RAPID RESPONSE SHELTERS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/566,684, having the same title and filed on Mar. 18, 2024, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Reliable and quality shelter is an unmet need for many. There are a variety of circumstances that increase the need for shelter, including conflicts, geopolitical instability, natural disasters, migration, and health-related causes.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The various embodiments provide rapid response shelters. The shelters comprise components that are easy to transport and readily assembled on-site. In an example, a shelter includes walls of insulated composite material, such as recycled plastic, that are partially preassembled to assist in construction on-site as well as for ease of transport. For example, two or more walls of a shelter may be attached, for example using hinges or components of a quick connect system, permitting them to lie flat in transit and be articulated to a predetermined angle during construction, which is guided by virtue of inclusion of predetermined connection points and prefabricated connectors placed in locations of the components, such as the walls, roof, floor, and/or framing material, to assist the user in quick construction.

In summary, an embodiment provides a shelter, comprising: a plurality of wall components, at least two of which are attachable and collapsible to be capable of lying flat; a roof component configurable to be attached to the plurality of wall components after the plurality of wall components are expanded from a flat state; and a quick connect system, wherein components of the quick connect system are supplied in a predetermined pattern in the roof component and respective ones of the plurality of wall components; each of the components of the quick connect system being configured to be attached to a complimentary component.

Another embodiment provides a system, comprising: a shelter, comprising: a plurality of wall components, at least two of which are attachable and collapsible to be capable of lying flat; a roof component configurable to be attached to the plurality of wall components after the plurality of wall components are expanded from a flat state; and a quick connect system, wherein components of the quick connect system are supplied in a predetermined pattern in the roof component and respective ones of the plurality of wall components; each of the components of the quick connect system being configured to be attached to a complimentary component; a sink; a water storage unit; a toilet; one or more beds; and one or more water lines configurable to connect the water storage unit and the sink.

A further embodiment provides a kit, comprising: a shelter, comprising: a plurality of wall components, at least two of which are attachable and collapsible to be capable of lying flat; a roof component configurable to be attached to the plurality of wall components after the plurality of wall components are expanded from a flat state; and a quick connect system, wherein components of the quick connect system are supplied in a predetermined pattern in the roof component and respective ones of the plurality of wall components; each of the components of the quick connect system being configured to be attached to a complimentary component.

The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.

For a better understanding of the embodiments, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example shelter.

FIG. 2 illustrates another side view of the example shelter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a further side view of the example shelter of FIG. 1, where the opposite side may be symmetric to that shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example view of a shelter component.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example view of shelter components.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example view of an example quick connect system.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example view of another example quick connect system.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example view of a shelter component having components of a quick connect system associated therewith.

FIG. 5B illustrates an example view of shelter components lying flat.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example top view of a shelter with the roof removed.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example top view of another shelter with the roof removed.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example view of a shelter component.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example view of a shelter leveling system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described example embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the example embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, but is merely representative of those embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “embodiment(s)” (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “according to embodiments” or “in an embodiment” (or the like) in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of example embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that aspects can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obfuscation.

Referring FIG. 1, and by way of example, an embodiment provides a shelter 100 for use in connection with a need for temporary or semi-permanent housing, such as in cases where a natural disaster has occurred, etc. Shelter 100 includes walls, one of which is indicated at 120, and a roof 110, which connect to one another to form a stable structure. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, roof 110 or wall 120 includes a vent 111 for a composting toilet, one or more solar panels 118, and downspout apertures (one of which is indicated at 170) for downspouts 130a, 130b, which are configured to collect rainwater from roof 110 and collect it for storage, as further described herein. Further, roof 110 and wall may be connected via one or more connectors, such as eves trough securing mechanism 132. Eves trough securing mechanism 132 may comprise a strapping material to connect an eves trough of roof 110. In an embodiment, one end of the strapping material of eves trough securing mechanism 132 may be permanently attached to roof 110 and the other end wrapped around the eves and secured back to the roof with a “keyhole” hanger.

In the example of FIG. 2, which illustrates the opposite side of shelter 100 of FIG. 1, shelter 200 includes a wall 250 attached to roof 210 and comprises a door 240, permitting access to shelter 200. The door may include a locking mechanism.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example shelter in which a side view of shelter 100 is visible. Here, a wall 360 is attached to roof 310 and walls 320, 350. As may be appreciated, roof 310 is sloped via shape of wall 360 (for example having one side be 10′ and the other side be 8′) such that rainwater transits downward towards eves trough 310a and through eves trough apertures 370 (illustrated in FIG. 3A). This permits rainwater to enter into downspouts, one of which is illustrated at 330, and to be collected into storage, for example within shelter 100 as further described herein.

