Athletic Facility with Retractable Roof

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed that include providing a retractable roof for an athletic facility. The retractable roof is controlled by an associated control system that includes a controller to receive or retrieve a control parameter to determine based on a comparison whether the retractable roof should be opened or closed. Control parameters may weather forecasts and real-time weather data, activity schedules, and conditions within the facility. A controller may create a schedule for selectively opening and closing the retractable roof with a goal of maximizing sunlight exposure into the facility through the opened retractable roof. Weather data used may include temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, air quality index, UV index, pollen count, and combinations thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 781,040 filed on Mar. 31, 2025 by Thomas J. Shaw and entitled “Retractable Roof Athletic Facility,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Athletic and training facilities, such as gyms, are common in society and provide a place with an often-expansive selection of equipment (e.g., cardio, weights) for individuals to exercise in order to stay active and healthy. Regular exercise offers significant health benefits for all individuals, whether the individual follows a strict training regime to pursue elevated health and fitness goals, or whether the individual exercises more casually to maintain their current levels of health and fitness.

[0003] Regular sunlight exposure during the day has also been shown to provide many health benefits such as helping the body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and aids the body in absorbing calcium, which can further strengthen bones. Sunlight exposure increases the availability of nitric oxide in the body, which can help widen blood vessels and, as a result, lower blood pressure. Sunlight exposure also helps produce melatonin, which may make it easier to fall asleep at night and regulate an individual's circadian rhythm. Sunlight exposure can also boost serotonin levels in the brain, that provides an individual with more energy and can keep an individual calm, positive, and focused. Further, sunlight can also kill bacteria that lives in dust.

[0004] Individuals that regularly attend a gym to exercise do so mainly to increase and / or maintain their current levels of health and fitness and reap the health benefits associated with regular exercise. However, most gyms are enclosed buildings or structures, which are devoid of and / or provide little to no sunlight exposure, and even with a large amount of windows, ultraviolet light, and specifically UVB, is largely blocked, despite the additional health benefits direct sunlight exposure could provide while exercising.SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of an athletic facility disclosed herein may include a structure and a retractable roof coupled to the structure, the retractable roof being selectively operable between an open state and a closed state to form an opening that exposes an interior of the structure to ambient sunlight. In some embodiments, the retractable roof comprises one or more retractable panels that collectively form at least a portion of the roof and are movable with respect to one another to provide the opening, including by translating toward a single side of the structure, translating from a middle of the retractable roof toward opposing sides of the structure, and / or overlapping to increase a size of the opening.

[0006] The athletic facility may further include a control system coupled to the retractable roof, the control system including a controller and one or more actuators or motors coupled to the one or more retractable panels. The controller may include a user interface, one or more processing components, memory, and one or more network connectivity components that support communication with the one or more actuators or motors and one or more remote servers. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to retrieve weather data from the one or more remote servers and / or from one or more sensors configured to monitor local weather conditions, including at least one of ambient temperature, ambient humidity, ambient sunlight level, precipitation, or wind speed.

[0007] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to utilize the weather data to create a schedule for selectively opening and closing the retractable roof, where the schedule identifies opening states for a plurality of time periods and is created based on a target of increasing sunlight exposure into the structure through the opening while the schedule also reflects one or more weather-related criteria derived from the weather data. The opening states in the schedule may include a closed state, a partially open state, and a fully open state, and the controller may determine the partially open state as an opening percentage selected based on one or more values within the weather data. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control operation of the retractable roof in accordance with the schedule by actuating the one or more actuators or motors to move the one or more retractable panels to a corresponding opening state for each time period of the schedule. In some embodiments, the controller accesses weather data on an ongoing basis and adjusts the schedule when local weather conditions do not coincide with remotely retrieved weather data and / or when updated weather data indicates a change in one or more weather-related criteria used to determine the opening states.

[0008] In some embodiments, the controller determines an opening state for the retractable roof based on one or more interior conditions of the athletic facility and / or one or more scheduled activities to be conducted within the athletic facility. The one or more interior conditions may include a target set point for temperature, humidity, and / or ventilation for a scheduled activity, an occupancy level, a designated use of a portion of the athletic facility, or a combination thereof, and the controller may select the opening state based on the one or more interior conditions in combination with retrieved weather data.

[0009] In some embodiments, the controller uses one or more interior conditions to modify, negate, and / or override one or more thresholds applied to the weather data when selecting the opening state for the retractable roof. For example, the controller may permit the retractable roof to transition to or remain in an open state during a scheduled activity associated with an elevated interior temperature set point when one or more measured interior conditions are within a corresponding target range, including when at least one weather-related criterion would otherwise indicate a closed state for other activities. In some embodiments, the controller may select a partially open state based on ambient temperature, ambient sunlight level, measured interior temperature, measured interior humidity, or a combination thereof.

