Shelter having upgraded windows

Abstract

Window assemblies, apparatus, and panels for shelters are shown and described. Some examples include a shelter including window system. In one embodiment, a window system includes a stitched assembly. In other examples, embodiments include a stacked window mesh, attachment portion and weld area assembly for deterring water from a shelter window. Other examples may include window covers with non-parallel sides. The result is a cost effective, reliable, easy to use, window assembly for a shelter.

Description

[0001] SHELTER HAVING UPGRADED WINDOWS

[0002] Field of Disclosure

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to windows and window construction, and more particularly to improved windows for shelters, and also to improved shelter systems, and improved windows apparatus, methods and kits for a shelter for emergency response and rapid deployment.

[0004] Background

[0005] Deployable shelters, tents, rapid-deployment shelters, forts and the like typically include sheets of fabric, or other materials, secured to a frame. Often these units are free-standing or are similarly semi-attached to a ground surface or tangential fixture. In some instances, guy ropes help anchor the unit to a ground surface once the shelter is assembled. Rapid deployment and assembly are important in such shelters given that deployment is often a difficult and demanding task, particularly during emergency situations and in uncertain environmental conditions.

[0006] For instance, rapid tactical shelters are used in a variety of demanding on-site scenarios including fire, incident command, communication areas, crime scene investigation, flu vaccination, military deployment, temporary hospital, and other on-site emergency response spots in a variety of challenging terrains, and environmental conditions. Rapid deployment, with quick and easy set-up and take-down of such units is often beneficial, if not necessary. Deployment situations may be, for example, in extreme heat or cold, during on-going emergencies and in remote locations, making ease of assembly extremely important and transportation of weighted items impractical.

[0007] Ease of use and reliability of equipment, particularly in remote locations and emergency situations, and the gear of first responders, including their shelter, may contribute to successful or unsuccessful missions. Therefore, Applicants desire systems, methods, apparatus, and kits to improve shelter systems toward mobility, durability, ease of use, and / or reliability without the drawbacks of those conventionally in use. Brief Overview

[0008] This brief overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Summary and Detailed Description. This brief overview is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this brief overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter’s scope.

[0009] Various embodiments of the inventions provide systems and methods for improved shelters, and shelter windows without the drawbacks presented by the traditional systems and methods.

[0010] As non-limiting examples, in a shelter system including an upgraded window, the window structure allows for easy set up and take down of the shelter, particularly useful in examples where the shelter is dust resistant and water resistant and / or may be stored for long periods of time and / or hauled over variable weather conditions, by various types of transportation, while remaining impervious to outside elements and durable over time.

[0011] In another non-limiting example, a window for a shelter may comprise a window mesh aligned with one or more attachment portions, surrounded by a weld area.

[0012] In further non-limiting examples, a window assembly may be considered a window panel. The window panel may include a cover, and the window panel may alternate between a closed and open position depending on the position of the cover.

[0013] In yet further non-limiting examples, a window apparatus for a shelter may include a window panel attached to a window back. The window panel may be attached over an opening in the window back. Kits for a window system for a shelter are considered within the scope of the disclosure according to combinations of any of the embodiments herein and / or understood from the present disclosure.

[0014] The foregoing brief overview, along with the following summary and detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing brief overview and the following summary and detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the summary and detailed description.

[0015] Summary

[0016] In accordance with the present disclosure, a window system is provided for shelters. This disclosure provides an improved window system that is convenient, efficient, and reliable for the user, particularly when used for emergency deployment and rapid response scenarios.

[0017] Examples may include a shelter system including at least one window. The shelter system may include a window assembly. The window assembly my alternate between a covered position and retracted position.

[0018] Applicant realizes that radio-frequency weld surfaces and Velcro surrounding window mesh surfaces present challenges such as amount of weld surface needed to prevent delamination of Velcro and the mesh preventing weld penetration on vinyl surfaces, potentially causing premature failure and impacting durability. Further, mesh may actively wick water through connections and into shelter interiors in heavy saturation scenarios, impacting water resistance.

