EMERGENCY SHELTER

An emergency shelter including a support frame and an outer covering. The covering includes an upper panel positioned on top of the frame, and a side panel wrapped around the frame. The upper panel has at least one downwardly extending flap with one or more fasteners. The side panel has an upper edge portion with one or more fasteners removably fastened to the fastener(s) of the at least one downwardly extending flap. Optionally, a lower panel having at least one upwardly extending flap with one or more fasteners is positioned under the frame. The side panel may have a lower edge portion with one or more fasteners removably fastened to the fastener(s) of the at least one upwardly extending flap of the lower panel. One or more packs configured to change a temperature inside the shelter relative to a temperature outside the shelter may be placed inside the shelter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed generally to temporary shelters used in emergency situations, such as natural disasters.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many situations, such as natural disasters, like floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes, result in power outages. Often, power outages leave homes intact but without electricity to run heaters and/or air conditioners. If the temperature in the area is sufficiently hot or sufficiently cold, residents may be unable to stay in their homes. The power outage may last for days or even weeks. Often, this results in a need for temporary and/or emergency housing.

Unfortunately, physical space is needed for such temporary and/or emergency housing. This can be difficult when the power outage was caused by an event that devastated a large area. Conventional solutions for providing temporary and/or emergency housing can be expensive to deploy. Further, vacating homes leaves them vulnerable to looters.

In addition to unplanned power outages, some people may wish to reduce their power consumption voluntarily by reducing the temperature in their homes in cold weather, and/or increasing the temperature in their homes in hot weather. However, if the house is too hot or too cold, it may be difficult to sleep.

Therefore, a need exists for devices that help people to stay in their homes even when those homes are uncomfortably hot or cold, particularly for sleeping. The present application provides this and other advantages as will be apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is perspective view an emergency shelter100. The shelter100is designed for indoor or outdoor use. For example, the shelter100may be assembled inside a home (e.g., on top of a bed, on a floor, and the like). The shelter100is configured to retain heat (e.g., body heat, heat generated by a chemical heating pack, and the like) or cold (e.g., cold generated by an ice pack) without the aid of external power or fuel (such as electricity, gas, oil, and the like).

Referring toFIG. 15, one or more people (e.g., a person102) may assemble the shelter100inside a home and sleep comfortably inside the shelter when environmental temperatures inside the home would make doing so difficult, if not impossible. By using the shelter100in this manner, residents (e.g., the person102) may avoid vacating the home during a power outage. In other words, the shelter100helps people stay in their homes when heating and/or cooling are not operating in the home.

The shelter100may also be used to help voluntarily reduce power consumption. For example, the person102may wish to conserve power by reducing the temperature inside the person's home in cold weather, and/or increasing the temperature in the home in hot weather. Whenever, the temperature inside the home is uncomfortable for sleeping, the person102(and optionally, one or more other people) may sleep inside the shelter100.

FIG. 2is a partially exploded perspective view of the shelter100. The shelter100includes a support frame110, and an outer covering120(seeFIG. 1). The outer covering120defines a substantially hollow interior130(seeFIG. 15). In the embodiment illustrated, the support frame110is positioned inside the interior130. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated, the outer covering120may be characterized as being draped over the support frame110. In alternate embodiments (not shown), all or portions of the support frame110may be outside (or extend beyond) the outer covering120.

Referring toFIG. 15, the interior130may be suitably sized such that one or more people (e.g., the person102) may lie down inside the shelter100to sleep. The interior130of the shelter100may be heated or cooled using one or more packs134(seeFIG. 2). In other words, the packs134are configured to change an interior temperature inside the shelter100relative to an environmental temperature outside the shelter. By way of a non-limiting example, each of the packs134may be implemented using a standard hand warmer-type heat pack, a conventional ice pack, a conventional gel pack, and the like.

Whenever desired, the shelter100may be assembled to provide a warm or cool place in which to sleep. After the shelter100is assembled, the person102may get inside the shelter100, and activate (if necessary) the one or more packs134(seeFIG. 2) inside the shelter100. For example, one or more cooling packs may be used to lower an interior temperature inside the shelter100relative to an environmental temperature outside the shelter. Conversely, one or more heating packs may be used to increase the interior temperature inside the shelter100relative to the environmental temperature outside the shelter.