[0010] In some embodiments, the controller determines an opening state for the retractable roof based on both exterior weather conditions and interior conditions of the athletic facility, including by comparing retrieved weather data to one or more thresholds and comparing one or more measured interior conditions to a target range associated with a scheduled activity. Selection of an open or partially open state may further depend on additional criteria, including precipitation, wind speed, UV conditions, air quality, or a combination thereof.

[0011] In some embodiments, the controller controls the retractable roof on a region basis within the athletic facility. Where the retractable roof includes multiple retractable panels, the controller may determine subsets of the retractable panels based on a scheduled activity or an assigned portion of the athletic facility and may actuate one or more corresponding actuators or motors so that one subset is moved to a first opening state while another subset is maintained in a different opening state.

[0012] Embodiments of a method of operating an athletic facility having a retractable roof disclosed herein may include: providing the facility with a retractable roof and a control system including a controller; retrieving weather data with the controller; utilizing the weather data to create a schedule for selectively opening and closing the retractable roof to maximize sunlight exposure into the facility through an opening in the retractable roof; and selectively opening and closing the retractable roof of the facility in accordance with the schedule.

[0013] Embodiments of an athletic facility, associated control system, and a method of operation according to this disclosure may provide significant advantages over conventional enclosed exercise facilities. By selectively opening the retractable roof to admit ambient sunlight into the interior of the facility, patrons may be exposed to direct sunlight while exercising, thereby combining the benefits of indoor training, including access to exercise equipment and machines not generally available outdoors, with the potential wellness benefits associated with sunlight exposure. The control system may further improve facility operation by using forecasted and / or real-time weather data to automatically determine opening states for the retractable roof, including closed, partially open, and fully open states, in a manner that increases sunlight exposure while accounting for comfort, safety, and environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, ultraviolet conditions, and air quality. In some embodiments, the control system may also consider interior conditions, occupancy (including times or specific locations within a facility that may have particular categories of occupants that are more sensitive to environmental conditions or may want to reduce sunlight exposure), and scheduled activities to tailor roof operation to particular uses of the facility, and may control different portions of the retractable roof independently to provide region-specific environmental conditions within the facility. These features may improve user experience, increase operational flexibility, and provide a differentiated athletic environment that more effectively balances sunlight exposure with indoor comfort and controlBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and so that the manner in which the features and advantages of the embodiments can be understood in more detail, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an athletic facility having a retractable roof according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a top view of an athletic facility having a retractable roof according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows a simplified schematic of a control system for an athletic facility having a retractable roof according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method of operating an athletic facility having a retractable roof according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a front view and a top view of an athletic facility 100 are shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Athletic facility 100 may comprise a building or other enclosed structure having a plurality of walls 110 built on a foundation 120. Athletic facility 100 may also comprise one or more doors 130 for entry and exit from a building and may further comprise one or more windows 140. Athletic facility 100 may also comprise a retractable roof 150. In some embodiments, retractable roof 150 may span entire total roof area of athletic facility 100. In some embodiments, retractable roof 150 may span a portion of total roof area of athletic facility 100. In some embodiments, retractable roof 150 spans at least a portion of total roof area of athletic facility 100, including at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%, in each case up to 100% of total roof area. Further, in some embodiments, retractable roof 150 may comprise or form at least a portion of one of walls 110 of athletic facility 100.

[0021] In some embodiments, retractable roof 150 may comprise a plurality of retractable panels 155 that collectively form retractable roof 150 and move with respect to one another. However, in some embodiments, retractable roof 150 may comprise a single retractable panel 155. Panel(s) 155 of retractable roof 150 may be selectively opened and closed to expose a gym floor 160 having a plurality of exercise equipment 165 to sunlight. In some embodiments, panel(s) 155 may open to a single side of facility 100. In some embodiments, panel(s) 155 may open from a middle of retractable roof 150 towards opposing sides of facility 100. In some embodiments, multiple panels 155 may open to overlap one another to maximize a size of an opening 170 retractable roof 150 can open to provide in order to maximize the area of gym floor 160 exposed to sunlight.

[0022] In still other embodiments, retractable roof 150 and / or one or more panels 155 may cover only portions of facility 100. This may allow for selective opening of retractable roof 150 and / or panels 155 only over certain areas of facility 100, such as where a particular class is being held or where particular excercise equipment is located.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, a simplified schematic of a control system 300 for an athletic facility 100 having a retractable roof 150 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Control system 300 may generally be coupled to retractable roof 150 and configured to control operation of retractable roof 150. More specifically, control system 300 may be configured to selectively open and close panel(s) 155 of retractable roof 150. Control system 300 may generally comprise a controller 310 having a user interface 315, one or more actuators or motors 320, and one or more sensors 330. Controller 310 may comprise user interface 315 and may also comprise one or more processing components suitable for implementing the methods disclosed herein. While not pictured, controller 310 may also comprise memory, storage, and one or more network connectivity components or interfaces that enable communication between various devices, such as between controller 310 and one or more actuators or motors 320, and / or between controller 310 and one or more remote servers 350 (e.g., cloud) that are accessible over the internet, wired connections, blue tooth, or other wireless communication connection to access, retrieve, and store data and other applications.

