of the opening and the tape 412c′ on the other side of the opening are sewn. Tapes 412b′ and 412c′ are tapes with hooks of the Velcro® tapes. Around the hole with the attachment 412a′ there is a second pair of rings 412d′ welded from the inner and the outer side of the reinforcement 412′ on the bag 4, affixing the attachment 412a′ for the valve or instrument. The first pair of rings 412a and the second pair of rings 412d′ in addition to affixing the attachments 412a and 412a′ serve as a reinforcement for the area around the holes with attachments 412a and 412a′.
The third reinforcement 413 is rectangularly shaped with three circular holes with attachments 413a. Four tapes 413b are sewn onto the reinforcement 413. These tapes 413b are tapes with hooks of the Velcro® tapes. Around the holes with the attachment 413a from the inner and the outer side of the reinforcement 413 on the bag 4, three pairs of third rings 413d are welded, affixing attachments for valves and instruments.
The fourth reinforcement 413′ is rectangularly shaped with three circular holes with attachments 413a′. Four tapes 413b′ are sewn onto the reinforcement 413′. Tapes 413b′ are tapes with hooks of the Velcro® tapes. Around the holes with the attachment 413a′ from the inner and the outer side of the reinforcement 413′ on the bag 4, three pairs of fourth rings 413d′ are welded, affixing attachments for valves and instruments.
The third pair of rings 412d and the fourth pair of rings 412d′ in addition to affixing attachments 413a and 413a′ serve as a reinforcement of the area around the holes with attachments 413a and 413a′.
Reinforcements with holes, into which attachments with inner or outer threads for mounting valves and instruments, may be located on the circumference 41 in a different manner, namely at any place on the upper part 41a of the wrap 41. The attachments for valves and instruments may be fixed with a pair of rings around the holes even without reinforcements.
Around the two rectangular openings 414 on the left upper part 41a of the wrap 41 the first soft window 414a is welded, preferably having an oval shape. Around two rectangular openings 414′ on the right upper part 41a of the wrap 41 the second preferably oval soft window 414a′ is welded. Soft windows 414a and 414a′ are preferably welded on the inner side of the bag 4, while they may also be welded on the outer side of the bag 4. Windows 414a and 414a′ may be rectangular, circular or any other shape.
Circumference of the wrap 41 is preferably sewn or can also be welded together with the first circularly shaped bottom 42 on one side and together with the second circularly shaped bottom 42′ on the other side of the wrap 41. The folds, which are intentionally created on both sides of the wrap 41, are folded onto the wrap 41 and are welded on the inner side of the thus created inner bag 4. In this manner stitches or welds are covered, which contributes to sealing of the connection. The inner folded fold may be additionally covered with a special covering seam tape for covering stitches or welds and reinforces as well as seals the inner bag.
As shown in
The reinforcement of the opening 24 on the outer bag 2 is preferably welded or sewn or glued around the opening 24, to which two first parts of the Velcro® tape 24a and 24b with hooks are preferably sewn longitudinally. The tapes 24a and 24b may also be welded or glued and and serve as a gripper for mounting the grid 3, having other parts of the Velcro® tape with loops around the opening. This method of attaching the grid 3 to the outer bag 2 makes it possible to change the grid as the grid is detachable (removable).
The bonding of the chamber layers, preferably performed with Velcro® tapes or optionally with any other suitable releasable system, allows unlimited assembly and disassembly to the multilayer or single layer structure.
The elongated flap 24c is adapted for installation preferably two inserts located below the opening of the wrap 21, so that the opening is in the middle of the flap.
The fifth reinforcement 212 is rectangularly shaped with a circular hole 212a in the middle. To the reinforcement 212 on one side of the hole 212a, the tape 212b is preferably sewn, while tape 212c is sewn on the other side. The Velcro® tapes 212b and 212c are tapes with loops and may also be welded or glued.
The sixth reinforcement 212′ is rectangularly shaped with a circular hole 212a′ in the middle. To the reinforcement 212′ on one side of the hole 212a′ the tape 212b′ is preferably sewn, while tape 212c′ is sewn on the other side. The Velcro® tapes 212b′ and 212c′ are tapes with loops and may also be welded or glued.
The seventh reinforcement 213 is rectangularly shaped with three circular holes 213a. Preferably four Velcro® tapes 213b are sewn onto the reinforcement 213. Said tapes with loops may be optionally welded or glued.
