PORTABLE SHELTER

Abstract

The present invention relates to an expandable assembly to provide portable shelter.

Claims

1. An expandable portable shelter assembly to provide a portable shelter comprising: a canopy configured to provide cover within the portable shelter; a plurality of cells comprising: a frame assembly that defines a height and a width of one of the cells and, a portion of the canopy that defines a length of the cells; wherein the portable shelter is configured to be expanded from a collapsed position to an expanded position; and wherein in the expanded position, the plurality of cells being supported by an anchor that provides tension to each of the cells wherein the tension is supplied through the canopy along the length of the cells.

2. The expandable portable shelter assembly of claim 1, wherein in the collapsed position the length of the portable shelter is approximately the length of each frame assembly positioned adjacent to one another and the length of the portable shelter in the expanded position is approximately the length of the canopy.

3. The expandable portable shelter assembly of claim 1, wherein the anchor is attached to a ratcheting strap to provide tension to the portable shelter.

4. The expandable portable shelter of claim 1, wherein the support is positioned at first and second ends of the portable shelter and provide tension to the first and second ends.

5. The expandable portable shelter of claim 1, further comprising secondary supports attached along the length of the portable shelter to prevent the portable shelter from rolling.

6. The expandable portable shelter of claim 1, wherein the portable shelter fits within a shipping container in the collapsed position.

7. The expandable portable shelter of claim 1, further comprising a heating and air conditioning system.

8. The expandable portable shelter of claim 1, wherein the canopy comprises a canvas material.

9. The expandable portable shelter of claim 1, wherein each cell includes a door configured to allow for entry therein.

10. The expandable portable shelter of claim 1, wherein the cells include utilities within each of the cells.

11. The expandable portable shelter of claim 10, wherein the utilities include one or more beds and lights.

12. A method of assembling a portable shelter comprising: providing a portable shelter comprising: a frame capable of expanding from an unexpanded position to an expanded position; and a canopy configured to provide an outer covering to the portable shelter; engaging a pulling mechanism attached to the frame; and applying a pulling force to the frame thereby expanding the frame from a collapsed position to the expanded position; and anchoring the frame such that tension is maintained on the frame through the canopy such that the frame remains in an expanded state; wherein the canopy defines a length of the portable shelter and the frame assembly define a width and height of the portable shelter.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising deploying the portable shelter.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the portable shelter is deployed within a container.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the portable shelter is deployed via a helicopter.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising anchoring the portable shelter along a length of the portable shelter to prevent the portable shelter from rolling.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an expanded portable shelter in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a section of the expanded portable shelter of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a cell of the expanded portable shelter of FIG. 1 with a door opened.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a container holding an unexpanded shelter being transported by a vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 5 is the container of FIG. 4 deployed.

[0012] FIG. 6 is the container of FIG. 4 opened with an unexpanded portable shelter therein.

[0013] FIG. 7 is the unexpanded portable shelter of FIG. 6 anchored at an end.

[0014] FIG. 8 is the unexpanded portable shelter of FIG. 6 being expanded.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting a method of assembling the portable shelter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the various embodiments, the devices, methods and systems of the present disclosure relate to portable shelters. Currently, assembly and disassembly of portable shelters typically requires extensive work and set up. Additionally, portable shelters are large and difficult to transport to and from emergency locations. The present disclosure relates to a portable shelter that is easily transportable and is easily assembled.