[0024] User interface 315 may generally enable a user to interact with and / or control retractable roof 150. User interface 315 may also comprise one or more touchscreen displays, speech and / or facial recognition devices, keyboards, keypads, mice, sensors, and / or other well-known input / output devices configured to receive user inputs that enable interaction with and effect control over retractable roof 150. In some embodiments, user interface 315 may be embedded into controller 310 and / or may include one or more external visual displays, monitor interfaces, and / or remote access interfaces.

[0025] Actuators or motors 320 may be coupled to panel(s) 155 of retractable roof 150. Actuators or motors 320 may selectively open and close panel(s) 155 of retractable roof 150. In some embodiments, each panel 155 may be controlled by a single actuator or motor 320. In some embodiments, larger panel(s) may be controlled by multiple actuators or motors 320. In some embodiments, actuators or motors 320 may be controlled individually to selectively open or close one or more particular panels 155.

[0026] One or more sensors 330 may monitor one or more conditions associated with an ambient environment outside of facility 100 and / or inside of facility 100. In some embodiments, sensors 330 may monitor an ambient temperature, ambient humidity, ambient sunlight level, the presence of and / or amount of current precipitation, a wind speed, and / or other conditions that may affect a determination of whether to have retractable roof 150 opened or closed. One or more sensors 330 may communicate in real time with controller 310, such that controller 310 may determine whether to open or close retractable roof 150.

[0027] Control system 300 may be configured to control retractable roof 150 and selectively open and close panel(s) 155 of retractable roof 150 to maximize the sunlight exposure to gym floor 160 through opening 170. This enables the patrons of facility 100 to receive sunlight exposure and reap the health benefits associated with the sunlight exposure simultaneously while exercising in facility 100. To maximize the sunlight exposure to gym floor 160, retractable roof 150 may generally be controlled in response to a weather condition (e.g., a weather forecast, a schedule determined as a result of the weather forecast, one or more conditions associated with the ambient environment outside of facility 100 and / or inside of facility 100 as determined or monitored by the one or more sensors 330) and / or manually.

[0028] Controller 310 may generally communicate with one or more remote servers 350 that are accessible over any communication network or the internet to access and retrieve weather data. This may be done automatically or at the instruction of a user. The weather data may be used by controller 310 to determine a schedule for opening and closing retractable roof 150 in response to the weather conditions. In some embodiments, controller 310 may access a weather forecast for one or more days and determine a schedule for opening and closing retractable roof 150 for one or more days, week, or even longer (e.g., 10 days) based on the availability of weather forecast data. In some embodiments, controller 310 may communicate the schedule for opening and closing retractable roof 150 for the one or more days to a remote server 350, such that the schedule can be communicated to and displayed on a website and / or a mobile application associated with facility 100. This may allow patrons of facility 100 to determine a schedule for their workouts based on a desired amount of sunlight exposure.

[0029] In some embodiments, controller 310 may access weather data continuously and adjust and / or change the schedule based on changing weather conditions. In some embodiments, controller 310 may also communicate with one or more sensors 330 that monitor local weather conditions associated with the ambient environment outside of facility 100. Controller 310 may adjust and / or change the schedule for opening and closing retractable roof 150 based on changing weather conditions retrieved from remote server 350 and / or as determined locally by one or more sensors 330. Additionally, in some embodiments, controller 310 may communicate with one or more sensors 330 to confirm that the local weather conditions conform to the weather forecast and adjust and / or change the schedule in response to a local weather condition that does not coincide with the weather forecast or that falls outside of the desired parameters for opening retractable roof 150. Further, controller 310 may also enable an operator or user to manually override the schedule for opening and closing retractable roof 150 based on local weather conditions at facility 100. When manually overridden, one or more sensors 330 may be disabled, so that controller 310 does not operate retractable roof 150 in response to data received from one or more sensors 330.

[0030] Controller 310 may generally determine the schedule for opening and closing retractable roof 150 based on the weather data and / or weather related criteria. In some embodiments, controller 310 may determine retractable roof 150 should be open when the ambient temperature outside of facility 100 is above a predetermined low ambient temperature threshold and / or below a predetermined high ambient temperature threshold. For example, controller 310 may open retractable roof 150 in response to the ambient temperature outside of facility 100 being greater than 65 degrees Fahrenheit and less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or any other predetermined or preset range of temperatures. However, in some embodiments, controller 310 may only partially open the roof in response to the ambient temperature outside of facility 100 exceeding a predetermined or preset mid-range ambient temperature threshold, or a high ambient temperature threshold, in order to maintain a comfortable workout environment while still providing sunlight exposure to gym floor 160. For example, controller 310 may be programmed to fully open (100% open) retractable roof 150 if the ambient teIn still other embodiments, controller 310 may open retractable roof 150, or partially open retractable roof 150 if the ambient temperature outside of facility 100 is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but only open retractable roof 150 by 50-70% if the ambient temperature outside facility 100 is greater than 80 degree and less than 85 degrees Fahrentheit, or only open retractable roof 150 by 30-49% if the ambient temperature outside facility 100 is between 85 and 95 degree Farenheit.