The eight reinforcement 213′ is rectangularly shaped with three circular holes 213a′. Preferably four Velcro® tapes 213b′ are sewn onto the reinforcement 213′. Said Velcro® tapes 213b′ with loops may be optionally welded or glued.
Around two rectangular openings 214 on the upper left part 21a of the wrap 21 a first holder 214a for the window is welded, into which the first preferably rectangular window 8 is mounted (
As shown in
Once the inner bag 4 and the outer bag 2 are manufactured, the inner bag 4 is inserted into the outer bag 2 so that the wrap 41 is extended inside the wrap 21 of the outer bag 2, wherein the bottoms 42 and 42′ are in line with the bottoms of the outer bag 2. The first reinforcement 412 is connected to the tapes 212b and 212c of the fifth reinforcement 212 with tapes 412b and 412c. Tapes 412b and 412c are tapes with hooks, while tapes 212b and 212c are tapes with loops of the Velcro® tapes of the reinforcement 212.
The second reinforcement 412′ is fastened by the tape 412b′ and tape 412c′ by the tape 212b′ and tape 212c′ of the sixth reinforcement 212′. The tapes 412b′ and 412c′ are tapes with hooks fastened to the tapes 212b′ and 212c′ with loops of the Velcro® of the reinforcement 212′.
The third reinforcement 413 is using four tapes 413b fastened with four tapes 213b of the seventh reinforcement 213. The tapes 413b are tapes with hooks, while tapes 213b are tapes with loops of the Velcro® tapes of the seventh reinforcement 213.
The fourth reinforcement 413′ is using four tapes 413b′ fastened with four tapes 213b′ of the eighth reinforcement 213′. The tapes 413b′ are tapes with hooks, while tapes 213b′ are tapes with loops of the Velcro® tapes of reinforcement 213′.
All previously described welds are made with high frequency welding or hot air welding. In case of welding with overlapping edges, the tabs are not formed and their folding and covering with special covering seam tape is not needed.
The inner bag 4 ensures sealing, wherein the outer bag 2 enables additional protection of the inner bag 4 and holding the structure as well as relief of the inner bag 4. The inner bag 4 is made from the same of thinner and more flexible material as the material of the outer bag 2. The inner bag 4 is preferably slightly larger than the outer bag 2 due to expansion and adaptation to the shape of the outer bag; however, it can also have the same size as the outer bag.
The outer bag 2 is surrounded by the grid 3 (also called a net from straps or webbing), which for reasons of compactness, retains the shape of bag 4 and bag 2 and enables uniform distribution of forces, when the chamber is in operation. The grid 3 (see
Straps 31 are preferably evenly spaced along the circumference of the outer bag 2. There are preferably three straps 32 on the side of bottom 21, wherein preferably one strap 32 is provided on the side of the bottom 21′. Between these straps eight straps 33 are preferred. The grid is preferably manufactured using an accessory, which has grooves for longitudinal straps 31, strap 34a, strap 34b and grooves for transversal straps 32 and 33. When the straps 31 together with strap 34a and strap 34b are mounted in the accessory, the parts to be covered with straps 32 and 33 are fixed to remain in place. Once the straps 32 and 33 are installed, the folded parts of straps are sewn or welded together with the folded parts of the straps 31, 34a and 34b. The straps 33 above the zipper 44 and the flaps are completed on one side with the first part of the buckle and on the other with the second part of the buckle. Said boucles are preferably clips, but can also be rings, but the straps on either side may be completed with a ring through which a steel round or flat bar is pushed. Prior to the air being released into the chamber, the buckle sections are clamped together so that each individual strap 33 creates a ring around the wrap 21 and the inner wrap 41 (see
The grid allows strong structure retention and force distribution in both bags. Preferably, the straps of the grid are arranged so that the horizontal and vertical straps are evenly spaced. Preferably, the straps of the grid are attached or sewn at all crossings, allowing correct distribution of forces. The spacing between the straps may also be such that the horizontal straps are close to each other than the transverse straps, or vice versa. The straps of the grid are attached or sewn only on some of the crossings, wherein these crossings have to be evenly spaced. This special arrangement of straps is not just for the appearance, it is primarily intended for the correct distribution of forces in both the bags and the grid, which allows operation of the chamber at higher pressure. Horizontally positioned straps are secured on both sides of the outer bag by the circular rings located around the opening for the small side windows, so the ring is larger than the opening. This ensures that the windows are relieved from the pressure, as the grid can support and relieve them. The circular rings are made of stainless steel and allow uniform distribution of forces on the longitudinal straps along the length of the chamber. In addition, the grid design ensures a characteristic appearance of the larger windows, as instead of large oval window they appear as two smaller rectangular windows. The closure of the transverse straps is enabled with buckles, which also allows the structure to become evenly loaded.
