Shelter unit

Abstract

A shelter unit is provided that is configured to provide temporary shelter for occupants and that can be quickly and easily assembly where needed and disassembled and transported elsewhere. The shelter unit includes main panels that provide insulation and can be packed flat for transport. The shelter unit has angled portions that allow the side walls to cantilever. Straps envelop the unit to provide increased structural integrity, which is facilitated in part by the inclusion of the angled portions. Interior finishes may include non-toxic, fluid-applied membranes, metal ceilings for radiant heat reflection, and wood walls for warmth and hygiene. In addition, humidity and climate control are facilitated by the inclusion of intake and exhaust ports.

Description

SHELTER UNITRELATED APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 756,119, filed February 8, 2025, and titled “Shelter Unit”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of temporary shelters for emergency or other uses, and in particular to a shelter unit.BACKGROUND

[0003] Shelters for temporary use are often too expensive or too flimsy to serve the practical need for such shelters. There is a need for inexpensive yet structurally sound shelter units that meet the requirements of occupancy.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] A shelter unit includes a floor panel, a roof panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, a first side upper corner support, a first side lower corner support, a second side upper corner support, and a second side lower corner support, and a plurality of straps. When the shelter unit is assembled, the first side upper comer support is connected to and between the roof panel and the first side panel along an upper length of the first side panel, the second side upper corner support is connected to and between the roof panel and the second side panel along an upper length of the second side panel, the first side lower corner support is connected to and between the floor panel and the first side panel along a lower length of the first side panel, and the second side lower corner support is connected to and between the floor panel and the second side panel along a lower length of the second side panel. Each of the plurality of straps are positioned at intervals and tightened around the roof panel, the first side panel, the floor panel, and the second side panel such that the plurality of straps cinch the roof panel, the first side panel, the floor panel, and the second side panel together.

[0005] In a addition, method of assembling a shelter unit includes attaching a first side panel to a first side edge of a floor panel, attaching a second side panel to a second side edge of the floor panel, wherein the second side edge is opposite the first side edge, attaching a rear panel to a bottom 1 Attorney Docket No . 19927-004WOU 1panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel, attaching a front panel to the bottom panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel, attaching a roof panel to the first side panel, the second side panel, the rear panel, and the front panel, and cinching a plurality of straps around the roof panel, the floor panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel.

[0006] Additionally, the assembled shelter unit may be dissembled by disengaging and removing the plurality of straps, removing the screws and detaching the roof panel from the front panel, the rear panel, and the first and second side panels, the front panel from the first and second side panels, the rear panel from the first and second side panels, and the floor panel from the front panel, the rear panel, and the first and second side panels, and stacking the roof panel, the floor panel, front panel, the rear panel, the first and second side panels to form a flat-packed shelter unit having dimensions of not more than 3 m long by 1.8 m wide by 1.2 high.

[0007] In another aspect, a shelter unit for temporary occupancy includes a floor panel having a top, a bottom, a first long edge and a second long edge opposite the first long edge, wherein the floor panel includes angled portions along the first and second long edges that extend from the bottom outwardly to the top, a roof panel having a top, a bottom, a first long edge and a second long edge opposite the first long edge, wherein the roof panel includes angled portions along the first and second long edges that extend from the top outwardly to the bottom, a pair of side panels each having a top, a bottom, an inside face and an outside face, wherein each side panel has a length and a height, wherein each side panel includes an end support member on each of a first end and a second end, each end support member extending from the bottom to the top, wherein each side panel includes a lower portion extending the length of the side panel and from the bottom partway toward the top, and wherein each side panel includes an upper portion extending the length of the side panel and from lower portion to the top, a rear panel, a front panel including a door, and a plurality of straps. When the shelter unit is in an assembled configuration, the side panels are between the floor panel and the roof panel and the rear panel and the front panel are between the side panels, each of the plurality of straps are positioned at intervals and cinched around the roof panel, the side panels.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, the drawings show aspects of one or more embodiments of the disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:2 Attorney Docket No. 19927-004WOU1FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an assembled shelter unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the assembled shelter unit with the door open;FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the interior of the shelter unit with the front, floor, and one side panel removed;FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the assembled shelter unit with portions removed to show placement of straps;FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the shelter unit;FIG. 6 is a floor plan view of the shelter unit;FIG. 7 is a roof plan view of the shelter unit;FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the shelter unit;FIG. 9 is a first side view of the assembled shelter unit;FIG. 10 is a second side view of the assembled shelter unit;FIG. 11 is a rear view of the assembled shelter unit;FIG. 12 is a front view of the assembled shelter unit;FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an assembled shelter unit of another embodiment of the present disclosure with the roof panel removed for clarity;FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the interior of the shelter unit of FIG. 13 with the front, roof, and one side panel removed;FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the assembled shelter unit of FIG. 13 with the rear, roof, and one side panel removed;FIG. 16A is an exploded view of the shelter unit of FIG. 13;FIG. 16B is the exploded view of FIG. 16B with drainage paths indicated with dashed lines and arrows;FIG. 17A is an exploded view of the shelter unit of FIG. 13 in a packed configuration;FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the shelter unit of FIG. 13 in a packed configuration;FIG. 18 is a perspective view of polycarbonate panels separated by air space.3 Attorney Docket No. 19927-004WOU1DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The present disclosure provides an insulated shelter unit configured primarily as a personal sleeping capsule that functions as a thermal and environmental buffer between an occupant and external weather conditions. Unlike conventional temporary shelters intended for extended habitation, the disclosed shelter unit is sized to allow occupants to sleep within a secure, private enclosure, while requiring minimal energy input and material use.