[0017] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a temporary high-capacity shelter can be deployed that includes a series of cells (rooms) that are in a row and are formed by the material of the shelter when expanded and under the applicable tension to be erected for use. The shelter in a collapsed form can be shipped to a location in a container and the collapsed form can have a cube type shape that can fit a cube type container (which is easily adaptable and loadable for many transportation types). The shelter is configured to be erected by personnel at the site by having a structure that expands by being pulled in the direction for the row of the cells to expand the cells/rooms into formation. Anchors at the lengthwise end of the shelter are secured to establish a horizontal tension that maintains the cells and supports the structure such as in combination with vertical frames (e.g., embedded in the fabric of the shelter) that provide vertical support. The frames can be in each wall of the cells/rooms or can be in some of the walls (or other locations) to allow for the needed support when expanded and under tension. The deployment of the shelter can be done with little or no manual operation because, for example, all structure components are assembled in the shelter when it is in the collapsed state and pulling it to expand the structure, and install the anchors, preferably completes the operation. The structure can provide a very useful tool in situations such as large catastrophes to house people who would otherwise be homeless.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a portable shelter 100 including a plurality of cells 110 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is depicted. The cells 110 may each be used as shelter for emergency relief or for other utilities useful in emergency relief. For example, the cells 110 may further include various equipment or supplies useful for providing emergency relief. Further details regarding the assembly and deployment of the portable shelter 100 is discussed below.

[0019] The cells 110 of the portable shelter 100 include two frames 130 and a canopy 140 that connects the two frames 130 and provides shelter within the cells 110. The frame 130 generally defines the height and width dimensions of the cell and includes first 131 and second frame members 132. The first frame members 131 generally defines the height dimension of each cell 110 and the second frame members 132 generally defines the width dimension of each cell 110. The length of each cell 110 is defined by a segment of the canopy 140 between the frames 130 of the cells. The cells 110 are held upwards by a tension force that remains consistent through the entire length of the portable shelter 100. The tension force may be applied through the canopy 140 when the portable shelter 100 is expanded. The canopy 140 is taut over the frame 130 when expanded, which applies tension through the portable shelter 100 and primarily holds the cells 110 upright and expanded. It will be appreciated that the frames 130 additionally provide some support in maintaining the portable shelter 100 in the upright position. More details regarding the expansion and deployment of the shelter are discussed in reference to FIGS. 4 through 8 below. The frame 130 includes a rod that is made of fiberglass, plastic, or other lightweight rigid material. The frame 130 can be sufficiently strong to support the structure to be upright and operational for habitation in combination with the horizontal force (meaning all of the frames 130 in the shelter 100 when expanded and anchored). The rod can be a continuous rod that forms a closed loop or can be U shaped to provide top and side supports. The shelter 100 can include a rope, binding material or similar structure integrated into the top of the shelter (roof support). The roof support can run along the top of the shelter 100 such as having two ropes at each top corner of the shelter 100. The roof support can run along the length of the shelter when expanded and is adapted to support the shelter 100 through horizontal tension applied to the roof support at each end such as by way of the anchors that are secured at each of the shelter 100 (e.g., anchors secured to the ground or other anchor). The roof support can be adapted to be positioned adjacent to the top corners of the shelter 100 and can be pass through each cell 110. The roof support may be enclosed in a piping that can run along the length of the top of the shelter 100 (at or near the top corners).

[0020] The cells 110 are configured as being adjacent to one another. Adjacent cells 110 share at least one set of frames 130 and first and second frame members 131, 132. Interior cells 110 share both sets of first and second frame members 131, 132 with adjacent cells 110. Exterior cells 110A which are positioned at either end of the portable shelter 100 are anchored with tension applied through the canopy 140 by applying a pulling force on at least one of the exterior cells 110A until the canopy 140 is taut. Once expanded, the outermost frames of the exterior cells 110A are anchored to maintain tension through the portable shelter 100. In some examples, the cells 110 are additionally separated by canopy walls 142 (see FIG. 3) which are a similar material to the canopy 140. In some examples, the cells 110 includes doors 112. In other examples, each cell 110 may include windows, or other useful items or devices. The walls and doors 112 of the shelter may form individual private or semi-private rooms for housing people. The size of the room can be sufficient for an individual or individuals (e.g., a displaced family). The material of the shelter can be a fabric that provides privacy by being is opaque. In some examples, the cells 110 each have a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system. The portable shelter 100 may include an HVAC port 150 (for example, see FIG. 6) which may attach to a HVAC system 152 (for example, see FIG. 1). The shelter can be used to quickly deliver and quickly deploy (through expansion and anchors) a temporary high capacity quick-installation shelter for various applications such as an emergency event such as a military conflict or a catastrophe.