[0031] Controller 310 may also determine that retractable roof 150 may be closed when the ambient temperature outside of facility 100 falls below a predetermined or preset low ambient temperature threshold or exceeds a predetermined or preset high ambient temperature threshold. Controller 310 may also determine that retractable roof 150 may be closed when the weather data shows precipitation for a particular time period (e.g., between 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., or for a particular day), a wind speed that exceeds a predetermined wind speed threshold, an Ultraviolet (UV) Index Alert, an Air Quality Index (AQI) Alert. Controller 310 may also communicate with one or more sensors 330 that may alert controller 310 that one or more of these aforementioned desirable and / or undesirable weather conditions exist, and controller 310 may spontaneously adjust operation (e.g., open or close, respectively) of retractable roof 150 accordingly. Controller 310 may also be selectable through user interface 315 to place the controller 310 in a “forecast mode” in which it uses the weather forecast data or an “instant mode” that uses real-time weather data retrieved from remote server 350 and / or one or more sensors 330.

[0032] Controller 310 may further be configured to determine when to open, and by how much to open, retractable roof 150 based on a combination of at least two weather data points or two weather criterion. For example, a combination of ambient temperature and humidity level outside of facility 100 may be used. In some embodiments, controller 310 may use more than two weather data points or criteria to determine whether to open, and / or by how much to open, retractable roof 150. For example, controller 310 may use ambient temperature and humidity level outside of facility 100 with data related to an amount of cloud coverage. In this manner, controller 310 may prevent opening or reduce an amount of opening of retractable roof 150 when the temperature and humidity levels would otherwise indicate that opening is appropriate, but cloud coverage indicates reduced sunlight availability.

[0033] In some embodiments, controller 310 may generate the schedule for opening and closing retractable roof 150 based on a multi-factor evaluation of the weather data, wherein the multi-factor evaluation includes applying weighted criteria to at least two weather conditions to determine an opening state that is selected from a closed state, a partially open state, and a fully open state for a corresponding time period.

[0034] Controller 310 may also be configured to factor in conditions inside of facility 100 and / or specific usage or class schedules in determining whether to open, and by how much to open, retractable roof 150. Such conditions inside of facility 100 may be used to negate or override predetermined thresholds under which controller 310 is configured. In some embodiments, the conditions inside of facility 100 may include a target set point for temperature, humidity, and / or ventilation for a scheduled activity, an occupancy level, a designated use of a portion of facility 100, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the specific usage or class schedules may include a start time, an end time, an assigned portion of facility 100, an environment profile corresponding to the scheduled activity, or a combination thereof.

[0035] For example, if a hot yoga class is being conducted at an elevated temperature (such as typically between 90° and 105° Fahrenheit) within facility 100, controller 310 may permit retractable roof 150 to open, or to remain open, when an ambient temperature outside of facility 100 is at 95° Fahrenheit, even though that ambient temperature would otherwise exceed the predetermined high ambient temperature threshold that would cause controller 310 to maintain retractable roof 150 in a closed state for other activities. In some embodiments, controller 310 may determine an opening state for a corresponding time period based on the scheduled activity, at least one measured condition inside facility 100, and at least one weather condition indicated by the retrieved weather data. In some embodiments, controller 310 may condition permitting the opening on one or more additional criteria, including precipitation not being predicted for the corresponding time period, wind speed being below a predetermined wind-speed threshold, an absence of a UV index alert, an absence of an air quality index alert, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, controller 310 may select a partially open state during at least a portion of a scheduled hot yoga time period, such as by selecting an opening percentage based on the ambient temperature outside of facility 100, an ambient sunlight level, a measured temperature inside facility 100, a measured humidity inside facility 100, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, controller 310 may transition retractable roof 150 between a closed state, a partially open state, and a fully open state during the scheduled time period based on whether one or more measured conditions inside facility 100 are within a corresponding target range for the scheduled activity.

[0036] In some embodiments, controller 310 may control retractable roof 150 on a region basis within athletic facility 100. For example, where retractable roof 150 comprises a plurality of retractable panel 155, controller 310 may open a first subset of the retractable panel 155 above a portion of athletic facility 100 associated with a scheduled activity while maintaining a second subset of the retractable panel 155 above another portion of athletic facility 100 in a different opening state. In such embodiments, controller 310 may determine the first subset and the second subset based on an assigned portion of athletic facility 100 indicated in a class schedule and may actuate one or more actuator or motor 320 corresponding to the subset of the retractable panel 155 selected for movement.

