Abstract:
A multi-use disaster relief tent includes an outer tent for enclosing a shelter area. The outer tent comprises a roof, a front wall, a rear wall, side walls, and a floor. The roof comprises exterior sleeves. The front wall comprises two windows and means for detaching at least a portion of the front wall to form a canopy. At least one of the side walls comprises a side door adjacent the front wall and a side window. The side door is operable for opening into a canopy. A plurality of upright poles supports the outer tent. The plurality of upright poles is joined to an exterior of the outer tent. A plurality roof poles supports the roof. The plurality of roof poles is encased within the exterior sleeves and each end of the plurality of roof poles is joined to a top end of a one of the upright poles.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 61436187 entitled “MULTI-USE DISASTER RELIEF FAMILY TENT (MDRFT)”, filed on 25-Jan.-2011, under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0004]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to tents. More particularly, the invention relates to a tent that may be used in disaster relief situations. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Standard lightweight tents are not suitable for disaster relief due to many factors such as, but not limited to, their thin material, inappropriate size, short life, weak structure, lack of airflow, lack of flexibility, lack of space, etc. Lightweight tents are mostly used for camping and recreational activities. Relief tents are typically made out of heavy material, which increases the heat inside the tent and makes transportation costly and difficult. These tents usually house many people and offer no privacy for families. They are also costly and must be collected after the disaster situation is resolved. 
         [0007]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques for providing a high quality, low cost, lightweight tent made of durable and treated materials with features suitable to provide dignified provisional shelter to families in a disaster or humanitarian aid situation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0009]      FIGS. 1A through 1I  illustrate an exemplary disaster relief tent, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view.  FIG. 1B  is a front view.  FIG. 1C  is a rear view.  FIG. 1D  is a rear perspective view.  FIGS. 1E ,  1 G and  1 H are top plan views,  FIG. 1F  is a cross sectional side view, and  FIG. 1I  is a view of an exemplary additional beam; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates exemplary openings on sleeves that hold poles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates exemplary flaps used to attach poles to the tent, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary disaster relief tent, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are side perspective views of two tents connected at the front walls, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  shows the tents without flaps, and  FIG. 5B  shows the tents with flaps; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is an interior view of exemplary tents connected with flaps on canopies under a large canopy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary large canopy for use over a multiplicity of connected tents, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of an exemplary disaster relief tent for use as a first aid tent, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of an exemplary disaster relief tent for use as a first aid tent, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0018]    Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a multi-use disaster relief tent is presented. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment a multi-use disaster relief tent includes an outer tent for enclosing a shelter area. The outer tent comprises a roof, a front wall, a rear wall, side walls, and a floor. The roof comprises exterior sleeves extending from the front wall to the rear wall and between the side walls. The front wall comprises two windows and means for detaching at least a portion of the front wall to form a canopy. The rear wall comprises a rear window. At least one of the side walls comprises a side door adjacent the front wall and a side window between the side door and the rear wall. The side door comprises a generally rectangular shape and is operable for opening into a canopy. The floor is removably joined to the outer tent. A plurality of upright poles supports the outer tent in an upright position. The plurality of upright poles is joined to an exterior of the outer tent. A plurality roof poles supports the roof. The plurality of roof poles is encased within the exterior sleeves and each end of the plurality of roof poles is joined to a top end of a one of the upright poles where the roof poles elevate a middle of the roof to mitigate pooling of water. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment a multi-use disaster relief tent includes means for enclosing a shelter area, means for dividing the shelter area into private areas, means for supporting the enclosing means in an upright position and means for supporting a roof of the enclosing means where a middle of the roof is elevated to mitigate pooling of water. 
         [0022]    In another embodiment a multi-use disaster relief tent includes an outer tent for enclosing a shelter area. The outer tent comprises a roof, a front wall, a rear wall, side walls, two air vents each disposed proximate a top corner of the front wall, two air vents each disposed proximate a top corner of the rear wall, and a floor. The roof comprises two exterior sleeves extending from the front wall to the rear wall and three exterior sleeves extending between the side walls. The front wall comprises two plastic windows to provide light and further comprises means for detaching at least a portion of the front wall to form a canopy to provide additional shade and airflow. The rear wall comprises a rear window comprising mosquito netting. The side walls each comprise a side door adjacent to the front wall and a side window between the side door and the rear wall. Each side window comprises mosquito netting. Each of the side doors comprises a generally rectangular shape and is operable for opening into a canopy to provide additional shade and airflow. The floor is removably joined to the outer tent and comprises a bucket style for mitigating entry of water. An inner tent divides the shelter area into private areas. The inner tent is removably joined to the interior of the outer tent. The inner tent comprises three rooms separated by dividers. Each of the three rooms comprises a door comprising mosquito netting and opening into the outer tent. Ten upright poles support the outer tent in an upright position. The ten upright poles each are joined to an exterior of the outer tent. Five roof poles support the roof. The five roof poles are encased within the five exterior sleeves. Each end of the five roof poles is joined to a top end of a one of the upright poles where the five roof poles elevate a middle of the roof to mitigate pooling of water. 