Referring toFIG. 2, optionally, after activation (if necessary), the packs134may be placed in one or more bags136inside the shelter100. In the embodiment illustrated, the bags136are constructed from a mesh material and configured to hang downwardly from the support frame110. The outer covering120(seeFIG. 1) is insulated and retains heating or cooling generated by the one or more packs134inside the shelter100. By way of a non-limiting example, each of the bags136may be about 8 inches by about 8 inches (or about 20.32 centimeters by about 20.32 centimeters).

In the embodiment illustrated, the outer covering120(seeFIG. 1) includes an upper panel140, a lower panel142, and a side panel144. While the upper, lower, and side panels140,142, and144are illustrated as being separated from one another, in alternate embodiments (not shown), two or more of the panels may be connected together to form a single panel.

In the embodiment illustrated, the upper panel140is substantially identical to the lower panel142. For ease of illustration, only the upper panel140will be described in detail.FIG. 3is a top view of the upper panel140, andFIG. 4is a bottom view of the upper panel140. Thus, inFIG. 3, an outwardly facing surface146U of the upper panel140is depicted. On the other hand, inFIG. 4, an inwardly facing surface148U of the upper panel140is depicted.FIG. 5is a perspective view of the upper and lower panels140and142.

Turning toFIG. 3, the upper panel140includes a central insulated portion150U having a peripheral portion152U. One or more flaps (e.g., flaps UF1-UF4) extend outwardly from the peripheral portion152U. In the embodiment illustrated, each of the flaps UF1-UF4 has a substantially rectangular shape. However, this is not a requirement.

In the embodiment illustrated, the central insulated portion150U has a substantially rectangular shape and the peripheral portion152U includes edges UE1-UE4, and corners UC1-UC4. By way of non-limiting examples, the edges UE1-UE3 may each be about four feet (or about 1.22 meters) long, and the edges UE2-UE4 may each be about six feet (or about 1.83 meters) long.

One or more fasteners (e.g., Velcro strips154, snaps, buttons, buttonholes, hooks, eyes, zipper portions, and the like) are positioned on each of the flaps UF1-UF4. By way of a non-limiting example, the Velcro strips154may be sewn on the flaps UF1-UF4. In some embodiments, the flaps UF1-UF4 may be constructed entirely of Velcro. However, this is not a requirement.

As shown inFIG. 5, the flaps UF1-UF4 fold along the edges UE1-UE4, respectively, so that the Velcro strips154face outwardly and hang downwardly from the central insulated portion150U. Optionally, the flaps UF1 and UF2 may be attached to one another at the corner UC1, the flaps UF2 and UF3 may be attached to one another at the corner UC2, the flaps UF3 and UF4 may be attached to one another at the corner UC3, and the flaps UF4 and UF1 may be attached to one another at the corner UC4. When the flaps UF1-UF4 are attached to one another in this manner, the flaps UF1-UF4 may extend outwardly at approximately a right angle with respect to the central insulated portion150U. In such embodiments, the flaps UF1-UF4 may be substantially orthogonal to the central insulated portion150U.

As mentioned above, the lower panel142is substantially identical to the upper panel140. Thus, the lower panel142includes a central insulated portion150L substantially identical to the central insulated portion150U of the upper panel140. The lower panel142also includes one or more flaps (e.g., flaps LF1-LF4) substantially identical to the one or more flaps (e.g., the flaps UF1-UF4) of the upper panel140. Further, the flaps LF1-LF4 are attached to and fold along edges LE1-LE4 that are substantially identical to the edges UE1-UE4 of the upper panel140. The lower panel142also includes corners LC1-LC4 substantially identical to the corners UC1-UC4 of the upper panel140.

