FIELD

The present invention relates to a hyperbaric chamber, and in particular to a portable hyperbaric chamber which is capable of rapid deployment, for example in the case of emergencies and into confined or otherwise challenging locations.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Flyperbaric chambers in the context of human use are employed along with a range of breathing gases.

Industrial applications include for example providing a means of changing pressure from ambient to a ‘positive over-pressure’ whilst breathing air in tunnelling operations.

Deep diving is typically conducted by saturation divers who utilise hyperbaric chambers for mixed gas/bell diving operations where typically divers live in the chambers at raised internal (hyperbaric) pressures and breath mixed gases typically of oxygen and helium for extended durations whilst transferring under pressure from the chambers to diving bells. The diving bells are lowered and raised to and from working depths underwater, during an extended duration of days and weeks. The divers remain always ‘under raised ambient chamber pressures’. The purpose of this is to reduce the physiological effects of nitrogen in deeper dives and to avoid hazards associated with continuous compression and decompression between dives.

Air divers typically working in shallower waters and breathing air or air with enhanced oxygen mixtures through surface supplied diving equipment or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCUBA), use hyperbaric chambers in conjunction with the breathing of 100% oxygen for surface decompression and for treatment of a range of pressure related conditions including arterial gas embolism and other decompression related illnesses.

Health services including charities and trusts employ hyperbaric chambers in conjunction with air and oxygen breathing gases for the treatment of a wide range of chronic medical conditions and injuries where regular periods of increased pressure and partial pressures of oxygen are considered beneficial to a patient.

Sports, leisure and beauty sectors are increasingly seeing the benefit of hyperbaric chambers and raised partial pressures of oxygen rich breathing gases as a means to treat sports related injuries and for a range of cosmetic therapies.

Hyperbaric chambers can be used in the chain of survival for critically injured persons, the limiting factors have been size, weight, need for plant and equipment and need for a fixed specialist facility.

Mobile hyperbaric chambers exist and some are carried on or formed integrally with vehicles which assist in their rapid relocation.

However, vehicles cannot always reach locations where a hyperbaric chamber may be urgently required and as a consequence other mobile hyperbaric chambers were developed.

A limiting factor in many of these however is that they are often large and require some time to deploy.

PRIOR ART

International patent application WO-A1 -2018/089982 (Delise) discloses a mobile hyperbaric chamber mounted on a vehicle.

United States patent application number US 2020/330307 (McKeeman) describes a portable hyperbaric chamber device with forward-facing door which includes a frame, an inflatable chamber, a dump valve, at least one primary pressure relief valve, at least one secondary pressure relief valve and a plurality of fill valves.

United States patent application number US 6 347 628 (Maison) describes a modular hyperbaric chamber for treatment of at least one patient that includes at least one spacer module having a first flange and a second flange. The spacer module is formed from a plurality of sections, with each section including opposing lip portions to form air-tight junctions. A first half cylinder module includes a first peripheral contact edge for releasable sealed connection to the first flange of the spacer module.

Chinese patent application number CN 108743145 (Guangdong Yuelin Electric Tech) discloses a hyperbaric oxygen chamber with a vent valve arranged on a lower front portion of the oxygen chamber body. An overpressure protection valve is arranged on a rear top. Carbon dioxide gas exhausts from the oxygen chamber body via the overpressure protection valve.

Chinese patent application number CN 109984901 (Ningbo Yangyu Health Tech) discloses a cylindrical horizontal soft pressure cabin which comprises a flexible cabin body, a support frame and a base. The flexible cabin body is a arranged horizontally and has a sealed chamber. A side wall of the flexible cabin body is provided with an observation window and a valve opening. The chamber has a negative-ion generator and an illuminating lamp.

All the aforementioned systems are quite cumbersome, complex and many are also time consuming to deploy. Consequently they have limited use in emergency situations where remote access and speed of deployment may be crucial.

The invention arose in order to address the need for a hyperbaric chamber, which is capable of being transported to a remote location, for example which may be inaccessible by road, and which is easy to deploy quickly and safely with minimum personnel.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hyperbaric chamber comprising: a plurality of frame members which are connected to base members and are adapted to be inflated, the frame members support a layer of gas impervious material which when sealed defines a gas tight enclosure; a gas inlet which has a closable valve through which gas is supplied to the gas tight enclosure; and a gas tight closable access hatch is provided which when closed hermetically seals the gas tight enclosure from an ambient exterior; and the gas impervious material has a gas impermeable base.