[0010] The shelter unit comprises a small number of prefabricated panels forming a highly insulated envelope that can be rapidly assembled, disassembled, and relocated. The envelope is configured to significantly reduce heat transfer in both cold and hot weather conditions, allowing the interior environment to be maintained at livable temperatures primarily through insulation performance and occupant body heat, with optional tempering via connections to external ventilation, heating, cooling, or air-exchange systems.

[0011] Structural integrity is achieved through the cooperation of angled corner portions and external tensile straps that cinch the panels together, reducing reliance on internal framing while increasing resistance to wind and seismic loads. The angled corners both protect panel edges from strap compression and permit partial cantilevering of wall panels to maximize interior volume without increasing the unit footprint.

[0012] The shelter unit further provides a personal, lockable interior space that is weather-tight, water-tight, and hygienic, distinguishing it from shared or dormitory-style shelters. Optional features include integrated humidity management, controlled ventilation apertures, high-performance translucent glazing for daylighting, and external connection points for distributed heating or cooling systems serving one or more shelter units.

[0013] In this way, the shelter unit functions as a repeatable, durable, low-cost sleeping environment that buffers occupants from environmental extremes.

[0014] The shelter unit provides temporary shelter for occupants and can be quickly and easily assembled (e g., by volunteers) where needed, and that can also be disassembled and relocated for re-use when needed elsewhere. The shelter unit includes a few main panels that can be packed flat for transport and assembled on sight by volunteers. The shelter unit may include an angled corner support that allows the side walls, such as structurally insulated panels, to cantilever, thereby maximizing interior volume without increasing the footprint of the unit. Further, straps envelop the 4 Attorney Docket No. 19927-004WOU1unit to provide increased structural integrity, which is facilitated in part by the inclusion of the angled corners that allows the straps to be tightened sufficiently to provide structural integrity without damaging the panels. Hygienic interior finishes may include non-toxic, fluid-applied membranes, metal ceilings for radiant heat reflection, and natural birch wood walls for warmth and hygiene.. In addition, the shelter unit may include an integrated humidity control system configured to cooperate with controlled ventilation such that moisture generated by occupants is removed while minimizing energy loss that includes desiccants to manage humidity levels and an aperture to allow for the venting of a breathing tube to the outside. An aperture may be included through a panel to allow for connection to a heating / cooling system. Windows may be included, such as polycarbonate transom windows include polycarbonate panels with an air space to achieve high-performance R-12 glazing, providing both insulation and natural light.

[0015] In an embodiment, an example of which is shown in FIGS. 1-12, a shelter unit 100 includes six main panels (a roof panel 108, a floor panel 116, a rear panel 106, a front panel 124, a first side panel 104, and a second side panel 105) that can be packed flat for transport and assembled on sight by users with limited construction experience. Side panels may include end support members (e.g., 110 in FIG. 1), which contribute to load bearing when the unit is assembled. A door 112 is included on the front, and the shelter unit 100 is positioned on a foundation 102. Angled comer portions (e.g., 109a, 109b, 117a, 117b in FIG. 8) along the junction of each of the upper ends of the side panels and the roof panel and each of the lower ends of the side panels with the floor panel allow the side walls, such as structurally insulated panels, to cantilever, thereby maximizing interior volume without increasing the footprint of the unit. Further, straps 120 (e.g., 120a-120d as can best be seen in FIG. 4) envelop the unit 100 to provide increased structural integrity, which is facilitated in part by the inclusion of the angled comer portions, which preferably include an outward facing surface that is angled at about 45 degrees and abuts the upper portion of the roof panel at one end and the outside portion of the side panel on the other. Straps 120 preferably engage the floor panel, first side panel, roof panel, and second side panel to provide structural integrity such that the main panels can be initially assembled with relatively few simple attachments, such as screws. This structure allows for ease of assembly, and also allows for the ease of disassembly and re-use.

