Abstract:
A hyperbaric oxygen chamber for allowing the user of the chamber to breathe pure oxygen while sleeping or relaxing. The hyperbaric oxygen chamber includes a chamber structure having a base and a cover, a vent system in the base of the chamber structure for permitting the gas to move in and out of the chamber structure, a valve assembly for use with the vent system, a control panel, a lighting assembly, and a support structure.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to chambers with altered atmospheric conditions and more particularly pertains to a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber for allowing the user of the chamber to breathe pure oxygen while sleeping or relaxing. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     The use of chambers with altered atmospheric conditions is known in the prior art. More specifically, chambers with altered atmospheric conditions heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements. 
     Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,467,764; 4,974,829; 4,727,870; 4,467,798; 3,255,751; and 4,509,513. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber. The inventive device includes a chamber structure including a base and a cover, a vent system in the base of the chamber structure for permitting the gas to move in and out of the chamber structure, a valve assembly for use with the vent system, a control panel, a lighting assembly, and a support structure. 
     In these respects, the hyperbaric oxygen chamber according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of allowing the user of the chamber to breathe pure oxygen while sleeping or relaxing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of chambers with altered atmospheric conditions now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber construction wherein the same can be utilized for allowing the user of the chamber to breathe pure oxygen while sleeping or relaxing. 
     The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the chambers with altered atmospheric conditions mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art chambers with altered atmospheric conditions, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
     To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a chamber structure including a base and a cover, a vent system in the base of the chamber structure for permitting the gas to move in and out of the chamber structure, a valve assembly for use with the vent system, a control panel, a lighting assembly, and a support structure. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the chambers with altered atmospheric conditions mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art chambers with altered atmospheric conditions, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber which is of a durable and reliable construction. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such hyperbaric oxygen chamber economically available to the buying public. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber for allowing the user of the chamber to breathe pure oxygen while sleeping or relaxing. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber which includes a chamber structure that includes a base and a cover, a vent system in the base of the chamber structure for permitting the gas to move in and out of the chamber structure, a valve assembly for use with the vent system, a control panel, a lighting assembly, and a support structure. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber that allows the user of the chamber to breathe better, feel better, and live longer. 
     Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber that permits the user of the chamber to escape the germs present in the environment. 
     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the present invention with the legs of the chamber removed for clarity. 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic end view of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the lighting assembly of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic end view of the light assembly along line  6 — 6  of FIG. 5 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the control panel of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-section view of a portion of the gas flow path of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the chamber of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic view of one of the valves of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a portion of the chamber particularly illustrating the airflow pattern of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 12 thereof, a new hyperbaric oxygen chamber embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10  will be described. 
     As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 12, the hyperbaric oxygen chamber  10  generally comprises a chamber structure  12  that includes a base  30  and a cover  20 , a vent system  40  in the base  30  of the chamber structure  12 , a valve assembly  48  for use with the vent system  40 , a control panel  50 , a lighting assembly  60 , and a support structure  75 . 
     The cover  20  of the chamber structure  12  comprises an upper wall  22  and a pair of end walls  24  mounted on the upper wall  22 . The upper wall  22 , the end walls  24  and the base  30  together define a chamber  26  with an interior. The upper wall  22  may be pivotally mounted on the base  30 , and preferably may have an arcuate shape with a semi-circular cross-section parallel to the end walls. Ideally, the cover is constructed from a three-quarter (¾) inch thick bulletproof plexiglass that is tinted. A lip  23  may be provided that extends around the edge of the cover  20 . 
     A lockable hinge  28  may be provided that extends between the end wall  24  of the cover  20  and the base  30  for selectively locking the cover  20  in a raised position. The hinge may be located at least three inches from the end wall so that there is a greater clearance upon opening the cover. A strip of tape  29  may be placed on the upper wall  22  adjacent to each of the end walls  24  and includes a plurality of stripes  21  marked thereon. The strips may extend in a generally diagonal orientation to a longitudinal extent of the tape. 
     The base  30  has an upper surface  32  and a lower surface  34  and a perimeter wall surface  36  oriented generally perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces  34 . The base  30  may include a plurality of elongate generally tubular cushions  38  on the upper surface  32  for forming a sleeping surface, and may include a pillow  39  positioned on the sleeping surface. The base  30  may include a cup holder  31  formed therein, and ideally the cup holder  31  comprises a generally cylindrical depression formed in the upper surface  32  of the base  30 . The base  30  may also include a book holder  33  formed therein, and ideally the book holder  33  comprises a generally rectangular depression formed in the upper surface  32  of the base  30 . Auxiliary lights  35  may be provided which illuminate the interior of the chamber  26 . The auxiliary lights  35  preferably comprise a plurality of light tubes  37 . Each light tube is positioned along a portion of a periphery of the upper surface  32  of the base  30 . Ideally, at least one of the light tubes  37  emits a red light  78 , and at least one of the light tubes  37  emits a white light  79 . 