[0021] FIG. 3 depicts a cell 110 with the door 112 opened. The cell 110 includes supplies. The supplies are depicted as a bed 118 and a light 119. Additionally, the cell 110 includes a ventilation duct 154 which is fluidly connected to the HVAC system 152 via the HVAC port 150 to provide heating cooling and ventilation to the cell 110. In other embodiments the cell 110 could include other supplies such as first aid, rations, or other useful supplies.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 6, the portable shelter 100 is transportable in a container 200. From the container 200, the portable shelter 100 is expandable from a collapsed configuration (e.g., see FIG. 6) that has a relatively small footprint to an expanded configuration (e.g., see FIG. 1).

[0023] FIG. 4 depicts the container 200 being deployed. The container 200 is attached to a vehicle 230. The vehicle 230 is depicted as a helicopter but the container 200 may be transported by a different suitable vehicle such as a semi-truck, airplane etc. In some examples, the container 200 is configured to be airdropped and formed from materials such that the portable shelter 100 is not damaged during transportation. For example, the container 200 may include shock absorbing features, for example, padding, honeycomb structure or other shock absorbing features that prevent damage of the portable shelter 100 during transportation.

[0024] FIG. 5 depicts the container 200 in further detail. The container 200 includes walls 210 which may enclose the portable shelter 100 when the portable shelter 100 is collapsed. The container 200 may include cargo hooks 220. The cargo hooks 220 may be used to attach to the vehicle 230 or other suitable vehicle for transportation as discussed above. The container 200 may be any suitable container that encloses and safely transports the portable shelter 100. The container 200 is configured to unfold to allow the portable shelter 100 to be expanded and assembled therefrom. Preferably, the container 200 is formed from a high strength material that protects the portable shelter 100 and is weather resistant. For example, the container may be formed from Corten steel which is corrosion and weather resistant, high strength aluminum, composite materials, or a different material. The container 200 is held together with straps 122. In some examples, the straps 122 are utilized during expansion of the portable shelter 100 discussed in further detail below.

[0025] FIG. 6 is the container 200 unfolded and the portable shelter 100 in a collapsed position. When collapsed, the portable shelter 100 may be transported easily and fits within the container 200. The portable shelter 100 in the collapsed position has a length that is approximately the same size as each of the frame members 131, 132 adjacent to one another. The length additionally includes the canopy 140. However, the canopy 140 is not expanded so the length of the canopy 140 is relatively small. In some examples, the canopy walls 142 are separate and may be added after the portable shelter 100 is in the expanded state. In some other examples, the canopy walls 142 are positioned in each frame 130. It will be appreciated that the supplies may be added and transported separately from the portable shelter 100. Alternatively, the container 200 may be larger and may additionally include supplies separate from the portable shelter 100.

[0026] FIG. 7 depicts the portable shelter 100 in the collapsed state and attached to supports 120 at a first end (e.g., either of the frame members 131 of the exterior cells 110A). The supports include straps 122 which are attached to anchors 124. In some examples, the straps 122 include ratcheting mechanisms 123 to provide an appropriate amount of force to the shelter such that the shelter does not collapse and so that tension is applied consistently through the portable shelter 100. The anchors 124 maintain tension through the portable shelter. The anchors 124 secure the portable shelter 100 to the ground with tension applied through the canopy 140 of the portable shelter 100. The anchors 124 may be stakes, snow anchors, sand anchors, screw anchors, nail style anchors or any other suitable mechanism that retains the end of the portable shelter 100 in place and maintains tension through the portable shelter 100. The anchor 124 is typically selected based on the terrain where the portable shelter 100 is applied. It will also be appreciated that the straps may be any mechanism that suitably attaches the end of the portable shelter 100 to the anchors 124 such as cording, wires, or a different suitable mechanism.