[0016] In addition, when not assembled, the main panels can be stacked on top of each other to form a compact package for transporting the unit.5 Attorney Docket No. 19927-004WOU1

[0017] Interior finishes may include non-toxic, fluid-applied membranes, that allow for ease of cleaning. In addition, the ceiling may be coated with a metal or other reflective material for radiant heat reflection. In addition, an integrated humidity control system may include desiccants to manage humidity levels and an aperture to allow for the venting of a breathing tube to the outside. Windows may be included, such as polycarbonate transom windows with polycarbonate panels with an air space to achieve high-performance R-8 or more glazing, providing both insulation and natural light. In this way, the shelter unit can be maintained at livable temperatures even in relatively cold conditions, including below freezing, without the use of an installed heating source (e.g., electric or gas).

[0018] The interior finish allows the interior of the shelter unit to be cleaned easily, such as by spraying with a water hose, without causing damage to the walls or floor or requiring extensive drying procedures. Tie down structures may be included, such as hooks attached to the floor panel, to facilitate securing the shelter in place (e.g., in the event of high winds).

[0019] The units of the present disclosure are insulated, demountable micro- shelters designed for efficient thermal retention and rapid preheating to provide safe and comfortable emergency housing. The design allows for easy assembly and disassembly by volunteers, making it ideal for rapid deployment in various environments. Once preheated, a single occupant’s body heat can maintain a suitable interior temperature even in sub-freezing conditions.

[0020] As noted, the shelter unit’s structural system includes bands or straps, such as pallet straps, as primary tensile structural elements. These straps provide lateral stability and structural integrity, reducing the need for additional rigid framing elements. The pallet straps rigidize the SIP shell and help ensure stability under wind and seismic loads. The straps are positioned at intervals along the side of the unit and work in conjunction with the comer cantilever design, maximizing the internal volume while reinforcing the structure against lateral forces.

[0021] The shelter unit also may be constructed to include a well-insulated envelope, which may include panels, such as 4.5 inch (11.4 cm) polyisocyanurate structural insulated panels (SIP) that form the unit exterior and provide thermal resistance. These features allow for self-sustaining thermal performance in many weather conditions. For example, estimates indicate that a single adult’s body heat can maintain a 65°F (18°C) interior temperature within a shelter unit when exterior temperatures are 24°F (-4.4°C) for an 8-hour sleep cycle.6 Attorney Docket No. 19927-004WOU1

[0022] In addition, in some embodiments a preheating system is included in which hot air is introduced into the unit using a vacuum hose-sized air system powered by a heating / cooling source (such as a diesel air heater or electric blower) located outside of the unit. A splitter system can distribute heated air to multiple units from a single heat generator, improving energy efficiency. Once preheated, the occupant’s natural body heat sustains warmth without additional power.Ventilation and heating / cooling can be facilitates by including intake and exhaust apertures, preferably located at opposite comers. For example, a fresh conditioned air hose connects to a two inch (5 cm) diameter fitting at the top of the door wall just below the polycarbonate portion, while the exhaust air would exit through a one-way flapper valve.

[0023] To anchor the unit, U-bolts, such as Weather Guard U-bolts may be secured to anchor plates, fastened with structural screws. The U-bolts are preferably positioned for load distribution and to provide hurricane / earth quake resistance.

[0024] In addition, the units may be made fire resistant and include hygienic interior features. For example, walls may be treated with intumescent fire-resistant coating to mitigate ignition risks from potential substance abuse. Flooring may include a Class A-rated silicone fluid-applied coating for hygiene and durability. The ceiling may be lined with reflective foil to enhance radiant heat retention.