One or more fasteners (e.g., the Velcro strips154, snaps, buttons, buttonholes, hooks, eyes, zipper portions, and the like) are positioned on each of the flaps LF1-LF4. In some embodiments, the flaps LF1-LF4 may be constructed entirely of Velcro. However, this is not a requirement. The flaps LF1-LF4 fold along edges LE1-LE4, respectively, so that the Velcro strips154face outwardly and extend upwardly from the central insulated portion150L. Optionally, the flaps LF1 and LF2 may be attached to one another at the corner LC1, the flaps LF2 and LF3 may be attached to one another at the corner LC2, the flaps LF3 and LF4 may be attached to one another at the corner LC3, and the flaps LF4 and LF1 may be attached to one another at the corner LC4. When the flaps LF1-LF4 are attached to one another in this manner, the flaps LF1-LF4 may extend outwardly at approximately a right angle with respect to the central insulated portion150L. In such embodiments, the flaps LF1-LF4 may be substantially orthogonal to the central insulated portion150L.

FIG. 6is a first side view of the side panel144depicting an outwardly facing surface156of the side panel144.FIG. 7is a second side view of the side panel144depicting an inwardly facing surface158of the side panel144. In the embodiment illustrated, the side panel144has a substantially rectangular shape. The side panel144has an upper edge portion160opposite a lower edge portion162. The side panel144also has a first edge portion164opposite a second edge portion166. Each of the upper and lower edge portions160and162extend between the first and second edge portions164and166. One or more vents170(e.g., through-holes) may be formed in the side panel144to allow air to flow into and out of the interior130(seeFIG. 15).

Turning toFIG. 7, one or more fasteners (e.g., Velcro strips174, snaps, buttons, buttonholes, hooks, eyes, zipper portions, and the like) are positioned on each of the upper and lower edge portions160and162. By way of a non-limiting example, one or more of the Velcro strips174may be sewn on each of the upper and lower edge portions160and162. The Velcro strip(s)174on the upper edge portion160are positioned to engage the Velcro strips154on the flaps UF1-UF4 of the upper panel140when the shelter100is assembled. Similarly, the Velcro strip(s)174on the lower edge portion162are positioned to engage the Velcro strips154on the flaps LF1-LF4 of the lower panel142when the shelter100is assembled.

One or more fasteners (e.g., Velcro strips176, snaps, buttons, buttonholes, hooks, eyes, zipper portions, and the like) are positioned on each of the first and second edge portions164and166. In the embodiment illustrated, each of the first and second edge portions164and166includes a single one of the Velcro strips176. The Velcro strip176on the first edge portion164is positioned to engage the Velcro strip176on the second edge portion166when the shelter100is assembled.

The side panel144wraps around the support frame110(as illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15) and is attached to the flaps UF1-UF4 and LF1-LF4 of the upper and lower panels140and142, respectively. Turning toFIG. 15, one or more people (e.g., the person102) may be sealed inside the interior130by attaching the Velcro strip176on the first edge portion164to the Velcro strip176on the second edge portion166. People may enter or leave the interior130through an opening292defined between the first and second edge portions164and166when the Velcro strip176on the first edge portion164is detached from the Velcro strip176on the second edge portion166.

All or portions of the outer covering120may be constructed from two or more layers of material.FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary insulated portion180(e.g., the central insulated portion150U of the upper panel140illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the central insulated portion150L of the lower panel142illustrated inFIG. 5, and at least a portion of the side panel144illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7) of the outer covering120(seeFIG. 1). The insulated portion180includes an inner material182opposite an outer material186. The inner material182faces into the interior130(seeFIG. 15) when the shelter100is assembled. The outer material186faces outwardly (or away from the interior130) when the shelter100is assembled. Thus, the outer covering120may be characterized as having exterior surfaces (e.g., the outwardly facing surfaces146U,146L, and156illustrated inFIGS. 3,5, and6, respectively) protected by the outer material186(e.g., tent fabric), and interior surfaces (e.g., the inwardly facing surfaces148U,148L, and158illustrated inFIGS. 4,5, and7, respectively) insulated by the inner material182.

The inner material182is configured to help retain heat or cold inside the shelter100. Thus, the inner material182may be characterized as being thermal insulation. Thermal insulation provides a region in which thermal conduction is reduced and/or thermal radiation is reflected rather than absorbed. The inner material182helps prevent and/or limit heat transfer between the interior130(seeFIG. 15) and an environment external to the shelter100(e.g., the interior of a home).

