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 exercise training area cover assembly including:
 a frame including at least one inflatable portion, the frame comprising interconnected three-dimensional (3D) lattice of inflatable straight tubes;   at least one cover for being supported by the frame to define an exercise chamber including one or more pieces of exercise training equipment; and   adjustment means for adjusting oxygen content of air in the chamber compared with air external the chamber;   wherein the exercise chamber has planar sidewalls.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the frame includes a plurality of openings located between the 3D lattice of inflatable straight tubes;   when supported by the frame, the cover:
 covers the plurality of openings; and 
   maintains the reduced oxygen content of air in the exercise chamber compared with air external the exercise chamber.   
     
     
         3 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes wall frame portions with each wall frame portion being rectangular in shape. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 3 , wherein each wall frame portion, including a roof wall frame portion, is disposed at a right angle relative to each adjacent wall frame portion. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the cover includes a single sheet or multiple sheets of material for affixing to the wall frame portion and the roof portion, forming walls and roof, respectively, of the exercise chamber, the exercise portion having an open bottom. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the material is formed from polymeric material and is affixed to the frame using a hook-and-loop fastening arrangement. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the cover includes removable side panels of material for affixing to endless side portions of the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 1 , including a partition for partitioning the inside of the assembly into respective chambers. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the cover is dimensioned to cover an exercise training area including one or more training lanes. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the exercise training equipment comprises an exercise bike. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 3 , wherein opposing pairs of wall frame portions of the frame are parallel. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 3 , further including one or more re-sealable entrances providing access to the chamber, the entrances being formed in the wall frame portions of the frame. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes handles to facilitate handling of the frame when deflated. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment means includes one or more conduits for conveying air into or out of the chamber. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  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. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment means includes a valve in fluid communication with the chamber. 
     
     
         17 . A cover assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said cover is oversized to facilitate sealing of the chamber adjacent the frame. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 1 , further including a floor sealably engaged with the frame. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the assembly simulates athletic training at at least 3.5 kilometers above sea level. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise training area cover assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each inflatable tube, including tubes to support a roof portion of the cover, connects with each adjacent tube at a right angle.