System and Method for Low Temperature Exercise
A cold temperature system for exercising combines wellness benefits of training with colder temperatures. HVAC technology provides a space to exercise in cold temperatures. Methods are additionally disclosed that allow a public or commercial wellness facility (or exercise facility) to provide a controlled cold environment for exercises. A refrigerated area has a chamber with insulated walls and appropriate ventilation installed on site in a preexisting space using modular prefabricated materials. The modular components include access for ventilation from existing HVAC units. Exercise equipment may be provided on the floor of the refrigerated area, which may be separated into one or more exercise areas by insulated or uninsulated interior walls and individually climate controlled such that one exercise area is kept at a different temperature than another exercise area. The exercise areas may have different temperatures optimized for different exercise equipment, or for different workouts.
This application claims benefit from currently pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/420,367 titled “System and Method for Low Temperature Exercise” and having a filing date of Oct. 28, 2022, all of which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the InventionThe invention deals generally with building constructions, specifically modular building materials for assembling a structure with a highly cooled interior for performing exercises.
Description of Related ArtIt is known that exercising in cold weather can lead to improvements in endurance and cardiovascular function, and just like most exercise, it can also boost your mood and mental health. The colder your environment, the harder your body must work to maintain homeostasis. One reason is because your body needs to work harder to perform in chilly climates, mostly because it requires extra generation of heat to keep your muscles, organs, and limbs warm. The cold exposure can increase caloric consumption, increase brown fat conversion, and reduces inflammation.
Brown fat is the type of body fat that helps regulate body temperature. When we're outside in the cold, brown fat contributes to increase body temperature, in the process helping boosting metabolism. Exercising in cold weather can transform white fat, specifically belly and thigh fat, into calorie-burning brown fat. Exercise in cold temperature can help burn more calories and improve heart, lung, and circulatory system health. Colder temperatures may improve endurance and for people who dislike the feel of sweating and heat, a colder workout may get them working out more often and exercising harder, which results in a larger aerobic benefit.
Many of the benefits of exercising in colder temperatures have been noted in the context of outdoor training in cold weather. Colder temperature exercise is limited to seasonally cold weather and training that may be conducted outdoors. Strength training, or exercises involving weights or resistance machines, is rarely available in cold temperatures, even seasonally. There remains a need for a space to train in colder temperatures in a more controlled environment.
So as to reduce the complexity and length of the Detailed Specification, and to fully establish the state of the art in certain areas of technology, Applicant(s) herein expressly incorporate(s) by reference all of the following materials identified in each numbered paragraph below. The incorporated materials are not necessarily “prior art” and Applicant(s) expressly reserve(s) the right to swear behind any of the incorporated materials.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides among other things a modular system for assembling a cold temperature workout space.
It is an object of the invention to provide prefabricated materials that may be assembled in situ to provide a cooled space.
It is another object of the invention to provide a highly cooled space for performance training exercises
It is another object of the invention to provide prefabricated panels configured to allow proper air circulation for performing exercises.
It is another object of the invention to provide insulated modular building materials to assemble a freezer in situ.
It is another object of the invention to provide multiple rooms with varying temperature to allow a user to choose a preferred temperature for exercising.
It is another object of the invention to provide methods of training to improve brown fat concentrations in humans.
It is another object of the invention to provide a multimedia experience is a freezer space.
The above and other objects may be achieved using devices involving a cold temperature system for exercising to provide one or more users with the combined wellness benefits of training in colder temperatures. The cold temperature exercise system includes an insulated modular assembly with some combination of insulated wall panels, insulated roof panels, and insulated floor panels that at least partially define a cold chamber. The wall panels may include an opening to accommodate tubing or electrical wiring and may be prefabricated with insulation or may be hollow to accommodate a spray foam insulation.
The cold chamber may be wired to accommodate audio and/or video systems. Wall panels may be prefabricated to include interior passages through which electrical wiring or ducting may be run. The video system may include one or more television monitors mounted on the wall. The monitors may show a program selected by a user, entertainment programming, exercise instructions, cold weather scenes, or other video content. Mirrors may be mounted to the walls to allow users to view and adjust their exercise form. The walls and roof may be configured to accommodate a fire suppression sprinkler system to prevent fire or satisfy any building regulations.
Vents in the modular panels couple to a HVAC system to provide cool air to the chamber. The vents may be prefabricated in the modular panels or may be cut into the modular panels on installation. One or more fans may be provided to circulate cold air throughout the cold chamber. In a particular embodiment, a plurality of fans in a fixed configuration are installed at regular intervals to ensure even temperature distribution in the cold chamber.
The prefabricated panels may be configured to allow appropriate ventilation to cool the cold chamber more uniformly and to allow users to safely and comfortably perform exercise activities. Ventilation may be planned such that at least two wall panels are identical for improved manufacturing. Ventilation may incorporate a different wall panel that is specially configured for improved Vents and/or fans to provide circulation of refrigerated air throughout the interior of the chamber.
Exercise equipment may be provided on the floor of the cold chamber, and the floor may may comprise, for example, interlocking floor pads to create a floor surface that is comfortable for users and durable under heavy use. Floor padding may also be selected for insulation. The exercise system may also include an ice bath, a sauna, a hot tub, and/or a massage table situated either within or outside of the cold chamber.