[0037] Such conditions inside of facility 100 may also be used to supplement a decision-making configuration for controller 310 along with one or more conditions outside of facility 100. For example, if a class is scheduled for a group of users that are associated with increased sensitivity to temperature fluctuations (for example, young children or the elderly), controller 310 may determine whether to open, or by how much to open, retractable roof 150 using a modified set of predetermined threshold values for at least one ambient condition outside of facility 100 and / or modified criteria for selecting an opening state. In some embodiments, controller 310 may lower a high ambient temperature threshold used to permit a fully open state and / or lower a UV-index threshold used to permit a fully open state for such classes, such that controller 310 selects a closed state or a partially open state at conditions where a fully open state would otherwise be selected. In some embodiments, controller 310 may apply weighting to two or more factors within the retrieved weather data, such that a precipitation prediction, wind speed, ambient sunlight level, UV index alert, air quality index alert, or a combination thereof is weighted relative to ambient temperature when selecting the opening state for a scheduled activity. In some embodiments, controller 310 may determine the opening state based on both outside conditions and inside conditions by comparing a measured condition inside facility 100 to a target range associated with the scheduled class and comparing the retrieved weather data to one or more thresholds, and selecting the opening state based on results of both comparisons.

[0038] Other variations and combinations of criteria may be used by controller 310 in determining whether to open, and by how much to open, retractable roof 150.

[0039] Controller 310 may also be configured to factor in conditions inside of facility 100 and / or specific usage or class schedules in determining whether to open, and by how much to open, retractable roof 150. Such conditions inside of facility 100 may be used to negate or override predetermined thresholds under which controller 310 is configured. In some embodiments, the conditions inside of facility 100 may include a target set point for temperature, humidity, and / or ventilation for a scheduled activity, an occupancy level, a designated use of a portion of facility 100, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the specific usage or class schedules may include a start time, an end time, an assigned portion of facility 100, an environment profile corresponding to the scheduled activity, or a combination thereof.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, a flowchart of a method of operating an athletic facility 100 having a retractable roof 150 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Method 400 may begin at block 402 by providing an athletic facility 100 comprising a retractable roof 150 and a control system 300 coupled thereto and configured to control operation of retractable roof 150.

[0041] Method 400 may continue at block 404 by retrieving weather data with controller 310 from one or more sensors 330 in communication with controller 310 and / or a remote server 350 in communication with controller 310. In some embodiments, the weather data may comprise instantaneous weather conditions and / or a weather forecast.

[0042] Method 400 may continue at block 406 by determining whether to open or close retractable roof 150 with controller 310 based on the weather data. In some embodiments, controller 310 may determine in real-time whether to open or close retractable roof 150 based on the instantaneous weather conditions. In some embodiments, controller 310 may determine a schedule of opening and closing retractable roof 150 based on the weather forecast.

[0043] Method 400 may continue at block 408 by continuously monitoring the weather data through one or more sensors 330 and / or remote server 350, and adjusting operation (e.g., opening or closing) of retractable roof 150 in response to a change in the weather data, in response to the local weather conditions as measured by one or more sensors 330 not coinciding with the weather data retrieved from remote server 350, or a combination thereof.EMBODIMENTS

[0044] It will be appreciated that an athletic facility 100, a roofing system comprising a retractable roof 150 and a control system 300, and / or a method 400 of operating an athletic facility 100 having a retractable roof 150 disclosed herein may include one or more of the following embodiments:

[0045] Embodiment 1. An athletic facility, comprising: a structure; a retractable roof coupled to the structure and that is selectively operable to open and close; and a control system comprising a controller, wherein the controller is configured to retrieve weather data and utilize the weather data to create a schedule for selectively opening and closing the retractable roof to maximize sunlight exposure into the structure through an opening in the retractable roof, and wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the retractable roof in accordance with the schedule.

[0046] Embodiment 2. The facility of embodiment 1, wherein the retractable roof spans at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of a total roof area of the facility.

[0047] Embodiment 3. The facility of embodiment 2, wherein the retractable roof forms at least a portion of one of a plurality of walls that form the structure of the facility.

[0048] Embodiment 4. The facility of embodiment 1, wherein the retractable roof comprises one or more retractable panels.

[0049] Embodiment 5. The facility of embodiment 3, wherein the one or more retractable panels are coupled to one or more actuators or motors that are controlled by the controller and configured to selectively open and close the one or more retractable panels of the retractable roof.

[0050] Embodiment 6. The facility of embodiment 1, wherein the controller comprises a user interface.

[0051] Embodiment 7. The facility of embodiment 6, wherein the user interface comprises one or more touchscreen displays, speech and / or facial recognition devices, or a combination thereof.

[0052] Embodiment 8. The facility of embodiment 1, wherein the weather data comprises a weather forecast for a plurality of days, real-time weather data, or a combination thereof.

[0053] Embodiment 9. The facility of embodiment 1, wherein the schedule comprises a plurality of days.