Frame members are inflated by way of a pump (or another pressurised gas source), via a connection to an inlet valve which provides a fluid connection to the frame members which deploy, when inflated to define a support for the gas impervious material which forms a closed chamber that is capable of being pressurised. The frame members inflate to a sufficiently high pressure whereby they stand proud of a base to define a ‘ribcage’ structure which retains and supports the gas tight enclosure which is defined by the gas impervious material.

An advantage of the invention, with respect to prior art systems, is that it is portable and rapidly deployable with a minimum crew of one or preferably two experienced personnel and very little preparation or equipment is necessary. All that is required is a relatively flat and level ground or surface, on which to place the base, and a pump which may be powered by a portable power supply, such as compressor; or sufficient pre-filled pressurised gas cannisters or bottles.

Typically the time to inflate the frame member is less than 5 minutes, preferably less than 2 minutes and most preferably less than 1 minute. This enables the gas tight hyperbaric chamber with its gas impermeable base, which is supported on base members, to be deployed quickly.

Once the gas tight enclosure and gas impermeable base are deployed, gas tight closable access hatches, which are preferably already fitted to define end covers for the hyperbaric chamber unfold so that they are disposed in a substantially vertical configuration at either end of the hyperbaric chamber. At this time however the hyperbaric chamber is still ‘open to atmospheric pressure’ as it is not yet sealed. That said this is a quick and straightforward procedure to fit a door or access hatch as described below.

Connection of the access hatch is preferably by way of a silicon and magnet chamber door ‘gasket’ which creates a sealing face, whose surface has the same radius of curvature as the gas impervious material. A transparent window or panel may be fitted and this is ideally formed from a transparent polymer, such as Perspex (RTM). A silicon sealing face and magnets abut a suitable connection on an inner surface of the gas impervious material which is formed integrally with the gas impervious chamber.

Once the door or access hatch is fitted to the deployed gas impervious material the hyperbaric chamber is defined and it is then inflated and forms a closed and hermetically sealed chamber from an ambient exterior. The hyperbaric chamber can be inflated quickly, via the gas inlet, to a desired internal pressure and gas mixture. As over pressurising is reached the chamber gasket and door seal more tightly onto each other thereby improving the gas-tight characteristics of the hyperbaric chamber.

In some embodiments a removable passage may be formed using flexible trunking, to act as a connecting thoroughfare or passage between adjacent chambers which may be at different pressures or have different gas mixtures compared to an adjacent chamber. The passage can be pressurised by way of separate gas inlets thereby enabling connection of two chambers one to another via an air lock.

When the removable passage or flexible trunking is used, for example to connect together two chambers, passage or flexible trunking provides an enclosed airtight conduit to an intermediate airlock, via which personnel may pass or pass items, such as food drink, waste materials, medicaments, supplies, tools or other items, to/from the chamber to which it is connected. This transfer of items in and out of the chamber is achieved whilst maintaining the chamber under pressure because a pressurised volume is created adjacent the chamber within the removable passage.

Once deployed items left in the passage may be accessed from within the chamber, via a first access door, when the removable passage is at the same pressure as the chamber and is isolated from an external ambient pressure. Likewise items left in the passage may be accessed by third parties when pressure in the removable passage reaches the same pressure as the external ambient environment. That is when the passage is isolated from the chamber and is decompressed to atmospheric pressure and access to it is permitted via a second access door.

Preferably the two access doors are provided at either end of the removable passage in order to define an airlock chamber. The airlock chamber can be deployed after the hyperbaric chamber has been erected. This saves time and enable the hyperbaric chamber to be put to immediate use in the case of an emergency.

Control and servo equipment is optionally provided which close, seal and lock access doors and thereby ensure that doors cannot be opened accidentally which might inadvertently lead to an unwanted decompression event.

The frame members are preferably upstanding from and supported by series of interconnected tubes or hoses which are in fluid communication one with another so that when inflated the frame members remain at the same internal pressure.

