Controllable photonic chamber with customizable environment

Abstract

A chamber providing controlled amounts and wavelengths of photonic IR and visible light within an internal space sized for at least one human being to exercise therein. The chamber includes at least one emitter system configured to emit FIR energy and at least one emitter system configured to emit at least MIR energy. The chamber includes at least one light emitting source configured to emit full spectrum visible light and/or a selected wavelength of visible light, and a control panel configured to control the amount, wavelengths and duration of FIR, MIR, and visible light within the chamber.

Claims

1. A chamber for providing controlled amounts and wavelengths of IR and visible light within an internal space sized to seat or allow at least one human being to move therein, the chamber comprising: at least one emitter system configured to emit FIR energy; at least one emitter system configured to emit MIR energy; at least one light emitting source configured to emit selected wavelengths of visible light; at least one panel comprising natural stones capable of absorbing IR energy; at least one natural salt block capable of absorbing IR energy; and a control panel configured to control the amount, wavelengths and duration of FIR, MIR, and/or visible light within the chamber.

2. The chamber of claim 1 and further comprising a seat within the internal space.

3. The chamber of claim 1, wherein the at least one emitter system configured to emit FIR energy comprises a plurality of FIR heaters with heaters on at least two of the four interior walls.

4. The chamber of claim 1, wherein the at least one emitter system configured to emit MIR energy comprises a plurality of MIR heaters with heaters on least two of the four interior walls.

5. The chamber of claim 1, wherein the at least one emitter system configured to emit FIR energy comprises spaced apart emitter systems located on a first wall and the at least one emitter system configured to emit MIR energy comprises spaced apart emitter systems located on the same wall.

6. The chamber of claim 1, wherein the at least one panel comprising natural stones capable of absorbing IR energy is a panel for positioning in front of or at least partially covering the at least one emitter system configured to emit FIR energy.

7. The chamber of claim 6, wherein at least some of the FIR energy emitted is passed into the chamber and at least some of the FIR energy emitted is absorbed by the natural stones.

8. The chamber of claim 1, wherein the at least one light emitting source configured to emit a selected wavelength of visible light comprises one or more arrays configured to emit red light in the range of about 610 nm to about 700 nm.

9. The chamber of claim 1, wherein the at least one light emitting source configured to emit a selected wavelength of visible light comprises a plurality arrays configured to emit red light in the range of about 610 nm and about 650 nm.

10. The chamber of claim 6, wherein the natural stone comprises jade.

11. The chamber of claim 6, wherein the panel is removably retained in front of the at least one FIR emitter system.

12. The chamber of claim 1 and wherein the natural salt block is a mineral salt block.

13. A chamber for one or more person to exercise, the chamber comprising: at least one emitting system configured to emit FIR energy; at least one emitting system configured to emit at least MIR energy; at least one light emitting source configured to emit a full spectrum of visible light or selected wavelength of visible light; at least one panel comprising natural stones capable of absorbing IR energy; at least one natural salt block capable of absorbing IR energy; and a control panel configured to control the amount, selected wavelengths and duration of FIR, MIR, and visible light within the chamber wherein the chamber is sized to allow one or more person to perform isotonic or dynamic exercises, wherein an environment within the chamber is selectively controllable including a temperature, wavelength of visible light, oxygen content, moisture content, infusion of carbon-based materials, visual effects, sound effects, aromas, and combinations thereof.

14. The chamber of claim 13 and further comprising an optically transparent or translucent door configured such that an interior surface of the chamber door reflects photons to maintain a selected environment within the chamber.

15. The chamber of claim 13 wherein the at least one panel comprising natural stones capable of absorbing IR energy and at least one natural salt block are removable.

16. A method of customizing an environment within in a chamber for one or more person to exercise, the method comprising: selecting a wavelength and duration of FIR energy emitted from at least one emitting system configured to emit FIR energy mounted within the chamber; selecting a wavelength and duration of MIR energy emitted from at least one emitting system configured to emit MIR energy mounted within the chamber; selecting a wavelength and duration of visible light for at least one light emitting source positioned within the chamber; removably installing at least one panel comprising natural stones capable of absorbing IR energy in front of at least one emitting system configured to emit FIR energy; and installing one or more natural salt blocks capable of absorbing IR energy into one or more receptacles mounted on an interior wall of the chamber.