[0019] Rapid deployment emergency shelters are multi-use and typically larger, more durable and functionally different from recreational tents, enduring more extreme conditions than a recreational tent may withstand. By way of example, exemplary shelter dimensions may include a (LxWxH) of about 16.25 x 21.75 x 10 ft (4.95 x 6.63 x 3.05 m) to about 40.31 x 21.75 x 10 ft (12.29 x 6.63 x 3.05 m), with a usable shelter area of about 353.44 ft2 (32.84 m2) to 876.74 ft2 (81 .45 m2). Shelters typically include door / s and / or window / s. In some examples, shelters may include a snow load of 10 lb / ft2 (48.82 kg / m2) and rain load of 2 in / hr (5.08 cm / hr). Shelters may include a wind rating of at least 65 mph, gusts 75 mph (104 kmh, gustsl20 kmh). Shelters may include a system weight of 485 lb (219.5 kg) to 1,073 lb (486.7 kg). Shelters may include a roof, one or more endwall and one or more sidewall. In some examples, an endwall and / or sidewall may be fully removable, for example, by way of Velcro attachment and / or zippered attachment, and / or walls may also integrate / remove not only with the outer cover through a hook and loop attachment, but also by the use of hook and loop straps that integrate directly with the frame. Shelters may be infinitely expandable and connect with other shelters to form a continuous interior. Shelters may include a frame for supporting the shelter roof and walls. Shelters may include a floor. Shelters may include accessories, for example lighting systems, AC and / or heating systems, insulation systems, liners, and / or any emergency response equipment. Shelters may include a window system. Window systems may include one or more window assembly and one or more window backing. A window assembly may include a window mesh, and an attachment portion. A window assembly may include a weld area and a weld. A window assembly may include a stitch line. A window assembly may include a turnback. Some examples include a shelter kit according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Also considered within the scope of the disclosure is a method for window construction. Also included may be a window method for increasing durability and lifespan of a window assembly in a shelter according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Window kits for a shelter according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure are considered within the scope of the inventions.

[0021] The above summary was intended to summarize certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments will be set forth in more detail in the figures and description of embodiments below. It will be apparent, however, that the description of embodiments is not intended to limit the present inventions, the scope of which should be properly determined by the appended claims.

[0022] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings may contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicant. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the Applicant. The Applicant retains and reserves all rights in its trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grants permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.

[0024] The drawings, photographs, pictures, and the like may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, nonlimiting, explanatory purposes of certain examples and elements detailed in the present disclosure.

[0025] Embodiments of the disclosure will be better understood by a reading of the Description of Embodiments along with a review of the drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a window assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 is another example of a side perspective view of a window assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a window assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure introduced in Figure 2;

[0029] Figure 4 is another side perspective view of a window assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a window assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6 a side perspective view of a window assembly further detailed according to an embodiment of Figure 5; Figures 7A and 7B show perspective views of a shelter including a window assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8A shows in installed window assembly in one example of a shelter according to an embodiment of the disclosure, with the window in a retracted position;

[0033] Figure 8B shows in installed window assembly in one example of a shelter according to an embodiment of the disclosure, with the window in a covered position;

[0034] Figure 9A and 9B show examples of a window having a window joint according to an embodiment of the disclosure:

[0035] Figure 10A shows a front, close-up view of a window assembly in a shelter according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0036] Figure 1 OB is a side perspective view of one example of a shelter including a window system according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0037] Figure IOC is a side perspective, close-up view of a window assembly in a shelter according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0038] Description of Embodiments

[0039] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as "forward," "rearward," "left," "right," "upwardly," "downwardly," and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0040] It will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. Any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified may be considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] Certain examples and elements are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure and are made merely to provide a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

[0042] The terms “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

[0043] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, photographs, pictures, and the like. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure.

[0044] Referring now to the drawings in general, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure or any invention thereto. In certain embodiments, a window assembly, system, elements and processes useful for a shelter are shown and disclosed.