Shown in FIG. 3A is a shelter component, for example a roof 310b, viewed from the underside or interior. Here it can be appreciated that a series of connectors 390 of a quick connect system are provided in a predetermined pattern. By way of example, connectors 390 may be receptacles for a quick connect system into which complementary posts are inserted and snapped into place (as further described in connection with FIG. 4A and FIG. 5). In the example illustrated in FIG. 3A, connectors 390 are arranged in a pattern for connection of five walls, four exterior and one interior, as indicated by interior wall fitting 380. Further illustrated in the example of FIG. 3A is eves trough 310a and downspout apertures 370.

The view provided in FIG. 4 illustrates that components of shelter 100, such as walls, e.g., indicated at 120 of FIG. 1, roof, e.g., indicated at 110 of FIG. 1, and a base or floor 499, may include frame components 425. For example, aluminum frame components 425 of having for example dimensions of 2″×6″ square tubing may be used for base 499. In an embodiment, frame components 425 may have other dimensions or be constructed of different material, such as for example using plastic material for wall or roof components, different dimensions such as 2″×2″ tubing, etc. In one example, base 499 includes two 2″×6″×8′ frame components 425 on either end, and five 2″×6″×10′ frame components 425 at the front, back and every two feet within the structure of base 499.

In an embodiment, frame components 425 include connectors 490, for example receptacles for a quick connect system or posts for insertion into complementary frame components 425 included in a wall (as further described in association with FIG. 4A and FIG. 5).

In an embodiment, shelter components such as base 499 may include endcaps 435, for example positioned at one or more ends of base 499, indicated in FIG. 4 via the dashed rectangle. Endcaps 435 may be secured into position with connectors 445, such as tree connectors, illustrated in the partial enlarged view in FIG. 4. When utilized, endcaps 445 may include cutouts or apertures 490a to accommodate connectors for other components, such as connectors included with a wall component (as further described in connection with FIG. 5 and FIG. 5A).

Shelter components of embodiments, such as base 499 or endcap(s) 435, may include a mechanism 435a to assist in lifting, securing, or moving the respective component or the entire shelter. By way of example, mechanism 435a may take the form of eye-bolts added to base 499, two on each end, located near the front and back sides, for a total of four. These mechanism(s), e.g., mechanism 435a, are used for transportation, including lifting, pulling, and anchoring (securing) the structure.

Various components of shelter 100 include connecting mechanisms or connectors of a quick connect system, such as illustrated in FIG. 4A. In the example cross sectional view of FIG. 4A, a connector post 490c may extend from a base frame component 425a and into a wall frame component 425b. The base frame component 425a and wall frame component 425b may be secured together via a pin securing mechanism 491a, for example in the form of a pin that transits through both wall frame component 425b and connector post 490c.

In an embodiment, other connecting mechanisms may be utilized. For example, illustrated in FIG. 5 is a quick connect system in the form of a snap-in connector 555. Illustrated as part of a wall 520, the snap-in connector 555 includes a post with spring out locking panels 555a. When positioned within a complementary receptacle of another component, such as frame component 525, the spring out locking panels 555a expand to secure snap-in connector 555 in place.

Shelter components such as walls 520, 560 illustrated in FIG. 5A may include snap-in connectors 555, for example in a predetermined pattern complimentary to other component features, such as connectors 390 (in the form of receptacles) of FIG. 3A, to collectively form a quick connect system. This permits walls 520, 560 to be easily secured into proper place with respect to a complimentary component such as roof 310b. Other features may be built into the shelter components such as walls 520, 560, such as fittings or grooves for placement of internal components, such as internal walls, appliances, fixtures or furniture, as further described herein.

In an embodiment, one or more air vents 531 may be added, e.g., to wall 520 or an interior wall such as a wall in the bathroom or the main living area. Vent(s) 531 can be opened and closed depending on the need and may be connected to duct work for cooling or heating, as further described herein.

Referring to FIG. 5A, wall(s) 520, 560 may be comprised of corrugated composite material. For example, an embodiment uses polyester (recycled plastic) within the corrugation for insulation. In an embodiment, walls 520, 560 are connected to each other using a hinge(s) 565, such as piano hinges that can be removed or added, depending on the number of people constructing the shelter. A piano hinge allows for easy transport as walls 520, 560 can be stacked in a lying flat configuration or state.