The inner material182may include reflective insulation. Reflective insulation has one or more reflective surfaces that reduce a rate of radiant heat transfer across air spaces. By way of a non-limiting example, the inner material182may be a reflective aluminum foil bubble insulation material that provides insulation from outside temperatures while also acting as a conduit to further promote heating or cooling provided by the packs134(seeFIG. 2) inside the shelter100. For example, the inner material182may be a REFLECTIX® brand Double Reflective Insulation (e.g., Model No. BP48025) manufactured by Reflectix, Inc. of Markleville, Ind.

InFIG. 8, the inner material182is illustrated as a reflective aluminum foil bubble insulation material (such as REFLECTIX® brand Double Reflective Insulation Model No. BP48025). The inner material182illustrated includes a first aluminum foil layer182A and a second aluminum foil layer182B. An intermediate layer182C of bubble insulation is sandwiched between the first and second aluminum foil layers182A and182B. Each of the first and second aluminum foil layers182A and182B is a reflective insulation layer. The intermediate layer182C may be non-reflective and helps limit thermal conduction.

The structure of the reflective aluminum foil bubble insulation material illustrated inFIG. 8may be described as “AL+Bubble+AL.” In some embodiments, the intermediate layer182C may include a second layer of bubble insulation (not shown). In such embodiments, the structure of the inner material182may be described as “AL+Bubble+Bubble+AL.” Non-limiting examples of other structures that may be used to construct the inner material182include “Al+Expanded Polyethylene Foam (“EPE”)+Al,” “Al+Cross Linked Polyethylene Foam (“XPE”)+Al,” and “Al+woven cloth+Bubble+Al.”

Aluminum foil bubble insulation of the type illustrated inFIG. 8may have one or more of the properties listed in Table A below.

It may be desirable for the inner material182to have one or more of the following properties:1. Odor free;2. Non-toxic (e.g., environmentally-friendly);3. Light weight, durable, soft, dust free, fire retardant, and/or easy to install;4. Class A/class 1 fire rating;5. R-value ranging from R-3.7 to R-21;6. Provides heat reflection, heat insulation, sound insulation, heat preservation, energy savings, and/or shielding;7. Vapor and radon retarder;8. Anti-radiation, and/or anti-vibration;9. Provides a moisture barrier;10. Aides in controlling mold and mildew;11. Unaffected by moisture or humidity;12. Inhibits condensation;13. Does not promote nesting for rodents and pests;14. Sun-proof and/or waterproof; and15. Has good sealing properties.

The outer material186may help provide support for the inner material182. Depending upon the implementation details, the outer material186may be more durable than the inner material182and may help protect the inner material182. By way of a non-limiting example, the outer material186may be a woven fabric, such as a conventional tent fabric (e.g., standard polyester tent fabric), canvas, and the like. For example, the outer material186may be tent material210dor150d. The designations “210d” and “150d” each identify a particular yarn count or density. An exemplary suitable tent material may be 100% Polyester, about 60 inches (or about 1.5 meters) wide to about 71 inches (or about 1.8 meters) wide, and coated with polyacrylate (“PA”), polyurethane (“PU”), polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), and/or ULY.

The Velcro strips154,174, and176(seeFIGS. 3,6, and7) may be attached (e.g., sewn) to the inner material182and/or the outer material186. By way of a non-limiting example, each of the Velcro strips154,174, and176may have a width of about ½ inch (or about 12.7 millimeters) to about ⅝ inches (or about 15.9 millimeters).

FIG. 9is a perspective view of the support frame110. The support frame110includes four upright support members201-204, two diagonal members210and212, and four fittings221-224. The diagonal member210extends between the upright support members201and203, and the diagonal member212extends between the upright support members202and204. In the embodiment illustrated, the diagonal member212crosses over the diagonal member210. However, this is not a requirement. The first fitting221is configured to form a substantially orthogonal connection between the upright support member201and the diagonal member210, the second fitting222is configured to form a substantially orthogonal connection between the upright support member202and the diagonal member212, the third fitting223is configured to form a substantially orthogonal connection between the upright support member203and the diagonal member210, and the fourth fitting224is configured to form a substantially orthogonal connection between the upright support member204and the diagonal member212.