Frame members are spaced apart from each other and may have additional spars or cross connections to improve robustness when inflated. Each frame member is ideally curved and defines a plane. Preferably, the planes of adjacent frame member extends substantially parallel one to another. All frames members when inflated are ideally orthogonal to the base.

The hyperbaric chamber preferably further comprises at least one spacer connector configured to connect adjacent frame members one to another. The spacer connector(s) may be rigid or they may be inflatable; alternatively the spacer connector(s) may be a combination of both rigid and inflatable.

The spacer connector(s) is preferably configured to connect the first and second frame members to one another, and extend therebetween at an angle extending substantially perpendicular to a plane of one or each of the first and/or second frame members.

When the spacer connectors are rigid, they may be adjustable in length. For example, the spacer connector(s) may be telescopically adjustable. It is to be understood that the hyperbaric chamber may comprise additional frame members. For example, the hyperbaric chamber may comprise three or four or five or six or more spaced apart frame members.

The first and second frame members are preferably each located at or adjacent an end of the gas tight enclosure. Additional frame members may be located between the first and second frame members.

In one embodiment, the spacer connector(s) may be configured to connect the frame members and optionally one or more, for example each, of the additional frame members to one another. In one embodiment, the spacer connector(s) may be configured to connect all of the frame members to one another.

In one embodiment, the frame members, and optionally one or more additional frame members, are located outside the gas tight enclosure.

The layer of gas impervious material is preferably connected to the base by way of a flexible hermetic seal. Alternatively the gas impervious material that defines the hyperbaric chamber may be connected to the base using any suitable means such as for example by an adhesive or a weld.

The gas tight enclosure further comprises a door mounting assembly configured to provide access to a cavity defined by the enclosure. The door mounting assembly may be provided at any suitable location on the enclosure. The enclosure preferably comprises a pair of opposed ends and a side portion extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the door mounting assembly is provided on the side portion of the enclosure. The door mounting assembly is preferably located between the first and second frame members.

In one embodiment, the enclosure, preferably a side portion of the enclosure, provides an opening configured to receive and engage the door mounting assembly. The access doors may include a magnetic hinged door. Ideally the trunking has an interconnect in the form of a castellated inter-connect which ensures that the chamber is correctly connected to either the first or the second access door. In one embodiment, the door mounting assembly comprises a door frame configured to be received within the opening of the enclosure and to form a gas tight seal with adjacent portions of the enclosure surrounding the opening. The door frame preferably comprises an internal sealing face configured to form a gas tight seal with adjacent portions of the enclosure surrounding the opening. The door frame preferably defines an opening extending therethrough.

Preferably, the door mounting assembly comprises a door mounted on the door frame. The door is configured to extend across and to substantially cover the opening of the door frame. Preferably the door mounting assembly is a hermetically sealed door mounting assembly. The door and the door frame may be configured for magnetic engagement to provide a magnetic hermetically sealed door assembly.

The door may comprise a rubber seal and latch handle configured to engage the door frame.

In one embodiment, the enclosure includes at least one transparent window or viewing panel providing a line of sight into the cavity defined by the enclosure. In one embodiment, the at least one transparent window or viewing panel may be located on one or more ends of the enclosure and/or on the side portion of the enclosure.

Preferably, the at least one transparent window or viewing panel is provided on the side portion of the enclosure.

The hyperbaric chamber preferably further comprises a filtering system for removing a gas or particulate passing into the enclosure from the ambient exterior. The filtering system is preferably configured to prevent contaminants from entering the enclosure from the ambient exterior.

The hyperbaric chamber may further comprise a pressurising means, such as a pump which serves to pressurise the hyperbaric chamber. Optionally a pressure sensor is located in the chamber and provides a signal to increase or decrease pressure as required. Preferably, the hyperbaric chamber further comprises an alarm. The pressure sensor is preferably operable to send an alert signal to an alarm at a predefined gas pressure threshold or gas mixture limit. The alarm may for example be a local alarm located at or adjacent the hyperbaric chamber. The alarm may also be a remote alarm located at a distance away from the hyperbaric chamber, for example which is carried by a paramedic or supervisor.

The alarm may be a visual and/or audible alarm. Preferably the alarm comprises an audible alarm.

In one embodiment, the hyperbaric chamber comprises a transmission means configured to receive an alert signal from the pressure sensor and to transmit the alert signal to a receiver which is connected to an alarm at a remote location. The receiver may for example be included in a mobile communications device, such as a smartphone, which is configured in accordance with application specific software.