Certain of the shelter components may be constructed for shipment in an attached fashion, for example using hinge 565, which again may take the form of a piano hinge. In the example shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, hinge 565 secures walls 520, 560 such that these may form a pair of walls connected to one another in a collapsable fashion, as shown in FIG. 5B. In an embodiment, the walls may be of different lengths or different heights, as per the example dimensions provided throughout this description. Providing walls as pairs that are preconfigured, and optionally attached to one another, permits for easier transport and storage of shelter components, as they may lie flat and be easily articulated and positioned for mating with complementary components such as a base and roof.

It is noted that certain of shelter components may not be attached during shipment or may be attached or associated with a mechanism during that build that differs from an attachment mechanism used during shipment. For example, wall 520 and wall 560 may include snap-in connectors 555 at an interface in place of or in addition to hinge 565. Thus, hinge 565 may be omitted or removed after shipment, and snap-in connectors 555 may be used to attach walls 520, 560, etc.

Illustrated in FIG. 6 is an example shelter in which walls, e.g., indicated at 620, 650, form a shelter having an interior wall separating a room with bed 695, which may take the form of bunkbeds, and a bathroom having composting toilet 675 and sink 685. As shown, wall 620 may include a vent aperture 611a for composting toilet 675 and associated downspouts 630, one of which is shown as connected via conduit 602, such as a water line, to water storage 601, for example a water storage unit such as water storage tank or bladder that collects rainwater from downspouts 630.

As illustrated, conduit 602 may include a filter 604. For example, drinking water may be captured from roof 110 runoff. The rainwater flows through the eaves trough into downspouts 630, for example two schedule 40 pipes that have removable water filters imbedded within them as indicated at filter 604. In an embodiment, filter 604 is made of recycled nylon stockings that holds sand and charcoal as filter media, which may be layered to provide clean water. In an embodiment, more than one filter 604 may be used, which may be of various types, for example providing an additional filter 602a within water storage 601 that provides an additional layer of filtration. However, it is still recommended that the water be boiled before drinking or food preparation. In an example, filter 604 is provided in a system that utilizes two, 2-inch schedule 40 intake, thick walled, pipes for downspouts 630. Filter 604 may be housed within downspouts 630. In one example, filter 604 is comprised of a nylon stocking (recycled material), filled with layers of sand and charcoal. A nylon rope attaches to filter 604 within a respective downspout 630 for easy removal, and filter 604 is designed to be replaced on a regular basis. It is noted that downspout 630 may include a permeable cap or cover (not illustrated). Sand and charcoal are readily available materials and can be easily sourced.

The water storage 601 may take a variety of forms, such as a plastic or aluminum tank, and may be placed under bed 695. In an embodiment, on a full-size bed 695, a tank as water storage 601 may be positioned below the mattress and used as ballast. Water storage 601 in the form of a tank may hold about 525 gallons (approximately 4,380 pounds or 1,985 kilograms) of water. The dimensions of a full-size bed are about 54″×75″×30″. A queen size bed is designed to hold about 622 gallons (approximately 5,194 pounds or 2,354 kilograms). The dimensions of a queen size bed are about 60″×80″×30″. In an embodiment, inside water storage 601 is conduit 602 in the form of a flexible supply line with a filter 602a and float. Filter 602a adds one more layer of filtration to help keep drinking water safe. In an embodiment, a float is designed to keep the intake off the bottom of water storage 601, which will help limit silt from entering the supply line. Conduit 602 may include a quick connect water supply line that connects water of water storage 601 to sink 685. In an embodiment, the size of tanks used as water storage 601 is based on the Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) standards. One EDU is the equivalent to 183 gallons per day of water. However, it is expected that less water will be used daily. In an embodiment, water storage 601 may be provided in a reduced size, for example to provide additional space for storage or shelving, built-in drawers, or similar next to a water storage tank, under bed 695.

In an embodiment, bed 695 may take the form of bunkbeds that utilize polyester material to sleep on, as well as to form a cargo net. A cargo net prevents individuals from rolling off the top of bed 695. In an embodiment, bed 695 may be comprised of 6061-T6 aluminum 2-inch square tubes. In an embodiment, a polyester bed mattress and cargo net slide over the siderails of bed 695. Once the polyester material is installed over the siderails, the siderails can then be attached to the end pieces of bed 695. Note the polyester cargo net may be pre-installed at a factory.