[0054] Embodiment 10. The facility of embodiment 9, wherein the controller communicates the schedule for opening and closing the retractable roof for the plurality of days to a remote server, and wherein the schedule is displayed on a website associated with the facility, on a mobile application associated with the facility, or both.

[0055] Embodiment 11. The facility of embodiment 1, wherein the controller is configured to access weather data continuously and adjust the schedule based on changing weather conditions.

[0056] Embodiment 12. The facility of embodiment 11, wherein the weather data is derived from one or more sensors in communication with the controller, a remote server, or a combination thereof, and wherein the one or more sensors monitor local weather conditions associated with an ambient environment outside of the facility.

[0057] Embodiment 13. The facility of embodiment 12, wherein the controller is configured to enable a user to manually override the schedule for opening and closing the retractable roof.

[0058] Embodiment 14. The facility of embodiment 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine the retractable roof should be open when an ambient temperature is above a predetermined low ambient temperature threshold and / or below a predetermined high ambient temperature threshold.

[0059] Embodiment 15. The facility of embodiment 14, wherein the controller is configured to determine the retractable roof should be open when the weather data includes no prediction for precipitation.

[0060] Embodiment 16. The facility of embodiment 15, wherein the controller is configured to determine the retractable roof should be closed when the ambient temperature falls below the predetermined low ambient temperature threshold or exceeds the predetermined high ambient temperature threshold.

[0061] Embodiment 17. The facility of embodiment 16, wherein the controller is configured to determine the retractable roof should be closed when the weather data includes a prediction for precipitation for a particular time period in the schedule, a wind speed that exceeds a predetermined wind speed threshold, an Ultraviolet (UV) Index Alert, an Air Quality Index (AQI) Alert, or a combination thereof.

[0062] Embodiment 18. A method of operating an athletic facility having a retractable roof, comprising: providing the facility with a retractable roof and a control system comprising a controller; retrieving weather data with the controller; utilizing the weather data to create a schedule for selectively opening and closing the retractable roof to maximize sunlight exposure into the facility through an opening in the retractable roof; and selectively opening and closing the retractable roof of the facility in accordance with the schedule.

[0063] Embodiment 19. The facility of embodiment 18, wherein the weather data comprises a weather forecast for a plurality of days, real-time weather data, or a combination thereof.

[0064] Embodiment 20. The method of embodiment 18, wherein the schedule comprises a plurality of days.

[0065] Embodiment 21. The method of embodiment 18, wherein the controller comprises a user interface, wherein the user interface comprises one or more touchscreen displays, speech and / or facial recognition devices, or a combination thereof, and wherein the controller is configured to enable a user to manually override the schedule for opening and closing the retractable roof.

[0066] Embodiment 22. The method of embodiment 18, further comprising: communicating the schedule for opening and closing the retractable roof to a remote server to display the schedule on a website associated with the facility, on a mobile application associated with the facility, or both.

[0067] Embodiment 23. The method of embodiment 18, further comprising: accessing weather data with the controller continuously; and adjusting the schedule based on changing weather conditions.

[0068] Embodiment 24. The method of embodiment 18, further comprising: determining by the controller that the retractable roof should be open when an ambient temperature is above a predetermined low ambient temperature threshold and / or below a predetermined high ambient temperature threshold.

[0069] Embodiment 25. The method of embodiment 24, further comprising: determining by the controller that the retractable roof should be open when the weather data includes no prediction for precipitation.

[0070] Embodiment 26. The method of embodiment 25, further comprising: determining by the controller that the retractable roof should be closed when the ambient temperature falls below the predetermined low ambient temperature threshold or exceeds the predetermined high ambient temperature threshold.

[0071] Embodiment 27. The method of embodiment 26, further comprising: determining by the controller that the retractable roof should be closed when the weather data includes a prediction for precipitation for a particular time period in the schedule, a wind speed that exceeds a predetermined wind speed threshold, an Ultraviolet (UV) Index Alert, an Air Quality Index (AQI) Alert, or a combination thereof.

[0072] Embodiment 28. An athletic facility, comprising: a structure; a roof coupled to the structure and wherein at least a portion of the roof is a retractable roof configured to be moveable between an open position and a closed position; and a control system comprising a controller configured send signals to selectively move the retractable roof between the open position and the closed position based a control parameter, wherein the control parameter comprises weather data for an exterior area around the athletic facility.

[0073] Embodiment 29. The athletic facility of Embodiment 28, wherein the retractable roof spans at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of a total area of the roof of the athletic facility.

[0074] Embodiment 30. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 28-29, wherein the retractable roof forms at least a portion of one of a plurality of walls that form the structure of the athletic facility.

[0075] Embodiment 31. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 28-30-, wherein the retractable roof comprises one or more retractable panels.

[0076] Embodiment 32. The athletic facility of Embodiment 31, wherein the one or more retractable panels are coupled to one or more actuators or motors that receive the signals from the controller and configured to operate movement of the retractable roof in response to the signals.