In one embodiment, the hyperbaric chamber may further comprise a control panel configured to enable a user outside of the chamber to control settings inside the chamber.

The gas inlet is preferably configured to be in communication with a supply of air, for example compressed air and/or oxygen. The hyperbaric chamber may further comprise one or more of the following: compressed air tank or an oxygen tank.

The enclosure may further comprise a pressure release valve configured to be operable to release pressure from inside the enclosure when in pressure in the hyperbaric chamber exceeds a predetermined value.

The enclosure may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions. In one embodiment, the enclosure is substantially cylindrical in shape with curved or domed ends which are fitted with end hatches which are gas tight and may for example have a side lock and/or a medical lock for secure or restricted access. For example, a side lock may be provided at a first end of the enclosure to sealingly engage a first opening. A transfer flange and a medical lock may be provided at a second opposed end of the hyperbaric chamber to sealingly engage a second opening. The medical lock may be in communication with a transfer lock. The medical lock is configured to enable items to be passed into the hyperbaric chamber during use.

It is to be understood that the hyperbaric chamber may be portable. For example, one or more of: the base, the first and second frame members and/or the hyperbaric chamber may be collapsible. For example, the first and second frame members may be releasably engageable to the base. In one or more embodiments, the base may be moveable between a first retracted position, suitable for stowage in which the distance between opposed ends and/or side portions of the base is reduced, and a second extended position, suitable for use, in which the distance between the opposed ends and/or side portions of the base is extended and configured to support the hyperbaric chamber thereon.

For example, the spacer connector(s) is moveable such that in the first retracted position, opposed ends of the spacer connector (and the first and second frame members) are moved closer together, and in the second extended position, opposed ends of the spaced connector, and the first and second frame members, are moved further apart. In one embodiment, the hyperbaric chamber is configured to permit relative movement of the first and second frame members towards and apart from each other.

The hyperbaric chamber of the present invention may be moved to required locations and erected efficiently and easily so that a patient can receive rapid treatment. The fact that the hyperbaric chamber is lightweight, scalable and easy to use therefore reduces the time to deploy which may be crucial in life threatening situations. It may also be useful in cases where patients who are required to travel long distances for treatment can be served locally in non-specific locations. The mobile hyperbaric chamber has an external structure, which is in the form of an inflatable exoskeleton linked, that connects the members to the gas impervious material that forms a gas tight enclosure.

In a preferred embodiment the invention provides a hyperbaric chamber configured to provide self-sustaining pressure and gas environment capability required in order to provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy efficiently and effectively to a user.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further details with reference to the accompanying Figures:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of the hyperbaric chamber according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of the hyperbaric chamber according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a front view of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2;

Figures 7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of a door mounting assembly of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2;

Figures 8A and 8B are schematic illustrations of a transfer lock of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2;

Figures 9A and 9B are schematic illustrations of a medical lock of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2;

Figures 10A and 10B are schematic illustrations of a blind flange of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2; Figures 11 A and 11 B are schematic illustrations of the base of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 1 ;

Figures 12A and 12B are schematic illustrations of the base of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2; and

Figures 13A and 13B are schematic illustrations of the side lock of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 2.

Figures 14A and 14B are schematic illustrations of the ramp of the hyperbaric chamber of Figure 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the Figures, the hyperbaric chamber 1 , 101 comprises: first 2, 102 and second 4, 104 inflatable frame members which are connected to a base 6, 106 and which support a layer of gas impervious material that forms a gas tight hyperbaric chamber 8, 108.

The hyperbaric chamber 8, 108 has a gas inlet which has a closable valve. The hyperbaric chamber has a gas tight closable access hatch 10, 110 which is shaped and dimensioned to fit through an aperture formed in the gas impervious so that internal pressure from within the chamber when inflated acts to seal a peripheral portion of access hatch around the aperture, so that when the hatch is closed, it hermetically seals the hyperbaric chamber 8, 108 from an ambient exterior.