There is an internal frame 5 inside the chamber, preventing the chamber to collapse, when it is not pressurized. Thus, even the empty, pressureless chamber has the correct shape and there is enough space for someone to fit inside.
The internal frame 5 consists of three rings with fittings for transverse longer and shorter tubes. Transverse longer tubes are preferably two, being connected to a shorter tube. The inner and the end rings can only be connected to one longer tube or more than two. The ring 51 (see
The ring 52 (see
The ring 53 (see
The internal frame 5 consists of the ring 51, connected to the ring 52 so that the attachment 513b is through two longer tubes 551 and 551′ connected to the attachment 523b of the ring 52. The attachment 513d is through two longer tubes 552 and 552′ connected to the attachment 523a, the attachment 513c is through two longer tubes 551 and 551′ connected to the attachment 523c. The attachment 513a of the ring 51 and the attachment 523a of the ring 52 are not connected, however the longer tubes 551 and 551′ could be transferred from the attachments 513b and 523b. The location of tubes 551 and 551′ depends on the user's wish where the entrance to the chamber should be located.
Rings 51, 52 and 53 connect shorter and longer tubes, which have at their ends inserted spring elements 6 in the shape of an elongated, flattened and horizontally placed letter V, which is on both open ends equipped with two plugs 61a and 61b (see
When the inner bag 4 is installed into the outer bag 2 and the grid 3 is placed on the outer bag 2 and the instruments, valves for oxygen and air supply, manometer and discharge valves are installed into the accessories with threads, the internal frame is optionally installed in the interior of the chamber as well as the pillow (also called bed or cushion).
Through the hole 212a in the reinforcement 212 and the attachment 412a in the reinforcement 412, the outer overpressure valve V1 is installed. Through the hole 212a′ in the reinforcement 212′ and the attachment 412a′ in the reinforcement 412′, a safety valve V2 is installed, allowing the release from the inner side and is intended as an emergency exit. To the left of the valve V2 a first outer release valve V6 is installed through the first hole 213a′ in the reinforcement 213′ and the first attachment 413a′ in the reinforcement 413′, while the second outer release valve V7 with a muffler facing downwards is installed through the second hole 213a′ in the reinforcement 213′ and the attachment 413a′ in the reinforcement 413′. Through the third hole 213a′ in the reinforcement 213′ and the third attachment 413a′ in the reinforcement 413′ a manometer M is installed. Left of the valve V1 through the first hole 213a in the reinforcement 213 and the first attachment 413a in the reinforcement 413 a valve V3 for air supply is installed, while through the second hole 213a in the reinforcement 213 and the second attachment 413a in the reinforcement 413 a valve V4 for oxygen supply is installed. Through the third hole 213a in the reinforcement 213 and the third attachment 413a in the reinforcement 413 a second overpressure valve V5 is installed. The valves V1, V2, V3, V4, V5 and D1, D2 as well as manometer M may be placed differently, depending on the use of the chamber.
Overpressure (pressure relief) valves V1 and V5 may be in three embodiments and are preferably in pairs. The first embodiment is a set of valves in the shape of a fork or a capital letter E, which allows the air to flow out of the chamber via three overpressure valves into the space outside the chamber (see
A second embodiment is a set of two valves in the shape of a letter T, which allows the air to flow out of the chamber via two overpressure valves into the space outside the chamber. Onto the T-part two overpressure valves are coupled, the valves having different settings of pressure, preferably 180 kPa and 160 kPa and one valve »open/close«. In case the »open/close« valve is closed, only the higher overpressure valve is operating, in this case 180 kPa, while the other is inactive. In case the valve »open/close« is open, only the lower valve, in this case 160 kPa, will operate, and the higher valve will be inactive due to too low activation pressure (see
A third embodiment is only one overpressure valve, which limits the pressure inside the chamber. The valve may be arbitrarily set to the highest possible value or to the pressure limit, preferably to 160 kPa or 180 kPa or 200 kPa or 300 kPa (see
The shape and the distribution of the valves may be any known to the skilled person in the art. The principle of use of three, two or single valves with different pressures, wherein the pressures may be any, is known. As already mentioned, the embodiment in the shape of a fork or the letter E has preferably three valves with three different pressure settings, wherein the T-shaped valve has only two valves with two different pressure settings. The pressures on the valves in shape of a fork, letter E, letter T and/or single or double valve may be different. The valves are preferably in pairs, but this is not necessary. Overpressure valves may be single valves.