[0077] Embodiment 33. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 28-32 wherein the weather data is based on (1) a real-time weather condition or (2) a forecasted weather condition for a period of time or (3) a combination thereof.

[0078] Embodiment 37. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 28-33 wherein the weather data comprises one or more of an exterior temperature, an exterior humidity level, UV index, air quality index, pollen counts, or precipitation level.

[0079] Embodiment 38. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 28-37 wherein the controller is further configured to: make a comparison of the weather data to a predetermined weather value; and make a weather determination based on the comparison of the weather data; and send the signals based on the weather determination.

[0080] Embodiment 39. The athletic facility of Embodiment 38 wherein the predetermined weather value comprises (1) a range and the controller is configured to send the signals when the weather data is within the range, or is above the range, or is below the range, or (2) a single numeric value and the controller is configured to send the signals when the weather data is above the single numeric value, at the single numeric value, or below the single numeric value, or (3) a true / false value and the controller is configured to send the signals when the weather data is true, or false, or (4) a combination thereof.

[0081] Embodiment 40. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 28-39 wherein the exterior area is a city or a county within which the athletic facility is located.

[0082] Embodiment 41. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 28-40 wherein the weather data comprises the forecasted weather condition and wherein the controller is further configured to create a roof schedule for the period of time for selectively moving the retractable roof between the open position and the closed position based on the forecasted weather condition and to send the signals according to the roof schedule.

[0083] Embodiment 42. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 28-41 wherein the controller is further configured to compare the roof schedule to the real-time weather condition and to modify the roof schedule based on one or more changes between the real-time weather condition and the forecasted weather condition.

[0084] Embodiment 43. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 28-42 wherein the control parameter comprises an exterior parameter and an interior parameter; wherein the exterior parameter comprises the weather data; and wherein the interior parameter comprises an interior temperature, an interior humidity level, an activity schedule, or an exercise equipment location within the structure over which the retractable roof is located.

[0085] Embodiment 44. The athletic facility of Embodiment 43 wherein the controller is configured to: make a comparison of the interior parameter to a predetermined interior value; and make an interior determination to proceed with or modify the weather determination based on the comparison of the interior parameter; and. send the signals based on the interior determination.

[0086] Embodiment 45. The athletic facility of Embodiment 44 wherein the predetermined interior value comprises (1) a range or a single numeric value when the interior parameter is the interior temperature or the interior humidity level, or (2) a true / false value when the interior parameter is the activity schedule or the exercise equipment location, or (3) a combination thereof.

[0087] Embodiment 46. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 28-42 wherein the control parameter comprises an exterior parameter and an interior parameter; wherein the exterior parameter comprises the weather data; and wherein the interior parameter comprises an interior temperature, an interior humidity level, an activity schedule, or an exercise equipment location within the structure over which the retractable roof is located.

[0088] Embodiment 47. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 28-46, wherein the control system further comprises a user interface.

[0089] Embodiment 48. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 28-47, wherein the weather data comprises a weather forecast for a plurality of days, real-time weather data, or a combination thereof.

[0090] Embodiment 49. The athletic facility of Embodiment 41, wherein the roof schedule comprises a plurality of days.

[0091] Embodiment 50. The athletic facility of Embodiment 49, wherein the controller communicates the roof schedule for opening and closing the retractable roof for the plurality of days to a server, and wherein the roof schedule is displayed on a website associated with the athletic facility, on a mobile application associated with the athletic facility, or both.

[0092] Embodiment 51. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 41, 49, or 50, wherein the controller is configured to access the weather data continuously and adjust the roof schedule based on changing weather conditions.

[0093] Embodiment 52. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 28-51, wherein the weather data is derived from one or more sensors in communication with the controller, a remote server, or a combination thereof, and wherein the one or more sensors monitor local weather conditions associated with an ambient environment outside of the athletic facility.

[0094] Embodiment 53. The athletic facility of any one of Embodiments 41, 49, 50, or 51, wherein the controller is configured to enable a user to manually override the roof schedule for moving the retractable roof between the open position and the closed position.

[0095] In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Other examples that occur to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0096] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to one or more specific embodiments. After reading the specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that certain features that are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range and include sub-ranges that overlap from one preferred range to another preferred range.

[0097] As used herein, the terms “comprises,”“comprising,”“includes,”“including,”“has,”“having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: (1) A is true (or present), and B is false (or not present), (2) A is false (or not present), and B is true (or present), and (3) both A and B are true (or present).

[0098] Any structural elements, or arrangement of structural elements relative to each other, or method steps of an embodiment, or a preferred embodiment, herein may be used with any other structural elements, features, components, or steps of other embodiments even if not specifically described with respect to that embodiment, unless such combination is explicitly excluded herein. Any structural element, or arrangement of structural elements relative to each other, or method steps described as excluded with any particular embodiment, or preferred embodiment, herein may similarly be excluded with any other embodiment herein even if not specifically described with such embodiment. Any structural element, or arrangement of structural elements relative to each other, or method steps described in any prior art that are not explicitly stated to be required in this disclosure may also be excluded from any embodiment herein, even if not specifically described with such embodiment.