With reference to Figure 1 , the hyperbaric chamber 1 , 101 is defined by an enclosure with a first end 12 and an opposed second end 14. The first frame member 2 is located at or adjacent the first end 12 of the hyperbaric chamber 8. The second frame member 4 is located at or adjacent the second end 14 of the hyperbaric chamber 8. The hyperbaric chamber 1 further comprises a third and fourth 16, 18 frame members, located between the first and second 12, 14 frame members and spaced apart from each other. The inflation of the support frame therefore works in tandem with the two circular doors at each end of the chamber. As the support frame is inflated the two circular doors are designed to slide out in a smooth linear fashion from the centre. This eases the setup for the operator of the hyperbaric chamber.

With reference to Figure 2, the hyperbaric chamber 101 has an enclosure 108 with a first end 112 and an opposed second end 114. The first frame member 102 is located at or adjacent the first end 112 of the enclosure 108. The second frame member 104 is located at or adjacent the second end 114 of the enclosure 108. The hyperbaric chamber 101 further comprises a third, fourth, fifth and sixth 116, 118, 120, 122 frame members, located between the first and second 112, 114 frame members and spaced apart from each other.

It is to be understood that the hyperbaric chamber 1 , 101 may comprise any suitable number of frame members and is not limited to those shown in the illustrated embodiments.

It is to be understood that the hyperbaric chamber 1 , 101 may be provided in a stowed configuration and erected at a desired location. The hyperbaric chamber 1 , 101 may be erected by engaging the first and second frame members (and any additional frame members) to the base 6, 106 and positioning the enclosure within.

Each end 12, 112 and 14, 114 extends outwardly from the base 6, 106 and defines a plane extending substantially parallel to the plane defined by the other frame members of the hyperbaric chamber 1 , 101. Each frame member is located outside of the enclosure 8, 108.

The hyperbaric chamber 1 further comprises a spacer connector 23, 123 connecting the first and second frame member 2, 102, 4, 104. The length of the spacer connector 23, 123, as defined between opposing ends thereof, for example as defined between the first and second frame members, is adjustable, for example the spacer connector is telescopically adjustable. The hyperbaric chamber 8, 108 further comprises a door mounting assembly 24, 124 configured to provide access to a cavity defined by the enclosure 8, 108. The enclosure 8, 108 comprises a pair of opposed ends 12, 14 and a side portion 26, 126 extending therebetween. The door mounting assembly 24, 124 is provided on the side portion 26, 126 of the enclosure 8, 108. The door mounting assembly 24, 124 is located between the first and second frame members 2, 102, 4, 104.

The side portion 26, 126 of the enclosure 8, 108 provides an opening configured to receive and sealingly engage the door mounting assembly 24, 124.

The door mounting assembly 24, 124 comprises a door frame 28 configured to be received within the opening of the enclosure 8, 108 and to form a gas tight seal with adjacent portions of the enclosure surrounding the opening. The door frame 28 comprises an internal sealing face configured to form a gas tight seal with adjacent portions of the enclosure 8, 108 surrounding the opening and defines an opening 30 extending therethrough.

The door mounting assembly 24, 124 further comprises a door 32, 132 mounted on the door frame 28. The door 32, 132 is configured to extend across and to substantially cover the opening of the door frame 28. The door mounting assembly 24, 124 is a hermetically sealed door mounting assembly. The door 32, 132 and the door frame 28 are configured for magnetic engagement to provide a magnetic hermetically sealed door assembly 24, 124.

The hyperbaric chamber 1 , 101 includes a pressurising means (not shown), such as a pump. The pressurising means may be stored within and so is protected by a ramp, an example of which is shown in Figures 14A and 14B. The ramp may be collapsible so that it stows flat. The pressurising means is configured to increase the pressure of the interior of the enclosure 8, 108 to predetermined values. For example, the pressure of the interior of the enclosure 8, 108 is configured to be raised by the pressurising means from a baseline measure of 1 atmosphere depth (101 kPa) to about 2, 3, of 4 depths of atmosphere levels (203, 204, 405 kPa). The hyperbaric chamber 1 , 101 also includes a pressure sensor (not shown). The pressure sensor (not shown) is configured to monitor the pressure within the interior of the enclosure 8, 108 and to send an alert signal to an alarm (not shown) when the pressure reaches a predefined gas pressure threshold. The alarm may be one or more of: an audible and/or visual alarm. It is to be understood that the alarm may be triggered at any suitable location. For example, the hyperbaric chamber 1 , 101 may be configured such that an alarm is located local to the enclosure 8, 108 or at a remote location. For example, the hyperbaric chamber 8, 108 may include a transmission means configured to transmit the alert signal to a receiver which is connected to an alarm at a remote location. The receiver may for example include a mobile communications device, such as a smartphone, which is configured in accordance with application specific software.