[0025] In another embodiment, an example of which is shown in FIGS. 13-18, a shelter unit 200 includes six main panels (a roof panel 208, a floor panel 216, a rear panel 206, a front panel 213 that includes a door 212, a first side panel 204, and a second side panel 205) that can be packed flat for transport and assembled on sight by users with limited construction experience. A door 112 is included on the front, and the shelter unit 100 is positioned on a foundation 102. Angled corner portions (e.g., 209a and 209b on the side (long) ends) roof panel 208 as can be seen in FIG. 16A) and 217a and 217b on the side (long) ends) floor panel 216 as can be seen in FIG. 15) along the long edges of each of the roof and floor panels. These angled portions allows straps 220 (e.g., 220a-220b as can best be seen in FIGS. 15 and 16) be tightened around the shelter unit 200 without damaging the panels compared to sharper angles (e.g., the angled portion may preferably be about 45 degrees with respect to vertical as opposed to a 90 degree angle typically encountered at panel junctures.) In a preferred embodiment, sheaths 215 (e.g., 215a, 215b as shown in FIG. 13) may be included on one or more of the panels, for example the side panels, to provide a covered casing for straps 220.7 Attorney Docket No. 19927-004WOU1

[0026] For ventilation and heating / cooling, an intake 277 and an exhaust 279 may be included.

[0027] Straps 220 are spaced at intervals along the length of shelter unit 200 and envelop and cinch the panels of the unit 200 together when in the constructed configuration to provide increased structural integrity. Straps 220 preferably engage the floor panel, first side panel, roof panel, and second side panel to provide structural integrity such that the main panels, including the front and rear panels, which are disposed between the first and second side panels, can be initially assembled with relatively few simple attachments, such as screws. This structure allows for ease of assembly, and also allows for the ease of disassembly and re-use.

[0028] Each side panel includes a pair of end supports (e.g., 250a and 250b on side panel 204 and 252a and 252b on side panel 205) that are disposed between the roof panel 208 and floor panel 216 when assembled. The end supports extend all the way between the roof panel and floor panel. Similarly, a plurality of middle support members 254 (e.g., 254a-254b) extend vertically at intervals along inside portions of side panels 204, 205 to provide further support for the roof panel. In a preferred embodiment, the middle supports are aligned at intervals with the sheaths and extend from the top of the lower portion (SIP) to the roof panel. These end and middle supports may be required in preferred embodiments in which the side and rear panels comprise a SIP from the bottom up to about four feet (1.2 m) and the remaining height comprises panes 258 of a transparent material, such as polycarbonate (e.g., three layers as shown in FIG. 18 in which pairs of polycarbonate panels separated by an air space), which may preferably extend across the length of the panels. This not only allows much natural light for the unit while maintaining insulating properties, but allows the side and rear panels to be constructed very efficiently, e g., by using sizes that are prevalently available, such as four feet (1.2 m) by eight feet (2.4 m).

[0029] In addition, when not assembled, the main panels can be stacked on top of each other to form a compact package in a packed configuration 201 (as shown in FIG. 17B, which includes layer 275 that includes additional components such as trim) for transporting or storing the unit. (In addition to the panels, the packed configuration can include other materials, such as the strap coverings or sheaths 215 and trim, depicted in FIG. 17A as layer 275.) In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17B, the six main panels can be stacked in five layers as rear and front panels 206, 213 are sized relative to the floor, roof, and side panels such that both panels can fit within the length and width dimensions of the floor, roof, and side panels. In this way, for some embodiments that can be easily assembled and used for temporary shelter in the assembled configuration, the flat-packed 8 Attorney Docket No. 19927-004WOU1configuration can have dimensions of not more than 3 m long by 1.8 m wide by 1.2 high. This allows, in many case, the unit in the packed configuration to be transported in a standard pickup truck or similar, or many units to be transported on larger vehicles.

[0030] The term “about” when used with a corresponding numeric value refers to ±20% of the numeric value, typically ±10% of the numeric value, often ±5% of the numeric value, and most often ±2% of the numeric value. In some embodiments, the term “about” can be taken as exactly indicating the actual numerical value.

[0031] Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Features of each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present disclosure. Additionally, although particular methods herein may be illustrated and / or described as being performed in a specific order, the ordering is highly variable within ordinary skill to achieve aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that which is specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.9 Attorney Docket No. 19927-004WOU1

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A shelter unit comprising:a floor panel, a roof panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel;a first side upper corner support, a first side lower comer support, a second side upper corner support, and a second side lower corner support; anda plurality of straps,wherein, when the shelter unit is assembled, the first side upper corner support is connected to and between the roof panel and the first side panel along an upper length of the first side panel, the second side upper comer support is connected to and between the roof panel and the second side panel along an upper length of the second side panel, the first side lower corner support is connected to and between the floor panel and the first side panel along a lower length of the first side panel, and the second side lower comer support is connected to and between the floor panel and the second side panel along a lower length of the second side panel, andwherein, when the shelter unit is assembled, each of the plurality of straps are positioned at intervals and tightened around the roof panel, the first side panel, the floor panel, and the second side panel such that the plurality of straps cinch the roof panel, the first side panel, the floor panel, and the second side panel together.