[0099] All numerical values for amounts of percentages, temperatures, and other numeric values herein described as a range specifically include any individual value within such ranges and any and all subset combinations within ranges, including subsets that overlap from one preferred range to a more preferred range and even if the specific subset of the range is not specifically described herein.

Claims

1. An athletic facility, comprising:a structure;a roof coupled to the structure and wherein at least a portion of the roof is a retractable roof configured to be moveable between an open position and a closed position; anda control system comprising a controller configured send signals to selectively move the retractable roof between the open position and the closed position based a control parameter, wherein the control parameter comprises weather data for an exterior area around the athletic facility.

2. The athletic facility of claim 1, wherein the retractable roof spans at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of a total area of the roof of the athletic facility.

3. The athletic facility of claim 2, wherein the retractable roof forms at least a portion of one of a plurality of walls that form the structure of the athletic facility.

4. The athletic facility of claim 1, wherein the retractable roof comprises one or more retractable panels.

5. The athletic facility of claim 4, wherein the one or more retractable panels are coupled to one or more actuators or motors that receive the signals from the controller and configured to operate movement of the retractable roof in response to the signals.

6. The athletic facility of claim 1 wherein the weather data is based on (1) a real-time weather condition or (2) a forecasted weather condition for a period of time or (3) a combination thereof.

7. The athletic facility of claim 6 wherein the weather data comprises one or more of an exterior temperature, an exterior humidity level, UV index, air quality index, pollen counts, or precipitation level.

8. The athletic facility of claim 7 wherein the controller is further configured to:make a comparison of the weather data to a predetermined weather value; andmake a weather determination based on the comparison of the weather data; andsend the signals based on the weather determination.

9. The athletic facility of claim 8 wherein the predetermined weather value comprises (1) a range and the controller is configured to send the signals when the weather data is within the range, or is above the range, or is below the range, or (2) a single numeric value and the controller is configured to send the signals when the weather data is above the single numeric value, at the single numeric value, or below the single numeric value, or (3) a true / false value and the controller is configured to send the signals when the weather data is true, or false, or (4) a combination thereof.

10. The athletic facility of claim 6 wherein the exterior area is a city or a county within which the athletic facility is located.

11. The athletic facility of claim 6 wherein the weather data comprises the forecasted weather condition and wherein the controller is further configured to create a roof schedule for the period of time for selectively moving the retractable roof between the open position and the closed position based on the forecasted weather condition and to send the signals according to the roof schedule.

12. The athletic facility of claim 11 wherein the controller is further configured to compare the roof schedule to the real-time weather condition and to modify the roof schedule based on one or more changes between the real-time weather condition and the forecasted weather condition.

13. The athletic facility of claim 8 wherein the control parameter comprises an exterior parameter and an interior parameter;wherein the exterior parameter comprises the weather data; andwherein the interior parameter comprises an interior temperature, an interior humidity level, an activity schedule, or an exercise equipment location within the structure over which the retractable roof is located.

14. The athletic facility of claim 13 wherein the controller is configured to:make a comparison of the interior parameter to a predetermined interior value; andmake an interior determination to proceed with or modify the weather determination based on the comparison of the interior parameter; and. send the signals based on the interior determination.

15. The athletic facility of claim 14 wherein the predetermined interior value comprises (1) a range or a single numeric value when the interior parameter is the interior temperature or the interior humidity level, or (2) a true / false value when the interior parameter is the activity schedule or the exercise equipment location, or (3) a combination thereof.

16. The athletic facility of claim 1 wherein the control parameter comprises an exterior parameter and an interior parameter;wherein the exterior parameter comprises the weather data; andwherein the interior parameter comprises an interior temperature, an interior humidity level, an activity schedule, or an exercise equipment location within the structure over which the retractable roof is located.

17. The athletic facility of claim 1, wherein the control system further comprises a user interface.

18. The athletic facility of claim 1, wherein the weather data comprises a weather forecast for a plurality of days, real-time weather data, or a combination thereof.

19. The athletic facility of claim 11, wherein the roof schedule comprises a plurality of days.

20. The athletic facility of claim 19, wherein the controller communicates the roof schedule for opening and closing the retractable roof for the plurality of days to a server, and wherein the roof schedule is displayed on a website associated with the athletic facility, on a mobile application associated with the athletic facility, or both.

21. The athletic facility of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to access the weather data continuously and adjust the roof schedule based on changing weather conditions.

22. The athletic facility of claim 1, wherein the weather data is derived from one or more sensors in communication with the controller, a remote server, or a combination thereof, and wherein the one or more sensors monitor local weather conditions associated with an ambient environment outside of the athletic facility.

23. The athletic facility of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to enable a user to manually override the roof schedule for moving the retractable roof between the open position and the closed position.

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