[0027] A second end opposite to the first end (e.g., the frame members of the other exterior cell 110A) is also attached to straps 122. The straps 122 at the second end are depicted in FIG. 4 as pulling on the second end to expand the portable shelter 100. The straps 122 may be attached to any mechanism that can provide a pulling force thereby pulling on the second end and causing the portable shelter 100 to expand from the collapsed state to an expanded state.

[0028] FIG. 8 depicts the portable shelter 100 as it is being expanded from the collapsed state to the expanded state. The canopy 140 is depicted as sagging between each of the frame members 131, 132. The deployment and assembly of the shelter is completed once tension sufficient to hold the canopy 140 taut over the frame members 131, 132 such that the frame members 131, 132 remain upright is fully applied. Anchors 124 may be attached to the frame members 131, 132 of the exterior cell 110A that has not already been anchored. It will be appreciated that in some examples, the frame members 131, 132 of both exterior cells 110A may be pulled simultaneously and then anchored once sufficient tension is applied to primarily maintain the portable shelter 100 in the upright position. Other alternatives that provide an expansion force are additionally possible.

[0029] Referring again to FIG. 1, the portable shelter 100 is depicted as being completely expanded. As discussed above, when fully expanded anchors 124 are attached at the frame members 131, 132 of each exterior cells 110A to maintain the tension through the canopy 140 of the portable shelter 100 and maintain the portable shelter 100 in the expanded position. In some examples, if the portable shelter 100 requires additional support anchors 124 may be attached along the length of the portable shelter 100 at frame members 131, 132 of interior cells. For example, the portable shelter 100 may include forty cells 110 and include additional anchors 124 and supports 120 at the frame members of every ten cells 110 or a different suitable number of cells 110. The additional support anchors 124 may assist with prevention of rolling but the tension is held along the length of the portable shelter 100 by the anchors 124 at the frame members 131, 132 of the exterior cells. Other examples are additionally possible.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting a method of assembling the portable shelter 100. The flowchart includes deploying the portable shelter 100. The portable shelter 100 may be deployed, as discussed above in a container 200. Alternatively, the portable shelter 100 may be deployed without the use of a container 200. Next an end of the portable shelter 100 is anchored 302. As discussed above, the portable shelter 100 may be anchored 302 at one of the exterior cells 110A. The portable shelter 100 may also be anchored 302 at another location holds the portable shelter 110 in place and provides sufficient tension to the portable shelter 100 to maintain the portable shelter 100 upright when fully expanded. Next, the portable shelter 100 is expanded 304. As discussed above, the portable shelter 100 is expanded 304. The portable shelter 100 may be expanded 304 by providing a pulling force to a second end of the portable shelter 100. Finally, once expanded 304, the portable shelter 100 is anchored 306. After the second end is anchored 306, tension is applied through the canopy 140 and portable shelter 100 such that the portable shelter 100 remains upright. As discussed above, the tension is the primary mechanism that holds the portable shelter 100 upright. Other features may also provide some support to hold the portable shelter 100 upright such as the frames 130. Optionally, after the portable shelter 100 is expanded, various utilities (such as the bed and light) may be added.

[0031] The top of the portable shelter (such as when expended) is adapted to have a slope that is configured to establish a drainage or run off path for water such as due to rain. The frame and/or the shape of the canopy can be configured to provide the sloped shape such that when the shelter (the cells) is under tension by way of the anchors, the tension causes the top of the shelter to be stretched to be taut and the tension and slope operate to run water off the roof rather than to have pools of water. The shelter is adapted to be for indoor or outdoor use. For example, the shelter can be installed inside a stadium to shelter people. Indoor implementations may not require a slope.

