Modular insulated panel collapsible sport/utility shanty

Abstract

An enclosure constructed of vinyl foam filled blow-molded panels. These panels are structured with tongue and groove connections built in to provide quick interlock one to another without the need for tools in assembly or disassembly. The construction characteristics provide panels that are rigid, strong, insulated, sound deadened with high flotation qualities. The enclosure is transportable by towing the assembled structure on a built-in sled bottom or dissembling the panels, stacking them and transporting them in a vehicle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to collapsible, towable shelters and particularly to a rigid vinyl structure constructed of modular interlocking vinyl foam-filled blow-molded panels, which may be used for temporary housing while engaging in field sports, work and recreational activities. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Sports-people utilize many styles of professionally fabricated and small homemade dwellings for protection against the elements and to render themselves invisible. These dwellings are constructed of materials such as canvas, wood, metal, nylon, plastic, glass, paperboard, leather and fiberglass. These small huts, houses, sheds, shanties, blinds or tents are constructed in a variety of ways. People have used ingenious concepts as a means to be in the wilderness undetected by wildlife. Small dwellings of this sort have existed for more than a century. The primary use of such an enclosure has...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026] To provide an enclosure that has excellent aesthetic appeal.

[0049] All panels are vinyl blow-molded and are expansion foam filled. This foam provides additional strength, rigidity, insulation, sounds deadening and added flotation. Several panels are common and can be used in more than one location to assemble the unit. There are stainless steel inserts molded into some of the units for the purpose of attachment, hangars or pins for the door, and heat shield.

Problems solved by technology

The inconvenience of hauling, moving and storing a small building limit their use amongst sports-people.

They don't want to be encumbered with lugging around a building that once set up, doesn't provide the comfort or protection that was anticipated.

Because of the “homemade” construction, the dwellings are hidden from view for lack of aesthetic appeal.

The fact that these temporary dwellings are seasonal, complex to move and store, have challenged the minds of many would be inventors.

Most do not allow for freedom of movement or creature comforts while being utilized.

This is a particular problem during the off season.

Units of this magnitude are often challenging to erect and to knockdown.

Once collapsed they can still be difficult to handle and store.

They utilize modular tube type frames that when knocked down are still difficult to store.

These tent type shelters are not suitable for spear fishing since they are not light tight.

These types of shelters are dangerous because they afford no method of vented heat.

Users often utilize gas mantle lights or infrared stoves as a heat source, which can cause illness or even death by asphyxiation.

For limited comfort and convenience, the tent type enclosures are very expensive.

They have a very limited season of use and can not be left on site.

All of the portable and permanent types of shelters whether manufactured or homemade, run a risk of being trapped in the ice.

Many have actually sunk putting users in harms way.

Prior art devices have not adequately solved these problems.

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