17. The method of claim 16 and selecting a temperature, oxygen content, moisture content, visual effect, sound effect, aroma, or combinations thereof within the chamber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective exterior view of a customizable controllable photonic chamber.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a front exterior wall.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a front interior wall of the controllable photonic chamber.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a back interior wall of the controllable photonic chamber.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a side interior wall of the controllable photonic chamber.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a plan view of another side interior wall of the controllable photonic chamber.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a floor of the controllable photonic chamber.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a ceiling of the controllable photonic chamber.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a system for controlling the ambient environment within the chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present disclosure is directed to a photonic chamber having an internal space that is of a sufficient size to comfortably sit one or more people or to allow one or more people to move, stretch, stand and/or perform active exercises. The environment within the chamber can be individually selected and controlled depending on the one or more user's preferences.

[0022] The chamber includes a plurality of IR heaters that output photons in the mid infrared spectrum (MIR) and the far infrared spectrum (FIR). The MIR has a range of wavelengths from about 1,500 nm to about 5,600 nm. The FIR has a range of wavelengths from about 5,600 nm to about 100,000 nm. Utilizing the plurality of IR heaters that emit photons in the MIR and FIR frequencies, the person experiences the benefits of each spectrum of frequencies. For instance, the MIR provides for total body heating while the FIR provides deep heating the to the person's body. Therefore, over time the person experiences the medium and deeper photonic experiences of the MIR and FIR.

[0023] The chamber also has full spectrum visible light and visible light energy in selected wavelengths. The environment in the chamber can also provide halotherapy and aromatherapy. The chamber is configurable and customizable to allow one or more people to exercise within a selected custom environment within the chamber, which provides enhanced physical benefits relative to exercising, active recovery, active rest and/or passive relaxation in ambient conditions. At least the MIR, and/or FIR heaters, panels of natural stones, and panels of visible light are removable and selectively configurable between uses such that a user can select a personalized ambiance and/or customized photonic environment that provides the beneficial IR photonic energy and the beneficial visible light photonic energy, while eliminating the photonic energy that is harmful to a person's body, such as ultraviolet light and photonic wavelengths that are shorter or longer than the visible and infrared spectrums.

[0024] The photonic chamber configured to allow one or more people to exercise is illustrated at 200 in FIGS. 1-8. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the assembled photonic chamber 200 has a length 100 ranging from about 7 feet to about 11 feet, a width 102 ranging from about 5 feet and about 9 feet and a height 104 ranging from about 7 feet and about 10 feet. The dimensions of the chamber 200 allow the chamber 200 to be assembled inside any typically sized room. Further, the chamber 200 is provided with one or more plug-in 232 for connection to any standard 110 volt AC socket for powering the components in the chamber 200.

[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 2-8, the photonic chamber includes a floor 202, a ceiling 204, a front wall 206, a back wall 208, a left side wall 210 and a right side wall 212. Each wall 206, 208, 210 and 212 is connected together at vertical ends that form corners. Each wall 206, 208, 210 and 212 is also connected to the floor 202 and the ceiling 204 to form the chamber 210 that allows the environment therein to be controlled. Each wall 206, 208, 210, 212 and floor 202 and ceiling 204 may be constructed of one or more panels or sections. In the embodiment illustrated each of the floor 202, ceiling 204, front wall 206, back wall 208, left side wall 210 and right side wall 212 are constructed from two panels. The panels are connected along their length which allows for easy assembly and transport or shipping with a reduction in costs.

[0026] The chamber 200 may be transported or shipped as a kit for on-site installation comprising panels which form each of the floor 202, ceiling 204 and walls 206, 208, 210, 212. Exemplary environmental conditions that can be controlled within the assembled chamber 200 include, but are not limited to, doses of FIR, MIR and duration thereof, temperature, the wavelength of visible light, oxygen content, moisture content, infusion of carbon-based materials, visual effects, sound effects, aromas, and combinations thereof. As such, the environment can be customized for any exercise routine and/or fitness level of a person or persons utilizing the photonic chamber 200.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, one wall, referred to herein as the front wall 206, includes a door 220 to provide access to the interior of the chamber 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the door 220 is a sliding glass door. However, a hinged door is also within the scope of the present disclosure. The door 220 may include a handle 234 on an outside surface of the door 220 and an inside surface of the door 220, where the handle 234 is typically constructed of a material that does not readily conduct heat, such as wood, to prevent the handle from becoming hot to the touch when the internal space of the chamber 200 is heated.