As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the hyperbaric chamber 1 , for example the enclosure 8, 108, may comprise pressure indicator means and/or oxygen indicator means operable to provide a visual indicator as to the levels of pressure and/or oxygen within the enclosure 8, 108. The base 6 may comprise two or more interlocking sections which are connected by bolts or other connectors. The base 6 has one or more recesses defined therein for receiving an end cover.

In use, the first and second frame members 2, 102, 4, 104 (and additional frame members) are connected to the base 6, 106. The base 6 may be provided as a single integral unit or as a plurality of base members configured to be engageable, preferably releasably engageable to provide the base 6. The spacer connector 23, 123 is connected to the first and second frame members 2, 102, 4, 104 and adjusted in length to a predetermined length.

The enclosure 8, 108 is positioned within the frame members 2, 102, 4, 104.

A pressurised air supply is connected to the gas inlet. The patient (for example a diver) opens the door 32, 132 and positions themselves within the enclosure 8, 108, The door 32, 132 magnetically seals against the door frame 28. The operator activates the pressurising means such that the pressure within the enclosure is raised to a predetermined level equivalent to a certain depth at a certain pace. The pressurising means maintains the hyperbaric pressure at a constant, and the operator or control system adjust the pressure according to a predefined pressure trajectory to bring the patient back to normal pressure during the process.

Oxygen therapy can be given with a simple mask and oxygen supply. This can be carried out inside the hyperbaric chamber 1 by way of a gas management system (not shown). The gas management system may provide oxygen or any other gas as required.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy requires the hyperbaric chamber to be deployed and an oxygen therapy system to be operative. Oxygen therapy systems are sometimes referred to as built in breathing system (BIBS). The built in breathing system has an external gas supply (oxygen in this case) delivered via a flexible piping inlet to the hyperbaric chamber. A control panel operates by way of valves which supply air or a gas mixture to the interior of the hyperbaric chamber.

A control panel, which may be accessed by way of application specific software (APP) on a smartphone (not shown) control opening and closing of valves though which pressurised gas flows via an internal flexible pipe to masks (not shown) which are worn by personnel within the chamber 1 . Ideally oxygen is delivered directly to each user, breathed in, exhaled and then exhausted from the chamber 1 in a closed, gas-tight circuit.

The reason for that is if the user constantly exhales directly into the chamber partial pressures of both oxygen and carbon dioxide increases causing raised internal chamber pressures. This may also present a fire hazard (as the concentration of oxygen increases); as well as presenting a narcotic hazard, (as the raised partial pressure of carbon dioxide increases).

Conventionally systems recovered expired gas and cleaned, dried, re-mixed and returned this gas to divers. This is mainly due to the cost of helium gas. This system is called a ‘reclaim’ system and scavenging systems reduced demand on oxygen making.

An environmental management system helps to remove moisture and humidity from the chamber. An environmental management system is an optional, standalone system, which can be connected to the chamber system to enable a user to modify temperature, cryogenically mix an ambient internal environment so as to avoid gas pockets and to ‘scrub’ the gas mix to remove carbon dioxide and other impurities and maintain an optimal 21% oxygen mix.

The invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the aforementioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims. For example, the hyperbaric chamber may be mounted on a wheeled trailer as a self-contained unit. Ideally the wheeled trailer has suitable slidable trailer bed on which the hyperbaric chamber, frame members and base members and supported.

The trailer may also house ancillary equipment, such as pumps and control equipment that are required in order to deploy the hyperbaric chamber. The trailer may further house supplies of gas and gas mixing equipment so that the internal atmosphere of the hyperbaric chamber may be managed. Other ancillary equipment that may also be carried by the trailer includes: ramps which enable a wheelchair or trolley to be pushed into and from the hyperbaric chamber as well as atmosphere conditioning equipment such as moisture removing apparatus, heaters, dehumidifiers, a generator and temperature controllers which are required in order in operate the hyperbaric chamber.