[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise methods, systems, devices, kits, assemblies, and the like comprising, but not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0046] • a shelter system

[0047] • a window system

[0048] • a window assembly

[0049] • a window system for a shelter

[0050] • a stitched window assembly

[0051] • a window assembly including a turnback portion

[0052] • a window for a shelter alterable between a retracted position and a covered position

[0053] • a window panel for a shelter

[0054] The following may depict an example of a method, of a plurality of methods, that may be performed by at least one of the embodiments, or components thereof. Further, although the elements here may be disclosed in a particular order, it should be understood that the order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Elements may be combined, separated, reordered, and various intermediary stages may exist. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various assemblies, in various embodiments, may be performed / assembled in orders that differ from the ones disclosed below. Moreover, various stages may be added or removed without altering or departing from the fundamental scope of the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein. Generally, referencing the figures and figures 1 -6 specifically, a shelter 8 may include a window system 10. Window systems 10 may include one or more window assembly 12 and one or more window backing 14. A widow backing, may in some examples, be a shelter side wall. A window assembly 12 may include a window mesh 15, and an attachment portion 16. A window assembly 12 may be considered a window panel.

[0055] A window mesh 15, by way of example, may be a true mesh material, however, may also be considered an area inside the window panel that is covered by a window cover and revealed when the window cover is retracted. By way of example, the window mesh 15 may be a mesh, a plastic, a fabric, etc.

[0056] Attachment portion 16 may, by way of example, be hook and loop closure (for example a Velcro). Attachment portion 16 may be made of any attachment and securing piece that is able to be secured to an underside of the window cover and allows the window cover to be removed and / or retracted from the attachment portion 16. The window cover may have a cover attachment portion that mates with the attachment portion 16.

[0057] A widow cover 30 may be retractable. The window cover 30 may be rolled and secured by securing extensions. Securing extensions may by example be straps, ties, buttons, hooks, binders, buckles, and / or belts. Alternatively, window covers may be fully removable.

[0058] A window assembly 12 may include a weld area 20 and a weld 21. A weld 21, may by way of example, be a radio-frequency weld (RF weld).

[0059] A window assembly 12 may include a stitch line 30. The stitch line may be a raised stitch line. The window assembly 12 may include crossing stitch lines. The window assembly 12 may include perpendicular stitch lines. The assembly 12 may include a stitch area separating parallel stitch lines. An attachment portion 16 may include one or more stitch line 30 and / or a stitch area.

[0060] Window assembly 12 may include a weld 21, a weld area 20, a stitch line 30, a stitch area, a weld 21, and / or a weld area 20.

[0061] A window assembly 12 may include a turnback panel 18. A window system 10 may be resistant to water. Applicant conducted Steady Rain Testing to quantify and test water ingress. Including stitch lines 30 resulted in no ingress of water and no leaks around the window system 10.

[0062] In certain examples, a window assembly 12 may be a preassembly and prebuilt as a window panel. The window panel may be a stitched window panel. A window panel may be attached to a window back 14, for example by a weld 21. A window back 14 may, by way of example, be a shelter wall (for example shelter end wall and / or shelter side wall). An opening may be made in a shelter wall and the window panel attached over the opening. The window panel may be welded to the shelter wall. The window panel may include an outside edge. The outside edge may be at least ’A inches wide, % inches wide, and / or in other examples 1.0 inch, 1.5 inches or more wide. The outside edge may provide a space for a weld 21. Weld 21 in some embodiments may be at least 1 inch wide with the outside edge wider than 1.0 inch to accommodate the weld. The weld 21 on the outside edge may collectively form a seam edge. The seam edge may serve as a channel to direct water away from the attachment portions 16.

[0063] Window assembly / panel 12 may include a turnback panel 18. Turnback panel may include a material that folds upon itself. Turnback panel 18 may include one or more ends that are captured underneath the attachment portion 16. Turnback panel 18 may be sewn into place. In some examples, window mesh 15 may be sandwiched underneath the attachment portion 16. The turnback panel 18 may, in some examples, be welded. In this example, once the turnback panel 18 is welded in place, a flange is formed that acts as a water dam to prevent water from contacting the attachment panel 16 between a window cover and a wall window opening.

[0064] Window assembly 12 may include magnets. Magnets may be included around the window panel to secure the cover. Magnets may also sever to restrain the cover in a retracted position. Magnets may be included in an interior of the window panel around an outer perimeter.