By way of a non-limiting example, each of the upright support members201-204may have a height of approximately four feet (or about 1.22 meters). The upright support members201and204may be spaced apart from the upright support members202and203, respectively, by about six feet (or about 1.83 meters). The upright support members201and202may be spaced apart from the upright support members204and203, respectively, by about four feet (or about 1.22 meters). Each of the diagonal members210and212may have a length of approximately eight feet and five inches (or about 2.57 meters). Thus, the shelter100may be approximately four feet (or about 1.22 meters) tall, approximately four feet (or about 1.22 meters) wide, and approximately six feet (or about 1.83 meters) long. However, this is not a requirement. As is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the dimensions of the shelter100may be determined at least in part based on its desired use.

Each of the upright support members201-204has an upper end portion230opposite a lower end portion232. Each of the diagonal members210and212has a first end portion234opposite a second end portion236. The first fitting221connects the first end portion234of the diagonal member210with the upper end portion230of the upright support member201, and the third fitting223connects the second end portion236of the diagonal member210with the upper end portion230of the upright support member203. The second fitting222connects the first end portion234of the diagonal member212with the upper end portion230of the upright support member202, and the fourth fitting224connects the second end portion236of the diagonal member212with the upper end portion230of the upright support member204.

Referring toFIG. 12, when the shelter100is assembled, the lower end portions232(seeFIG. 9) of the upright support members201-204rest upon the lower panel142adjacent the corners LC1-LC4, respectively. Further, referring toFIG. 13, the upper panel140rests upon and is supported by the diagonal members210and212(seeFIG. 9). The fittings221-224(seeFIG. 9) are positioned adjacent the corners UC1-UC4, respectively, of the upper panel140.

FIG. 10is an exploded perspective view of the support frame110. In the embodiment illustrated, each of the upright support members201-204is constructed from a first elongated member240connected to a second elongated member242. The first and second elongated members240and242may be connected together by a fitting (not shown) or connector. Alternatively, a first end portion244of the first elongated member240may be configured to receive a second end portion246of the second elongated member242. A second end portion248may be configured to be received inside one of the fittings221-224. In such embodiments, the first and second elongated members240and242may be substantially identical to one another.

As is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, each of the upright support members201-204may be constructed from one or more members like the first and second elongated members240and242. The number of members like the first and second elongated members240and242used to construct the upright support members201-204may be determined at least in part by a desired height of the shelter100.

In the embodiment illustrated, each of the diagonal members210and212is constructed from four elongated members250-253connected together in series. The first elongated member250has a first end portion256configured to be received inside one of the fittings221-224. Similarly, the fourth elongated member253has a first end portion258configured to be received inside one of the fittings221-224.

The elongated members250-253may be connected together in series by a fitting (not shown) or connector. Alternatively, a second end portion260of the first elongated member250may be configured to receive a first end portion262of the second elongated member251, a second end portion264of the second elongated member251may be configured to be received inside a first end portion266of the third elongated member252, and a second end portion268of the third elongated member252may be configured to be received inside a second end portion270of the fourth elongated member253. In such embodiments, the elongated members250,252, and253may be substantially identical to one another.

As is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, each of the diagonal members210and212may be constructed from one or more members like the elongated members250-253. The number of elongated members (like the elongated members250-253) used to construct the diagonal members210and212may be determined based at least in part a desired length and/or a desired width of the shelter100.

By way of a non-limiting example, the elongated members240,242, and250-253and the fittings221-224may be constructed from PVC, fiberglass, metal, plastic, carbon fiber, and the like. Each of the elongated members240,242, and250-253may be generally rectilinear and have a cross-sectional shape that is circular, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal, irregular, and the like. By way of a non-limiting example, each of the elongated members240,242, and250-253may have a circular cross-sectional shape with a diameter of about ⅜ inches (or about 9.5 millimeters) to about ½ inch (or about 12.7 millimeters).

While the fittings221-224have been described as attaching the diagonal members210and212to the upright support members201-204, in alternate embodiments, the diagonal members210and212may be configured to attach directly to the upright support members201-204. In such embodiments, the fittings221-224may be omitted.

FIGS. 11-15depict the shelter100being assembled. InFIG. 11, the lower panel142is placed on a support surface280(such as a floor, bed, mattress, and the like) with its inwardly facing surface148L facing upwardly.