2. The shelter unit of claim 1, wherein the straps are pallet straps.

3. The shelter unit of claim 1, wherein, when assembled, a bottom edge of the first side panel overlaps with a top surface of the floor panel by less than one-half a width of the bottom edge of the first side panel and a bottom edge of the second side panel overlaps with the top surface of the floor panel by less than one-half a width of the bottom edge of the second side panel.

4. The shelter unit of claim 3, wherein, when assembled, a bottom edge of the first side panel overlaps with a top surface of the floor panel by less than one-ninth the width of the bottom edge of the first side panel and a bottom edge of the second side panel overlaps with the top surface of the floor panel by less than one-ninth of the width of the bottom edge of the second side panel.

5. The shelter unit of claim 1, wherein, when the shelter unit is assembled, the first side upper comer support forms about a 45 degree angle between the roof panel and the first side panel along the upper length of the first side panel, the second side upper corner support forms 10 Attorney Docket No . 19927-004WOU 1about a 45 degree angle between the roof panel and the second side panel along the upper length of the second side panel, the first side lower corner support forms about a 45 degree angle between the floor panel and the first side panel along the lower length of the first side panel, and the second side lower comer support forms about a 45 degree angle between the floor panel and the second side panel along the lower length of the second side panel.

6. The shelter unit of claim 1, wherein interior, exposed surfaces of the floor panel, the front panel, the rear panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel are coated with fluid- applied membranes.

7. The shelter unit of claim 6, wherein an interior, exposed surface of the roof panel includes a reflective covering.

8. The shelter unit of claim 7, further including a vent aperture.

9. The shelter unit of claim 7, further including a plurality of windows, wherein each of the plurality of windows comprises a pair of polycarbonate panels separated by an air space.

10. The shelter unit of claim 7, further including one or more tie down members connected to the floor panel.

11. The shelter unit of claim 5, wherein when the shelter unit is assembled, a first surface of the first side upper comer support abuts a first side edge of the roof panel along the length of the roof panel, a second surface of the first side upper comer support abuts a top edge of the first side panel along the upper length of the first side panel, and a third surface of the first side upper comer support faces outward and is at about a 45 degree angle.

12. The shelter unit of claim 11, wherein when the shelter unit is assembled, a first surface of the second side upper corner support abuts a second side edge of the roof panel along the length of the roof panel, a second surface of the second side upper comer support abuts a top edge of the second side panel along the upper length of the second side panel, and a third surface of the second side upper comer support faces outward and is at about a 45 degree angle.

13. The shelter unit of claim 12, wherein when the shelter unit is assembled, a first surface of the first side lower corner support abuts a first side edge of the floor panel along the length of the floor panel, a second surface of the first side lower comer support abuts a bottom edge of the first side panel along the lower length of the first side panel, and a third surface of the first side lower corner support faces outward and is at about a 45 degree angle.

14. The shelter unit of claim 13, wherein when the shelter unit is assembled, a first surface of the second side lower corner support abuts a second side edge of the floor panel along the length of the floor panel, a second surface of the second side lower corner support abuts a bottom 11 Attorney Docket No. 19927-004WOU1edge of the second side panel along the lower length of the second side panel, and a third surface of the second side lower comer support faces outward and is at about a 45 degree angle.

15. The shelter unit of claim 14, wherein, when the shelter unit is assembled, each of the plurality of straps engages with the third surface of the first side upper comer support, the third surface of the second side upper comer support, the third surface of the first side lower comer support, and the third surface of the second side lower corner support.

16. The shelter unit of claim 1, wherein, when the shelter unit is disassembled, the roof panel, the floor panel, front panel, the rear panel, the first and second side panels are configured to be stacked to form a flat-packed configuration having dimensions of not more than 3 m long by 1.8 m wide by 1.2 high.