In an embodiment, a shelter also utilizes a commercially made composting toilet 675. This helps to reduce diseases such as cholera. In an embodiment, sink 685 operates via a pump 603 (which may be a foot pump) to move water from water storage 601 into sink 685 via conduit 602. Because this water is considered “gray water” the drain can exit the bottom or base of the shelter. In an embodiment, sink 685 features a swivel faucet, which will allow a 5-gallon bucket to be filled for cooking, cleaning, and other applications.

In the example of FIG. 6, the shelter is configured with an internal wall comprising an internal door 606, separating a bedroom and living area from the bathroom area. The shelter further comprises an exterior door 640 located in wall 650 for ingress and egress.

In an embodiment, shelters may be provided in various sizes and formed from modular components. In the example of FIG. 6A, a shelter 600 can sleep up to four people. Shelter 600 is equipped with a small kitchenette, sleeping area with bunkbeds 695a, 695b, and a bathroom. For more permanent locations, concrete floors can be poured with the insertion of connector posts into the concrete. Additionally, local water and sewer can be installed within each concrete pad. Shelter 600 may include one or more solar panels, which can be installed on the roof of each shelter to provide enough electricity to power LED lights 627a, 627b, a small efficiency refrigerator 614a, and a microwave 616a, which may be powered by electric energy stored in storage 619a, for example a battery attached to one or more solar panels (e.g., 118 of FIG. 1).

In an embodiment, shelter 600 may be provided in various dimensions, for example wall 650a may be about 18′ in length, whereas wall 660a may be about 15′ in length. The example shelter 600 includes an exterior door 640a in wall 650a. The example shelter 600 includes composting toilet 675a, sinks 685a, 685b, water storage (not illustrated), interior doors 606a, 606b, as well as an air conditioner and appropriate ducts for heating and cooling of shelter 626a, e.g., in association with vent(s) 531. In an example, the air conditioner 626a may take the form of a mini-split system and be powered by storage 619a, for example as charged by one or more solar panels (e.g., 118 of FIG. 1).

When leveling of shelters is desirable, for example for installation on uneven ground, an embodiment includes a leveling system including a leveler 708, for example in the form of a jack that works in coordination with base or frame components 725, as illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 7A. In the example of FIG. 7, frame components 725 of base include connectors 790 in the form of receptacles for a quick connect system or posts for interfacing with wall components. Further, a receiver plate 707 is configured to interface with leveler 708 and may include a connector 790a, which may be a component of a quick connect system. Receiver plate 707 is for example made of rigid metal or composite material that may include a connector component 790a for interfacing with a quick connect system component, e.g., provided in a wall component or as part of the leveler system in the form of adaptor 755, as further described herein.

Receiver plate 707 is provided for interfacing with leveler 708. By way of example, leveler 708 may include a crank 709 for adjusting its height and, when placed in connection with receiver plate 707, lift the end of the shelter for leveling. The leveler 708 in turn may include or be associated with connector or adaptor 755 that interfaces with receiver plate 707 to permit the leveler 708 to lift the shelter. In an embodiment, connector or adaptor 755 may be part of a quick connect system, e.g., include a post for a complimentary receptacle provided in receiver plate or frame component 725.

As may be appreciated, more than one levelling system (e.g., leveler 708 and receiving plate 707) may be provided, such as one leveler 708 for each corner of a shelter base or floor. Shelter 600 therefore can be equipped with a floor leveling system. The floor leveling system may use, for example, a recreational vehicle (RV) stabilization jack as leveler 708, which can be easily found at any hardware or RV store. In an embodiment of the leveling system, a quick connect system may be provided to attach to (e.g., bolt on) a top of the jack 708, such as in the form of adaptor 755. The jack 708 may then be slid into place in receiver plate 707 using the complementary quick connect system component to connect the bottom of the floor to the jack 707 via receiver plate 707. The jack 708 can then be raised or lowered as needed to level the shelter. In an embodiment, there are four locations for jacks that can be attached quickly to the bottom of the floor, one of which is illustrated at 707 of FIG. 7.

In an embodiment, shelters are prefabricated in at least a partially collapsible form, for example using hinges to affix wall components to one another. This permits the shelter to be laid flat and stacked, assisting in transport for example via helicopter.

An embodiment includes a shelter having a floor, walls and roof that are snap-fit together, for example using a quick connect system of fasteners that are snapped into place using pre-determined receptacles, fixing the respective components to one another.

In an embodiment, wall components of the shelter unit may be provided in differing sizes or geometries, for example facilitating application of a slope to a roof component when fixed together with wall components of differing height.

In an embodiment, an aluminum frame may be provided, for example to support sturdier construction such as when placing the shelter on uneven ground.