[0065] Embodiments may include a window assembly comprising a top, a bottom, and two sides, wherein the two sides are non-parallel sides. The first side and second side may include a flared structure with the top wider than the bottom. The cover may include the flared sides with the window of parallel sides, and / or the window may also include flared sides. The window assembly may include at least two non-ninety degree (right angle) comers. The widow assembly may include at least two corners with angels greater than 90 degrees and / or less than 90 degrees. A window assembly may, in some embodiments, include a trapezoid profde. The trapezoid profile may include a cover having winged sides 32 (see Figs. IOC and 10A). The winged sides 32 may provide additional grab space to remove or lift the cover when in use. First responders often have bulky gloves covering their hands and winged sides with enlarged grab spaces may make manipulating the cover easier, especially with gloves. Grab spaces may take on any shape. Grap spaces may be a portion of the cover on an outside edge of and attachment point. Grab spaces may form angled, non-parallel sides of the cover.

[0066] Some examples include a shelter kit according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Also considered within the scope of the disclosure is a method for window construction. Also included may be a window method for increasing durability and lifespan of a window assembly in a shelter according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] Window kits for a shelter according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure are considered within the scope of the inventions.

[0068] As seen in exemplary embodiments in Fig. 7A IOC, a shelter may include a window, window system, and / or window assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0069] Inventions of the present disclosure may include window panel kit. A window panel kit may include, in certain embodiments, window mesh 15, at least one attachment portion 16, and in some instances a pair of attachment portions, and in some instance at least three attachment portions. The kit may include a stitched window panel and a welded window system. A kit of the present disclosure may include any of the embodiments and / or combination of embodiment elements as shown and / or described.

[0070] Various hardware components and elements may be employed at the various stages of operations disclosed, in any order, with reference to each example and module. Further, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may be performed by at least one of the aforementioned examples, assemblies, and / or combination of assemblies.

[0071] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein, and every number between the end points. For example, a stated range of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e g. 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10, as well as all ranges beginning and ending within the end points, e.g. 2 to 9, 3 to 8, 3 to 9, 4 to 7, and finally to each number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 contained within the range.

[0072] Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ^|6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

[0073] All rights, including copyrights herein, are vested in and the property of the Applicant.

[0074] The specification includes examples, the disclosure’s scope is indicated by the following claims, and furthermore, while the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples for embodiments of the disclosure. Insofar as the summary and description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures is reserved.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A window assembly comprising: a widow including a window mesh and an attachment portion, a weld in weld areas, a stitch line, and a turnback portion, wherein the widow assembly alternates between a retracted position and a covered position.

2. The window system of claim 2 including wherein the window assembly secures to a window back.

3. The window system of claim 2 wherein the window back is a shelter wall.

4. The window system of claim 2 wherein the window assembly includes a stitched assembly.

5. The window system of claim 3 wherein the window assembly includes a welded area,6. The window system of claim 5 wherein the window assembly includes non-parallel sides.

7. The window system of claim 6 wherein the window assembly includes a cover.

8. The window system of claim 7 wherein the window cover includes non-parallel sides.

9. The window system of claim 7 wherein the cover includes two corners that are not formed at right angles.

10. An emergency response and deployment shelter including a window panel comprising: a preassembled, stitched window panel including:a window mesh, an attachment portion atop the window mesh, a seam edge forming a channel to direct water away from an attachment point, a turnback panel forming a water dam separating water from contacting an attachment panel between a window cover and a wall window opening.

11. An emergency response and deployment shelter comprising: at least one window assembly including: a widow mesh and an attachment portion, and a cover for the window having a trapezoidal shape and winged sides.

12. The shelter of claim 11 wherein the attachment portion is atop the window mesh.

13. The shelter of claim 12 including a seam edge forming a channel to direct water away from an attachment point.

14. The shelter of claim 11 including a turnback panel forming a water dam separating water from contacting an attachment panel between the cover for a window and a wall window opening.

15. The shelter of claim 11 wherein the cover is removable from covering the window mesh.

16. The shelter of claim 11 wherein the cover is removable from the window assembly.

17. The shelter of claim 11 wherein the winged sides provide grab space.

18. A method for air flow in an emergency response and deployment shelter comprising: attaching a window assembly to a shelter, the window assembly including a window mesh, placing an attachment portion atop the window mesh, and forming a seam edge to make a channel to direct water away from an attachment point,forming a water dam with a turnback panel to separate water from contacting an attachment panel between a window cover and a wall window opening.

19. The method of claim 18 including covering the mesh with a cover having at least two comers that are not 90 degree corners.

20. The method of claim 18 including adding a grab space to the cover.

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