Rapid deployment shelters and shelter systems

Abstract

Disclosed are shelters and shelter systems that may be conveniently and rapidly deployed. In certain aspects, the shelter systems disclosed herein are self-contained when configured in a stowed configuration and may be rapidly deployed by one or more users without the use of tools, thereby making them particularly useful for deployment, for example, in disaster-stricken areas. Also disclosed are composite insulating materials that may be used to construct various structures, including the shelters and shelter systems disclosed herein.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15 / 006,890, filed Jan. 26, 2016 (U.S. Pat. No. 10,648,168), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 107,925, filed Jan. 26, 2015, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Shelter, food, water and clothing represent key human needs that are necessary to satisfy long-term physical well-being and survival. Providing basic shelter may be particularly difficult in impoverished regions or in response to a crisis situation, for example, in response to natural or man-made disasters or in relation to relief efforts.[0003]While temporary shelter systems have been developed to facilitate responses to disaster relief efforts, such shelters may be difficult and time-consuming to assemble or deploy. Moreover, depending on the environment into which such shelters are to be deployed, the lack of electricity, tools and other...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The modular shelter systems enable rapid and efficient assembly and disassembly, providing durable, thermally insulated, and versatile shelter solutions suitable for diverse conditions, including disaster relief and combat zones, while being easy to transport and redeploy.

Problems solved by technology

Providing basic shelter may be particularly difficult in impoverished regions or in response to a crisis situation, for example, in response to natural or man-made disasters or in relation to relief efforts.

While temporary shelter systems have been developed to facilitate responses to disaster relief efforts, such shelters may be difficult and time-consuming to assemble or deploy.

Moreover, depending on the environment into which such shelters are to be deployed, the lack of electricity, tools and other resources may present specific challenges to an intended user that can dramatically limit the overall utility of such shelters.

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