     The vent system  40  in the base  30  permits gas to move into and out of the interior of the chamber  26 . The vent system  40  includes a plurality of vent inlets  42  that are positioned on the upper surface  32  of the base  30  and that are in fluid communication with the interior of the chamber  26  for supplying gas or air to the interior of the chamber  26  and exhausting gas or air from the interior of the chamber  26 . The vent inlets  42  are in communication with a gas supply  44 . A plurality of vent outlets  46  is positioned on the perimeter wall surface  36  of the base  30  for passing gas exhausted from the interior of the chamber  26 . 
     The valve assembly  48  selectively controls the flow of gas from the gas supply  44  into vent inlets  42 . 
     The control panel  50  is mounted on the upper surface  32  of the base  30 . The control panel  50  may include one or more of the following: a gas flow display  52  for displaying the quantity of the flow of gas into the interior of the chamber  26 , a clock  54  designed with a display for indicating the time, a thermometer  56  that includes a display for indicating the temperature in the interior of the chamber  26 , a light switch  58  that controls the flow of power to the auxiliary lights  35 , and a television  59  that includes a screen as well as a speaker  53  and a volume control. 
     A lighting assembly  60  illuminates the interior of the chamber  26  and is mounted in the interior of the chamber  26 . The lighting assembly  60  comprises a light carriage  62 . A rail  64  supports the light carriage  62  in the chamber  26 . The rail  64  is elongate and the light carriage  62  is movable between the ends of the rail  64 . The ends of the rail  64  are positioned adjacent to ends of the chamber  26  and are mounted to the end walls  24  of the chamber structure  12 . The light carriage  62  includes a housing portion  66  and a securing portion  70 . The housing portion  66  comprises a housing and a light shading panel. A light (not shown) is situated in the housing and is positioned for shining light through the light shading panel. A switch  68  is mounted on the housing and includes an “off” position that precludes the supply of power to the light and an “on” position that permits the supply of power to the light. The housing includes a battery compartment  69  therein with a removable battery compartment  69  door selectively covering the battery compartment  69 . The housing also includes a light access door to permit access to the light for removal and replacement of the light. A securing portion  70  includes a top wall  71  and a pair of spaced side walls  72  that extend upwardly from the housing portion  66  to the top wall  71 . Thus, a channel  73  forms that receives the rail  64  therethrough. A plurality of roller bearings  74  are mounted adjacent to the top wall  71 . The roller bearings  74  rest on a portion of the rail  64  passing through the channel  73 . 
     The support structure  75  for supporting the chamber structure  12  may include four depending legs  76 . Each leg  76  includes an upper end mounted on the base  30  of the chamber structure  12  and a lower end with a wheel mounted thereon. A plurality of cross braces  77  may be extended between the adjacent legs  76 . The wheels may include casters  41 . 
     One of the end walls  24  of the cover  20  may include an aperture  43  therein. A sliding door  45  may be mounted on the end wall  24  adjacent to the aperture  43  in a manner that permits the sliding door  45  to selectively close the aperture  43 . The sliding door  45  may be designed so that the aperture  43  is not entirely closed at any time. 
     Additionally, a heating pad  47  may be provided that heats an upper surface  32  of the base  30 . The heating pad  47  is mounted on the lower surface  34  of the base  30  of the chamber structure  12 . 
     The chamber structure  12  may additionally comprise a handle mounted on the cover  20  for permitting hand lifting of the cover  20  with respect to the base  30 . 
     A gas tank assembly may be mounted on a lower surface  34  of the base  30  of the chamber structure  12  and includes a tank holder adapted to hold at least one gas tank. 
     An antenna assembly  55  may optionally be included. The antenna assembly  55  mounts on the base  30  and comprises a mounting extension that extends outward from the perimeter wall surface  36  of the base  30 . The antenna assembly  55  includes an antenna mast that includes a lower end mounted on the mounting extension and an upper end extending upwardly from the mounting extension. The antenna is in communication with the television  59  of the control panel  50 . 
     As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.