Physical exercise training techniques

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.

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.