In an embodiment, a leveling system may be included or used in combination with the shelter, for example a jack that interfaces with or connects to an underside of the shelter floor, wherein the jack may be secured into place permanently or indirectly via an adaptor.

In an embodiment, the shelter may include interior compartments formed using additional composite walls, for example forming one or more rooms in the interior of the shelter, such as a bathroom, kitchen, etc.

An embodiment provides water collection and filtration features, for example configured in the roof component of a shelter. By way of example, one or more downspouts may be positioned in association with an eavestrough of the roof, supplying rainwater drainage via included conduit(s) to a filtration system and water tank, where the water tank may be supplied in a space-saving manner, such as underneath a bed unit. In an embodiment, a pump system such as a foot or pedal pump is included to facilitate movement of collected and filtered water, for example between water tank and sink. Such an arrangement supplies water to interior components, if included, such as a sink and associated drainage system, which may be made to the exterior, such as via the floor or wall component having an aperture or draining system or conduit.

In an embodiment, a composting toilet may be included with a shelter. The toilet may be vented to exterior, e.g., via the roof.

In an embodiment, energy generation systems may be supplied, such as solar panels integrated with or connectable to a roof component as well as an energy storage system such as a rechargeable battery or other electricity storage unit. In an embodiment, lighting components may be included, for example operatively connected to one or more of the energy generation system and the electricity storage unit. In an embodiment, heat, ventilation, and air conditioning unit(s) may be provided.

The described embodiments may be provided as a kit or combination of components, for example depending on the deployment conditions, the size of the shelter desired, etc.

The embodiments may be configured using components of differing size, for example offering shelters for sized for individuals or small groups.

In an embodiment, one or more shelters are provided as a rapid response system. By way of example, example shelters may be provided in one of three distinct configurations, each tailored to specific deployment scenarios. Configurations one and two are small in dimension, e.g., 10′×10′ footprint with 8′ and 10′ end walls, for one to two person dwellings, that are ideal for rapid deployment at natural disaster locations, for example as generally illustrated in FIG. 1 through FIG. 3 and FIG. 6. A primary distinction between configurations one and two is that configuration one includes an aluminum frame and can be positioned on uneven surfaces, for example using leveling system, whereas configuration two does not include an aluminum frame and is designed for even or level surface deployments. In an embodiment, third version is a larger shelter, such as illustrated in FIG. 6A, with a 15′×18′ footprint and 8′ and 10′ end walls. Each shelter may provide room, shelter from the elements, improved safety, and limit the spread of diseases via implementation of filtered water and composting toilets.

In an embodiment, a rapid response system also helps the environment by using recycled plastic as an integral part of the construction of the shelters. Plastics can be collected from the oceans and from countries that historically do not have recycle programs.

One or more rapid response system designs can be deployed to underdeveloped or difficult to reach areas because of easy transport. Embodiments are designed with logistics in mind. During a natural disaster, often roads and bridges are impassable. All rapid response systems are configured to be transported easily, for example by boat and helicopter. In an embodiment, a rapid response system is placed in wooden crates that can be easily loaded and unloaded in remote areas. Where roads are passable, an embodiment can be loaded on to trucks or trains for transportation. Once an embodiment is removed from the crates, the wood can be used for campfires which are beneficial for cooking, boiling potable water, and bathing.

Once on location, an embodiment can be assembled, e.g., by two to three people in about an hour. Teams of volunteers, national guard, and civilians can move quickly to assemble embodiments without special tools. This allows for entire neighborhoods can be provided shelter within a few days.

It is worth noting that while specific elements are illustrated in the figures, and a particular ordering or organization of elements or steps has been illustrated, these are non-limiting examples. In certain contexts, two or more elements or steps may be combined into an equivalent element or step, an element or step may be split into two or more equivalent elements or steps, or certain elements or steps may be re-ordered or re-organized or omitted as appropriate, as the explicit illustrated examples are used only for descriptive purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

The dimensions described in this specification or any figures or materials accompanying this specification are in feet and inches unless indicated otherwise and are provided by way of example only.

If used herein, the term “about” shall include ordinary rounding from a base number to a nearest significant digit, for example a number 10.1 may be rounded to 10.0 and 10.2.

As used herein, the singular “a” and “an” may be construed as including the plural “one or more” unless clearly indicated otherwise.

This disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The example embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain principles and practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Thus, although illustrative example embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be understood that this description is not limiting and that various other changes and modifications may be affected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.