[0032] In operation, the combination of the structural rigid frame can provide a vertical support or almost entirely vertical support and in combination, the tension formed by the shelter being expanded and held under tension provides a horizontal support or tension or almost entirely horizontal support or tension that together establish the shelter to be operable for inhabitants. This involves very structural components for completely erecting the shelter and can thus be quickly deployed without requiring tools, specialized tools, additional anchors, or additional human added connectors to form the structure. In general, portable shelters often involve the assembly of many different elements to completely erect the shelter, which are avoided by embodiments described herein.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 7, preferably, at each lengthwise end, there are attachments at the top and bottom of the open end of the collapsed shelter such as having two corresponding attachments at the top two corner (located near the corners) and two corresponding attachments at the bottom two corners (located near the corners). Similar attachments can be on both ends of the lengthwise structure adapted for expanded the structure. The shelter is adapted to be expanded by pulling the top attachments and the bottom attachments together (in general sync) that causes the wall(s) to move in generally vertical position in the horizontal direction (because they are connected in repeating fashion). This can be for example avoid having the expansion that is uneven such as resulting in a structure that is slanted.

[0034] Embodiments of the portable shelter are preferably configured to involve a simple process for expansion which can include expanding in (only) one direction until fully expanded and securing and tightening anchors (e.g., to the ground). In shown embodiments, the portable shelter is adapted to expand in only one direction to define the row of expanded cells to provide a covered space or shelter for humans. It is estimated that be effective the expanded shelter can include about 10 to 50, and more preferably about 20 to 40 cells when expanded with each cell having a footprint of about 5-8 feet by 5-8 feet. As such, a single expanded and secured shelter is adapted to shelter about 40-200 people and preferably about 100 people. The shelter is preferably made of lightweight tent material, lightweight canvas material, or similar material. The material preferably has characteristics such that it drapes and/or has a low or little stiffness. This can allow for the unexpanded shelter to be lightweight. The material is capable of holding tension when placed under tension by the force of the anchors and easily collapsing when there is no horizontal tension so as to be packed. Preferably, the material provides a lightweight collapsed or unexpanded structure that can be pulled open by one or two people by pulling at one end of the shelter while the other end is secured by an anchor. Thus, the expansion, which is similar to an accordion in operation, preferably requires about the strength of one or two average people and would not require the use of a vehicle such as a car, truck or tractor to be completed. The weight of the unexpanded shelter can also provide ease of transportation and delivery.

[0035] Preferably, at each lengthwise end of the portable shelter, there is a solid vertical support (a solid wall) that provides better physical rigidity to the unexpanded shelter. The solid vertical support can also provide (with the use of attachments at each end) an easier install process. Pulling the solid vertical support to expand the cell is more manageable that if the ends are loose. The material can for example be a sheet of fiberglass or plastic that has a form factor that is close to the form factor of a cross section of the shelter. It may be sewn into or (permanently) attached into the shelter as one option.

[0036] The term approximately, when used in connection with a numeric value, is intended to include values that are close to, but not exactly, the number. For example, in some embodiments, the term approximately may include values that are within +/5 percent of the value.

[0037] This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, methodologies or protocols described, as these may vary. The terminology used in this description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope. It will be understood that terms such as same, equal, planar, or coplanar, as used herein when referring to orientation, layout, location, shapes, sizes, amounts, or other measures do not necessarily mean an exactly identical orientation, layout, location, shape, size, amount, or other measure, but are intended to encompass nearly identical orientation, layout, location, shapes, sizes, amounts, or other measures within acceptable variations that may occur, for example, due to manufacturing processes. The term substantially may be used herein to emphasize this meaning, unless the context or other statements clearly indicate otherwise. For example, items described as substantially the same, substantially equal, or substantially planar, may be exactly the same, equal, or planar, or may be the same, equal, or planar within acceptable variations that may occur, for example, due to manufacturing processes and/or tolerances. The term substantially may be used to encompass this meaning, especially when such variations do not materially alter functionality. As used herein, the term proximal means closest to the operator (less into the body) and distal means furthest from the operator (further into the body). In positioning a medical device from a downstream access point, distal is more upstream and proximal is more downstream.

[0038] It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Likewise, the above disclosed methods may be performed according to an alternate sequence. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.