[0028] The interior front wall 206 or another wall 208, 210, 212 of the chamber 200 may also be provided with a window (not illustrated). The door 220 and window may be frosted, coated, or otherwise provided with a texture on one or both of the interior and exterior surfaces. The frosting, coating, and/or texture is a coating or texture applied to the door 220 and window which reflects photons emitted within the chamber 200 to prevent photon loss through the door 220 or window and thus maintain the selected environment within the chamber 200. In an alternative embodiment, the door 220 is optically transparent or translucent to allow a person outside of the chamber 200 to monitor activity within the chamber 200. While the door 220 allows a person to monitor or detect the activity within the chamber 200, the door 220 also provides a sufficient seal to maintain the desired environmental conditions within the chamber 200 such as temperature or aromatherapy. An enriched air intake fan 250 is also provided to the chamber, and as illustrated is provided in the front wall 206.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, the interior front wall 206 includes a plurality of FIR heaters 228 that are typically carbon fiber and a plurality of MIR heaters 230, which are typically ceramic. As illustrated the plurality of FIR heaters 228 are located below the plurality of MIR heaters 230. However, the arrangement and location of the plurality of FIR heaters 228 and MIR heaters 230 is exemplary and can be in any suitable configuration and number with the FIR heaters 228 being the same or different sizes. The configuration of the FIR heaters 228 is further customizable. As previously mentioned, the FIR heaters 228 emit photons that provide deeper penetration of the skin that does not provide the immediate sensation of heat. However, over time, the body can feel the energy imparted into the body from the FIR heaters 228 in the form of heat.

[0030] The FIR heaters 228 are generally located behind a panel 226 configured to receive a plurality of natural stones 244. An exemplary natural stone 244 is jade, however any suitable natural stone could be utilized. The panels 226 are configured for removable insertion panels with different natural stones to allow users to further customize the environment within the chamber 200.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the interior back wall 208 is substantially the same size and parallel to the front wall 206. The back wall 208 includes a plurality of FIR heaters 240 that are typically carbon fiber and a plurality of MIR heaters 248, which are typically ceramic. As illustrated the plurality of FIR heaters 246 are located below the plurality of MIR heaters 248. However, the arrangement and location of the plurality of FIR heaters 246 and MIR heaters 248 is exemplary and can be in any suitable configuration and number. The plurality of FIR heaters 240 are each located behind a panel 242 containing a plurality of natural stones 244, where an exemplary and non-limiting example of the natural stone 244 is jade.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the left side wall 210 includes a plurality of FIR heaters 270 that are typically carbon fiber and a plurality of MIR heaters 268, which are typically ceramic. As illustrated the plurality of MIR heaters 268 are located above and between the plurality of FIR heaters 270. However, the arrangement and location of the plurality of FIR heaters 270 and MIR heaters 268 is exemplary and can be in any suitable configuration and number. Each FIR heater 270 is located behind a panel 262 containing a plurality of natural stones 244, where an exemplary and non-limiting example of the natural stone is jade. As illustrated, the lower MIR heaters 268 are arranged such that the side wall 210 provides sufficient space to mount or support a screen 266 and signage 264. However, a panel with natural stones is not required in front of any one or all of the FIR heaters and such panels may be optionally placed in front of the FIR heaters for customization of the chamber 200 environment.

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the right side wall 212 includes a plurality of IR heaters 280 located near a plurality of salt panels 282. An exemplary salt panel 282 includes, but is not limited to, cavities configured to receive Himalayan salt panels, salt bricks or salt blocks that include a plurality of trace minerals. The salt panel may also be a heated salt panel 282 to emit infrared energy and ions that provide halotherapy to the user. The salt panel 282 may feature a row of a plurality of salt blocks or salt bricks 284, which may further be backlit to customize the environment in the chamber 200. For example, the salt panel 282 may be backlit with orange or red or light. In the embodiment illustrated, the back wall includes cavities for holding up to sixteen (16) salt bricks in addition to one or more heaters such as ceramic heaters.

[0034] The right side wall 212 is generally open along a lower section of the wall 212 to allow users within the chamber 200 to contact the side wall 212 during one or more exercises. For example, the IR heaters and salt panels are positioned near a top portion of the right side wall 212 leaving the mid and lower portion of the wall exposed. Users in the chamber may lean against the wall or otherwise use the wall for bracing or resistance during exercise within the chamber 200.

[0035] The right side wall 212 may also be provided with an access door 294 such as a sliding door for access to one or more electrical sockets for electrical connection of optional equipment brought into the chamber 200.