The refrigerated area may be separated into one or more exercise areas by interior walls. The interior walls may also be insulated and may be individually climate controlled such that one exercise area is kept at a different temperature than another exercise area. The exercise areas may have different temperatures optimized for different exercise equipment, or for different workouts.
A transition chamber may be provided between the cold chamber and an outside area that is warmer than the cold chamber. The system may include a controller that measures an outside temperature and mixes outside air with temperature adjusted air from the HVAC system to make the cold chamber a desired temperature. That is, the refrigerated area may be kept cool by an HVAC system or may use exterior air to cool the refrigerated area during colder weather. In a particular embodiment, the HVAC system monitors the temperature of the refrigerated area and the exterior temperature and will adjust the mix of recirculated air and colder air from outside the building in which the refrigerated area is housed.
The above and other objects may be achieved using methods for providing a cold chamber for exercising in a pre-existing structure involving selecting an area to be enclosed as a cold chamber, providing insulated modular wall panels, insulated door panels, and ventilation to cool the cold chamber. The area for the cold chamber is lined by assembling the insulated modular wall panels and insulated door panels to allow selective access to the cold chamber. An HVAC system is couple to the vent(s) to cool the cold chamber to a desired temperature. Fans may be installed to keep the cold chamber a consistent temperature throughout.
Some combination of exercise machines, media displays, speakers, and mirrors are provided in the cold chamber to provide a cold area for users to exercise. Some combination of an ice bath, a sauna, a hot tub, and a massage table may be installed within or outside of the cold chamber. Wiring or ducting may be installed throughout the insulated modular panels and spray insulation may be sprayed into the wall panels. Insulated roof panels and interior wall panels may be provided and installed to further insulate the cold chamber and define one or more exercise areas within the cold chamber.
Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.
The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.
Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.
Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONIn the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.
In one application of the invention, exercise training within a cold temperature system 10 provides one or more users with the combined wellness benefits of training in colder temperatures. The system 10 uses HVAC technology in a novel arrangement calibrated for use by users performing exercises in cold temperatures. Several methods are additionally disclosed that allow a public or commercial wellness facility (or exercise facility) to provide a controlled cold environment for exercises.
An exercise area is provided in a temperature-controlled space that may be adjusted to an ideal operating temperature. A refrigerated area 12 has at least one chamber 14 defined by at least one insulated wall 20. The at least one wall 20 may be circular, polygonal, ovular, or any other appropriate shape. Thermal insulation materials may include polyisocyanurate, polyurethane, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, rockwool, or the like.
The chamber 14 may be installed on site using modular prefabricated materials and the at least one wall 20 may be composed of a plurality of wall panels, 21, 22, 23, 24. The wall panels 21, 22, 23, 24 may be prefabricated and may be configured to couple to another wall panel or other prefabricated modular component, such as an insulated door 16 that is mounted to a wall panel 21 to provide selective access to the chamber 14. Wall panels 21, 22, 23, 24 may be selected for their thermal insulation, sealing, anti-compression and anti-bending, and/or frost resistance properties. Wall panels 21 may include insulation in the panel already or may be installed with a space for spray foam insulation to be applied after assembly in situ. Panels may have varied thickness for improved design options. For example, panel thickness may be between 50 and 150 mm, or between 100 and 300 mm for colder applications. Door panels may have a convex hinged side hung door, a flat hinged side hung door, a convex French door, a flat French door, a manual sliding door, a motorized sliding door, a swing door, an overhead door, or the like.
The prefabricated panels may be configured to allow appropriate ventilation within the chamber 14 to cool the chamber 14 more uniformly and to allow users to safely and comfortably perform exercise activities in the chamber. Ventilation may be planned such that at least two wall panels are identical for improved manufacturing. Ventilation may incorporate a different wall panel that is specially configured for improved Vents 18 and/or fans 20 to provide circulation of refrigerated air throughout the interior of the chamber 14.
The refrigerated area 12 may have an interior size from between about 500 and 10,000 sq. ft. and configured to accommodate between 1 and about 50 people. Exercise equipment may be provided on the floor 25 of the refrigerated area 12. Exercise equipment 30 may include one or more of treadmills, elliptical trainers, rowing machines, exercise bikes, resistance equipment, heavy punching bag, speed punching bag, or any other exercise equipment known to those having skill in the art.
The floor 25 of the refrigerated area 12 may be selected to facilitate exercise training. For example, interlocking floor pads may be provided to create a floor surface that is comfortable for users and durable under heavy use. Floor padding may also be selected for insulation to prevent heat from seeping into the chamber 14 through the floor 25. The floor 25 may also or alternatively include a hard flooring for group fitness or class exercises. A roof 26 is assembled opposite the floor 25.
Proper ventilation is important in a freezer or cold room for preventing condensation and, mold, or air quality issues. Similarly, exercise spaces require proper circulation to maintain temperature and air quality in a closed space with people that are sweating and breathing in recycled air. Good circulation and ventilation can help reduce the spread of disease such as coronavirus. Evaporator or condenser fans, ducting, and other factors known to those having skill in the art may impact how well air circulates within the gym.