Next, inFIG. 12, the support frame110is assembled and placed on the inwardly facing surface148L of the lower panel142. The lower end portions232of the upright support members201-204are positioned adjacent the corners LC1-LC4, respectively. The support frame110is assembled by connecting together the first and second elongated members240and242of each of the upright support members201-204, and connecting together the elongated members250-253of the diagonal members210and212. Then, the diagonal members210and212are connected to the upright support members201-204using the fittings221-224.

Then, inFIG. 13, the upper panel140is placed on top of the support frame110with the inwardly facing surface148U (seeFIG. 4) of the upper panel140facing downwardly toward the lower panel142. Together, the upper panel140, the lower panel142, and the support frame110form a subassembly290.

Next, inFIG. 14, the side panel144is wrapped around the subassembly290. As the side panel144is wrapped around the subassembly290, the Velcro strip(s)174of the upper edge portion160of the side panel144are attached to the Velcro strip(s)154of each of the flaps UF1-UF4 (seeFIG. 5) of the upper panel140, and the Velcro strip(s)174of the lower edge portion162of the side panel144are attached to the Velcro strip(s)154of each of the flaps LF1-LF4 (seeFIG. 5) of the lower panel142.

As may be seen inFIG. 15, an opening292(or doorway) in the outer covering120is defined between the first and second edge portions164and166of the side panel144. The opening292may be closed by fastening the Velcro strips176on the first and second edge portions164and166together. Similarly, the opening292may be opened by unfastening the Velcro strips176on the first and second edge portions164and166. One or more people (e.g., the person102) may enter and exit the interior130of the shelter100through the opening292.

After the shelter100is assembled, referring toFIG. 2, the one or more packs134may be placed inside the shelter. If necessary, the packs134may be activated. Optionally, the packs134may be placed in the bags136and the bags hung from one or more of the diagonal members210and212. The packs134will help heat or cool the interior130(seeFIG. 15) of the shelter100as any people therein (e.g., the person102illustrated inFIG. 15) sleep.

The shelter100may be disassembled by reversing the assembly process described above with respect toFIGS. 11-15.

In alternate embodiments, the lower panel142may be omitted. In such embodiments, the Velcro strip(s)174of the lower edge portion162of the side panel144may also be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 2, a kit for constructing the shelter100may include the upper panel140, and the side panel144, and the elongated members240,242, and250-253illustrated inFIG. 10. Returning toFIG. 2, optionally, the kit may also include the lower panel142, the packs134, the bags136, and/or the fittings221-224(seeFIG. 10).

Referring toFIG. 10, the elongated members240,242, and250-253may be assembled to form the upright support members201-204and the diagonal members210and212, which in turn may be assembled to form the support frame110. Thus, the elongated members240,242, and250-253may be characterized as including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth subsets of elongated members. The first subset of elongated members (one of the elongated members240, and one of the elongated members242) may be assembled to form the first upright support member201. The second subset of elongated members (one of the elongated members240, and one of the elongated members242) may be assembled to form the second upright support member202. The third subset of elongated members (one of the elongated members240, and one of the elongated members242) may be assembled to form the third upright support member203. The fourth subset of elongated members (one of the elongated members240, and one of the elongated members242) may be assembled to form the fourth upright support member204. The fifth subset of elongated members (one of the elongated members250, one of the elongated members251, one of the elongated members252, and one of the elongated members253) may be assembled to form the diagonal member210. Finally, the sixth subset of elongated members (one of the elongated members250, one of the elongated members251, one of the elongated members252, and one of the elongated members253) may be assembled to form the diagonal member212. Each of the plurality of elongated members240,242, and250-253belongs to at most one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth subsets.

The support frame110has been described and illustrated as being detached from the outer covering120. However, this is not a requirement. In alternate embodiments, the outer covering120may be attached to the support frame110.

Referring toFIG. 5, the central insulated portions150U and150L of the upper and lower panels140and142, respectively, have been described as being generally rectangular. However, this is not a requirement. The central insulated portions150U and150L may have alternate shapes such as square, round, oval, triangular, irregular, and the like. As is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the number of edges, corners, and flaps may be determined at least in part by the shape of the central insulated portions150U and150L.