[0036] Any one or more of the walls may be provided with a plurality of LED arrays typically configured to emit red light at about 640 nm. In the embodiment illustrated, the right side wall 212 includes a left plurality of LED arrays 286 proximate an upper left corner of the right side wall 212 and a right plurality of LED arrays 290 proximate an upper right corner. The LED arrays 286 and 290 typically are configured to emit red light at about 640 nm. However, the LED arrays 286 and 290 can be controlled to emit the full spectrum of visible light or any wavelength rage including each of the individual colors, a plurality of colors up to and including full spectrum, white light.

[0037] As the photonic chamber 200 can be utilized for exercising, the floor 202 illustrated in FIG. 7 is substantially flat to allow the user(s) to be able to move within the chamber 200 without any tripping hazards on the floor 202. The floor 202 is typically constructed of a material that does not cause injury due to repetitive movement. An exemplary, but non-limiting, material of construction of the floor 202 includes wood. It is also contemplated that in one or more embodiments, wooden benches may also be provided for positioning along the walls and/or in corners to provide perimeter seating at one or more locations within the chamber 200.

[0038] The ceiling 204 is illustrated in FIG. 8 and includes a plurality of spaced apart LED arrays 300. The plurality of LED arrays 300 are arranged in rows 302 of spaced apart arrays to provide substantially uniform distribution of the emitted light throughout the chamber 200. The plurality LED arrays 300 typically are configured to emit red light at about 640 nm. However, the LED arrays 300 can be controlled to emit any wavelength range including each of the individual colors, a plurality of colors up to and including full spectrum, white light.

[0039] The ceiling 204 is further provided with ceiling lights 306 for selected uses and speakers 308 which are operably connected to the display and sound system for further controlling the audial environment in the chamber 200.

[0040] Each array 286, 290, 300 includes a plurality of LEDs that can emit red light having 640 nm wavelengths. The arrays 286, 290, 300 of red chromo-light modules provide for ATP stimulation, enhanced energy, fitness or workout recovery, serene ambiance and illumination. While the position of the LED arrays has been described above with respect to locations on each wall, any number of arrays with any number of lights emitting the visible light spectrum or a selected wavelength within the visible spectrum is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the chamber 200 includes a seat 40 that may extend along one or more walls 206, 208, 210 or 212 where the seat 40 has a length that is configured to comfortably allow one or more people to sit in the internal space of the chamber 210. In such embodiments, the plurality of IR heaters is strategically located about the seat 40 to provide the NIR, MIR and FIR frequencies therearound.

[0042] The FIR/MIR heaters described herein can be any suitable heater that emits FIR/MIR wavelength energy including, but not limited to, a ceramic heater or a carbon fiber heater. In one embodiment, the FIR heaters may be carbon fiber heaters that emit FIR photons. However, any suitable heater that emits FIR/MIR wavelength energy including, but not limited to, a ceramic heater can be utilized.

[0043] While the MIR and FIR heaters are described herein being in a particular location and emitting a particular spectrum of wavelengths, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configuration of heaters. Rather, any number of MIR and FIR heaters can be utilized provided that the substantially full spectrum of IR energy is emitted within the internal cavity of the chamber 200.

[0044] As described above, the FIR heaters on any one or more of the walls 206, 208, 210, 212 may be covered by panels 226, 242, 262 that are removable and that are similarly constructed to retain natural stones therein such that, when heated, the stones emit desired IR energy. Where FIR photons are emitted from the FIR heaters, at least some FIR photons are allowed to pass into the chamber 200 while at least some FIR photons engage the natural stones selectively installed in front of the FIR heaters thus emitting desired IR energy from the stones.

[0045] The panels 226, 242, 262 are removable and customizable in that the panels 226, 242, 262 can hold stones of one or more types and the panels 226, 242, 262 may cover any or all of the respective FIR heaters. A user can select the same or combinations of different natural stones to populate the panels 226, 242, 262 to provide a desired emitted IR frequency. By way of non-limiting example, the panels 226, 242, 262 with jade stones can be slidably removed from connective brackets or otherwise disengaged from connection with the respective interior wall and replaced with panels containing quartz or tourmaline, or combinations thereof.

[0046] In another embodiment, panels of natural stones may be secured to corresponding fasteners on one or more walls of the chamber 200 or otherwise installed in the chamber in a manner where the natural stones are not in front of a FIR heater. In such embodiments, the stones rely on absorbing the heat generated in the chamber for activation.