17. A method of assembling a shelter unit comprising:attaching a first side panel to a first side edge of a floor panel;attaching a second side panel to a second side edge of the floor panel, wherein the second side edge is opposite the first side edge;attaching a rear panel to a bottom panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel; attaching a front panel to the bottom panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel; attaching a roof panel to the first side panel, the second side panel, the rear panel, and the front panel; andcinching a plurality of straps around the roof panel, the floor panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the junctions between the first side panel and the roof panel, the second side panel and the roof panel, the floor panel to the first side panel, and the second side panel and the floor panel each form an angled surface.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein each angled surface is about 45 degrees with respect to vertical.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the attaching comprises attaching with screws.

21. The method of claim 20, further including dissembling the shelter unit by:disengaging and removing the plurality of straps;removing the screws and detaching the roof panel from the front panel, the rear panel, and the first and second side panels, the front panel from the first and second side panels, the rear panel from the first and second side panels, and the floor panel from the front panel, the rear panel, and the first and second side panels; and 12 Attorney Docket No. 19927-004WOU1stacking the roof panel, the floor panel, front panel, the rear panel, the first and second side panels to form a flat-packed shelter unit having dimensions of not more than 3 m long by 1.8 m wide by 1.2 high.

22. A shelter unit for temporary occupancy comprising:a floor panel having a top, a bottom, a first long edge and a second long edge opposite the first long edge, wherein the floor panel includes angled portions along the first and second long edges that extend from the bottom outwardly to the top;a roof panel having a top, a bottom, a first long edge and a second long edge opposite the first long edge, wherein the roof panel includes angled portions along the first and second long edges that extend from the top outwardly to the bottom;a pair of side panels each having a top, a bottom, an inside face and an outside face, wherein each side panel has a length and a height, wherein each side panel includes an end support member on each of a first end and a second end, each end support member extending from the bottom to the top, wherein each side panel includes a lower portion extending the length of the side panel and from the bottom partway toward the top, and wherein each side panel includes an upper portion extending the length of the side panel and from lower portion to the top of the side panel, the upper portion comprised of a different material than the lower portion;a rear panel;a front panel including a door; anda plurality of straps,wherein, when the shelter unit is in an assembled configuration, the side panels are between the floor panel and the roof panel and the rear panel and the front panel are between the side panels, and each of the plurality of straps are positioned at intervals and cinched around the roof panel, the side panels to provide structural integrity.

23. The shelter unit of claim 22, further including a plurality of sheaths at intervals along the outside face of each side panel, wherein each of the plurality of sheaths contains a respective one of the plurality of straps when the shelter unit is in the assembled configuration.

24. The shelter unit of claim 22, further including a plurality of support members at intervals along the inside face of each side panel extending from a top of the lower portion to the roof panel when the shelter unit is in the assembled configuration.

25. The shelter unit of claim 24, wherein the end support members and support members are load-bearing when the shelter unit is in the assembled configuration.13 Attorney Docket No. 19927-004WOU126. The shelter unit of claim 25, wherein the plurality of support members are aligned with respective ones of the plurality of sheaths when the shelter unit is in the assembled configuration.

27. The shelter unit of claim 22, wherein the upper portions of the side panels are transparent.

28. The shelter unit of claim 27, wherein the upper portions of the side panels are made of multiple layers of a polycarbonate material.

29. The shelter unit of claim 27, wherein the lower portions of the side panels are structural insulated panels.

30. The shelter unit of claim 22, wherein the rear panel has a top, a bottom, a length, a height, a lower portion extending the length from the bottom partway toward the top, and an upper portion extending the length of the side panel and from lower portion to the top.

31. The shelter unit of claim 22, wherein the plurality of straps engage the angled portions of the roof panel and the floor panel when cinched around the roof panel, the side panels and the floor panel when the shelter unit is in the assembled configuration.

32. The shelter unit of claim 22, wherein, when the shelter unit is disassembled, the roof panel, the floor panel, front panel, the rear panel, and the side panels are configured to be stacked to form a flat-packed configuration having dimensions of not more than 3 m long by 1.8 m wide by 1.2 high.

33. The shelter unit of claim 32, wherein, when the shelter unit is in the flat-packed configuration, the front panel and the rear panel are disposed side by side in a layer between two of: the side panels, the roof panel, and the floor panel.

34. The shelter unit of claim 22, wherein, when the shelter unit is in the assembled configuration, the angled portions of the roof panel form about a 45 degree angle between the roof panel and the side panels along the length of the side panels and the angled portions of the floor panel form about a 45 degree angle between the floor panel and the side panels along the length of the side panels.

35. The shelter unit of claim 22, further include an air intake aperture and an outlet, wherein the outlet is a one-way flapper valve.14 Attorney Docket No. 19927-004WOU1

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