The outer bag 2 provides protection of the inner bag 4 and holding the structure as well as relief of the inner bag 4. Opening of the outer bag 2 is reinforced with a flap, which is intended to cover the zipper and to safeguard it so that it does not open due to increased pressure inside the chamber. When the chamber is in use, strong forces act on the zipper due to increasing pressure, while the flap relieves the zipper by decreasing the pressure. The flap is preferably made as a shorter insert, into which a plexi insert is inserted. The flap is then closed using pre-sewn Velcro® strap. Into the longer part of the flap a longer plexi insert is inserted, so that it partly covers a part of the shorter insert. Then, the longer insert is also closed with the pre-sewn Velcro® straps. This ensures safe placement of the flap and reliable closure of the zipper. The flap may be made as one single long insert or as more overlapping inserts. The inserts (reinforcements) may also be achieved by inserting a hard material into the flaps or the hard material is attached to the wrap of the outer bag 2 with a special covering technique. The flap may be sewn or welded to the outer bag and is attached to the inner side below the opening.
The flap may have one inserts on any side or two inserts, each located on each side. The reinforcement prevents unwanted expanding of the opening with the zipper when the chamber is operating. Without this, the zipper would not withstand such pressures. Side walls of the outer bag are designed and built in in a special way. The windows are easily replaceable as they have covers where they can be inserted and fixed with Velcro® straps (loops and hooks). The material of the outer bag 2 should be thicker or at least the same as, but most often less flexible than the material for the inner bag 4.
The structure and characteristic connections of the individual functional elements of the inflatable hyperbaric chamber according to the invention enables operation under pressures of 130 kPa (1.3 bar) to 300 kPa (3.0 bar). Due to the sewing of sides of the wraps and bottoms and welding of the previously sewn connections, and due to the multilayer structure and the design of the grid, the effect of the high pressure inside the chamber is minimal since the constructional design of the chamber allows uniform distribution of the forces on all parts of the chamber.
The inflatable hyperbaric chamber is made of antioxidant materials that do not lose quality despite the increased oxygen concentration. The chamber operating pressure is preferably 200 kPa (2,0 bar), but may be between 130 kPa (1.3 bar) and 300 kPa (3.0 bar). Such high pressure enables an effective system of closing with the help of a special zipper on the inner bag, the flap with the insert on the outer bag for covering the zipper, the grid with straps provided with stainless steel or any other buckles, which additionally press the flap on the zipper. The chamber consists of three layers, an inner and an outer bag, surrounded by a grid. The inner bag is intended for sealing, while the outer bag protects the inner bag and maintains the shape of the whole chamber. Both bags are connected with the special system of valves and instruments for controlled pressure management. All materials are suitable for work with pure oxygen. The internal frame inside the chamber prevents the chamber from collapsing, so that even an empty chamber without increased pressure can retain the correct shape and allows comfortable space for a user. The chamber is driven by the compressor, which allows the chamber to be pressurized and properly ventilated. The compressor is continuously switched on throughout the therapy, as it provides for the ventilation of the chamber.
Oxygen supply is provided by oxygen concentrators, which by means of special filters, separates pure oxygen from the air with 93±3% purity using PSA technology. The oxygen concentrators enable continuous oxygen supply even at the highest possible pressure. Although the user breathes pure oxygen in the chamber, the oxygen concentration inside the chamber never exceeds 30% due to aeration. Oxygen supply may be provided from a different source, as the chamber has a valve allowing connection of an additional oxygen source.
The inflatable hyperbaric chamber with the multilayer structure is designed so that the inner bag houses a foldable internal frame, wherein the inner cylindrically shaped bag is installed into the outer cylindrically shaped bag surrounded with the grid. The inner as well as the outer bag have an opening in their middle, wherein the inner bag is closed with the zipper, while the outer bag has a system of flaps, into which one or two polycarbonate inserts are installed to relief the zipper when the chamber is operating. The inserts may be made of any other flexible material such as acrylic glass or plastics.
When in use, the entire chamber stands horizontally on the ground. An external handle (handrail) is designed to easier entry into and exit from the chamber. The chamber may not have the handle or may have two handles as shown in
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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P-201900024 | Feb 2019 | SI | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/SI2020/050003 | 2/5/2020 | WO | 00 |