[0047] As described above, the chamber 200 includes one or more cavities for holding mineral salt blocks, such as Himalayan salt blocks to provide for halotherapy within the chamber 200. When heated, the minerals in the salt blocks emit infrared wavelengths and/or ions that cleanse the air and when inhaled can also provide beneficial health effects.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 9, a schematic of the chamber 200 with a control panel 320 and one or more optional and external environmental changing devices 322 and 324 are illustrated. The control panel 320 is illustrated being located on an outer surface 330 of the chamber 200. However, the control panel 320 can be located within the chamber 200 or two control panels 320 can be utilized, with one exterior to the chamber 200 and one within the chamber 200.

[0049] The environmental changing device 322 is configured to generate air with enriched oxygen which is forced into an opening 332 within the chamber to increase the oxygen content within the chamber 200. The environmental changing device 324 is configured to provide moisture or humidity to the chamber. In one embodiment, the oxygen enriched air is forced through a pool of water, typically distilled water, to increase and control moisture content within the chamber 200.

[0050] In some optional embodiments, the liquid can be infused with essential oils to provide aromatherapy. In alternative optional embodiments, additional carbon-based compounds can be added to the liquid to provide other desired effects. The additional carbon-based compounds include, vitamins, aloe vera, caffeine and the like.

[0051] As mentioned above, the chamber according to embodiments described herein is configured to be used by one or more people to exercise. The exercises can be isotonic or dynamic in nature. The exercises include resistance training such as with weights or resistance bands, using stationary exercise devices such as treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary cycles and rowing machines, various types and disciplines of yoga, tai chi, active recovery, active rest disciplines, stretching, assisted stretching, assisted massage, physical therapy manipulation and combinations thereof.

[0052] The control panel 320 can be utilized to control the temperature, type of visible light utilized, such as red light in about the 640 nm wavelength or full spectrum light in the range between about 400 nm to about 720 nm, and the environment within the chamber 200, such as by controlling oxygen concentration and humidity. Additionally, the control panel 320 can be utilized to power the screen 266. The screen 266 can be utilized to play a pre-recorded exercise routine, a natural scene such as the stars in a night sky or any other visible image that is desired.

[0053] The screen 266 can have speakers or can be wired or wirelessly connected with speakers within the chamber 200. Alternatively, the screen 266 can be wirelessly connected to a user's headphones. In some embodiments, the screen 266 can be Wi-Fi enabled such that the user can place desired audio/visual content on the screen 266 from a cell phone or other electronic device.

[0054] Utilizing the combination of the full spectrum IR heat, visible light and modified environment provides numerous physical and psychological advantages over other forms of exercise. For instance, exercising in heat typically increases core body temperature, increases heart rate, increases perspiration and activates heat shock proteins such as HGH for muscles, and other mind and body biochemistry outputs for improved neuro health, such as HGH for much.

[0055] A result of heat training improves a person's ability to cool oneself. Further, the benefits of exercising in heat provides benefits that exceed altitude training, produces quicker improvements in fitness, increases lactate threshold which increases cardiovascular capacity and ability to do intense work for longer periods of time. Additionally, exercising in heat increase a person's psychological tolerance for tough workouts.

[0056] Along with the benefits of training in heat where the body engages a full spectrum of IR photons, the presently disclosed chamber 200 provides light in the red light spectrum ranging from about 630 to about 670 nm and IR about 730 and about 950 nm. Subjecting the body to red light provides photobiomodulation. The benefits of this exposure include improved skin health, reduced joint pain, enhanced muscle recovery and weight loss.

[0057] Additionally, photobiomodulation affects the mitochondria in cells. The mitochondria produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is produced through cellular respiration. While not being bound to theory, it is believed that photobiomodulation aid in oxidative phosphorylation, the last step in cellular respiration, which in turns aids the in the production of ATP.

[0058] Additionally, it is believed that photobiomodulation releases nitric oxide from the mitochondria. It is believed that nitric oxide prevents or reduces the production of ATP. Additionally, the release of nitric oxide has been clinically proven to reduce heart attacks and strokes, increase blood flow to the brain, reduce lactic acid build up in muscles and boost the immune system.

[0059] In other studies, photobiomodulation documented benefits include assisting in relief from seasaonal affective disorder (SAD) and depression, and reducing insulin sensitively. Finally, it is believed that photobiomodulation aids in stopping the creation of free radicals.

[0060] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.