The refrigerated area 12 may be separated into one or more exercise areas 100 by one or more interior walls 15. The interior walls may also be insulated and may be individually climate controlled such that one exercise area 100 is kept at a different temperature than another exercise area 100. The interior walls 15 may be composed of the same premanufactured panels as the exterior walls 21, 22, 23, 24. The exercise areas may have different temperatures optimized for different exercise equipment, or for different workouts,
The insulated walls 20 or interior walls 15 may be wired to accommodate audio and/or video systems. An audio system may include a single speaker, a plurality of speakers, and/or a plurality of speakers configured to provide a desired sound profile such as, for example, a surround sound system, or any other audio system to those having skill in the art. A video system may include any configuration of video components known to those having skill in the art. Wall panels 15, 20 may be prefabricated to include interior passages through which electrical wiring or ducting may be run. The video system may include one or more television monitors mounted on the wall. The monitors may show a program selected by a user, entertainment programming, exercise instructions, cold weather scenes, or other video content. Mirrors 34 may be mounted to the walls to allow users to view and adjust their exercise form. The mirrors 34 may be heated to prevent them from fogging in the refrigerated area 12. The walls and roof may be configured to accommodate a fire suppression sprinkler system 19 to prevent fire or satisfy any building regulations. Lifting racks may be provided that can be bolted to the floor that are composed of materials that will not feel as cold in the refrigerated area 12.
The refrigerated area 12 may be kept cool by an HVAC system or may use exterior air to cool the refrigerated area during colder weather. In a particular embodiment, the HVAC system monitors the temperature of the refrigerated area and the exterior temperature and will adjust the mix of recirculated air and colder air from outside the building in which the refrigerated area is housed.
In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.
Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. The terms “including” and “such as” are not limiting and should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” and “such as, for example,” respectively. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Claims
1. A cold temperature exercise system, comprising:
- an insulated modular assembly that at least partially defines a cold chamber, the modular assembly comprising at least one insulated wall panel, at least one insulated door, and at least one vent coupled to an HVAC system to provide cool air to the chamber.
2. The cold temperature exercise system of claim 1, further comprising at least one insulated roof panel, wherein the at least one vent passes through the at least one wall panel or the at least one roof panel.
3. The cold temperature exercise system of claim 1, further comprising a transition chamber between the cold chamber and an outside area.
4. The cold temperature exercise system of claim 1 further comprising at least one fan configured to provide even cooling throughout the cold chamber.
5. The cold temperature system of claim 4, wherein the at least one fan comprises a plurality of fans in a set configuration.
6. The cold temperature system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of fan installations evenly spaced throughout the cold chamber.
7. The cold temperature system of claim 1, wherein the at least one insulated wall panel has a hollow to accommodate a spray foam insulation.
8. The cold temperature system of claim 1 wherein the at least one insulated wall panel comprises at least one plain wall panel and at least one vent wall panel wherein the vent wall comprises a ventilation cutout.
9. The cold temperature system of claim 1 wherein the at least one wall panel comprises an opening to accommodate tubing or electrical wiring.
10. The cold temperature system of claim 1 wherein the at least one insulated wall panel comprises at least one plain wall panel and at least one media wall panel, wherein the media wall panel comprises a cutout or indentation to accommodate a visual display, a mirror, or a speaker.
11. The cold temperature system of claim 1 further comprising at least one of an ice bath, a sauna, a hot tub, and a massage table.
12. The cold temperature system of claim 1, wherein the cold chamber has a temperature, the system further comprising a controller that measures an outside temperature and mixes outside air with temperature adjusted air from the HVAC system to make the cold chamber a desired temperature.
13. A method for providing a cold temperature exercise area within an existing structure, the method comprising the acts of:
- selecting an area to be enclosed as a cold chamber;
- providing a plurality of insulated modular wall panels, at least one modular insulated door panel, and at least one vent;
- lining the cold chamber by assembling the plurality of insulated modular wall panels and the least one modular insulated door panel such that the at least one modular insulated door panel provides selective access to the cold chamber;
- coupling the at least one vent to an HVAC system to cool the cold chamber;
- installing at least one exercise machine, at least one media display, or at least one mirror in the cold chamber.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising assembling a fire suppression sprinkler system.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising spraying a spray insulator into the plurality of insulated modular wall panels.
16. The method of claim 13 further comprising assembling a plurality of insulated roof panels on the top of the cold chamber.
17. The method of claim 13 further comprising assembling at least one interior wall inside the cold chamber to define a plurality of exercise areas.
18. The method of claim 13 further comprising wiring the plurality of insulated wall panels for at least one of an audio system and a video system.
19. The method of claim 13 further comprising assembling a plurality of fans to keep the cold chamber a consistent temperature throughout the cold chamber.
20. The method of claim 13 further comprising installing at least one of an ice bath, a sauna, a hot tub, and a massage table.
Type: Application
Filed: May 24, 2023
Publication Date: May 2, 2024
Inventor: Steven Beach (Gilbert, AZ)
Application Number: 18/201,605