         [0023]    Other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0025]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0026]    It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0027]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0028]    From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. 
         [0029]    Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. 
         [0030]    Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom. 
         [0031]    As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application. 
         [0032]    It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details. 
         [0033]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention and at least one variation thereof provides a multi-use disaster relief family tent (MDRFT) that is a lightweight dome style tent for disaster and humanitarian relief. Many preferred embodiments provide low cost, high quality and dignified provisional shelter to families in disasters and humanitarian situations. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 1A through 1I  illustrate an exemplary disaster relief tent, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view.  FIG. 1B  is a front view.  FIG. 1C  is a rear view.  FIG. 1D  is a rear perspective view.  FIGS. 1E ,  1 G and  1 H are top plan views,  FIG. 1F  is a cross sectional side view, and  FIG. 1I  is a view of an exemplary additional beam. In the present embodiment, the tent comprises improvements and features that may be applied to improve existing tent frames to enable the tent to be more suitable for use in disaster relief and humanitarian aid situations. For example, without limitation, the size, quality, and strength of steel and fiberglass poles are increased, special lightweight materials are used, and various features are added. In order to provide shelter with dignity, the tent is designed to offer as much shade and airflow as possible, protection from mosquitoes, and enough space for a family of ten people. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of other suitable and desirable features may be implemented in alternate embodiments such as, but not limited to, storage compartments, privacy screens, locking capabilities, ventilation systems, windows, etc. The preferred materials used are high quality, resistant to the elements, and are treated to be more resistant to the sun and fire. The tent can be connected to other tents, which offers the flexibility for the tent to be used in different applications such as, but not limited to, as a first aid tent, a school, a community center, a command center, etc. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the tent comprises an outer tent  101  and a detachable inner tent  103  offering three rooms  105  separated by dividers  107 , as depicted in  FIGS. 1E ,  1 G, and  1 H, and a living area  109 , which can also be used as sleeping space if necessary. Each room has an individual door to satisfy different cultural needs where males and females sleep in separate rooms. In alternate embodiments the tent may comprise multiple inner tents. In the present embodiment, the material of inner tent  103  is preferably breathable polyester; however, alternate materials may be used such as, but not limited to, nylon, cotton etc. Rooms  105  of inner tent  103  comprise individual doors with mosquito netting that may be closed by various means including, but not limited to, zippers, hook and loop material, snaps, buttons, ties, etc. Referring to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 C and  1 D, back corners  111  of the tent are stretched to allow more sleeping space in rooms  105  located at the sides of the tent. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the front corners can be stretched and enlarged as well to provide more space. In other alternate embodiments only the front corners may be stretched, and in yet other alternate embodiments none of the corners may be stretched. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A through 1D , the structure of the tent in the present embodiment comprises ten straight steel poles  113  around the tent. Steel poles  113  may be replaced, in alternate embodiments, with rods made out of almost any material found in the disaster area such as, but not limited to, wood or iron or may be made out of any other suitable material such as, but not limited to, fiberglass, aluminum, plastic, etc. Steel poles  113  are connected to five fiberglass poles  115  on the roof of the tent by fittings  117 . Fittings  117  can be made of various different materials such as, but not limited to, plastic, aluminum, other metals, fiberglass, etc. Furthermore, the roof poles in alternate embodiments may be made of various different materials including, but not limited to, aluminum or plastic. In the present embodiment, poles  115  are encased in sleeves to connect poles  115  to the tent material, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 2 . The roof is elevated in the middle to generally prevent water from pooling on the roof. There is preferably an additional fiberglass beam  119 , shown in  FIG. 1I  on the ceiling of the tent for extra support in heavy rain. Additional beam  119  on the ceiling can also be used to position an extra pole using means  118 , for example, without limitation, a wood pole or any other material found in the disaster area, to provide extra support in case of snow accumulation on the roof of the tent. This additional beam may not be included in some alternate embodiments. In the present embodiment, steel poles  113  are attached to the tent with plastic grips  121  and two flaps  123  with eyelets that may be used to attach guy lines to the tent, shown by way of example in  FIG. 3 . The tent is secured to the ground with steel pegs on the end of each steel pole  113 . Loops are included in the present embodiment at the bottom of the tent between steel poles  113  to secure the tent to the ground with extra steel pegs; however, these loops may not be included in some alternate embodiments. The tent is also preferably secured with two guy lines (not shown) per steel pole  113  that attach to flaps  123  and are secured to the ground with steel pegs. 
         [0037]    In the present embodiment, the design allows for airflow through the tent, a fast exit in case of emergency, and protection from mosquitoes. A front wall  125  of the tent can be unzipped into a canopy  127  that can be opened for extra shade and airflow. The tent also comprises two side doors  129 , one on each side, which are rectangular for fast evacuation in case of emergency. Side doors  129  provide more airflow throughout the tent and may also open up to into canopies to provide extra shade. The tent comprises three small windows  131  with mosquito netting for more ventilation, one on the rear wall, one on the left side and one on the right side. Additionally the tent has two small windows  133  in the front sealed with plastic to allow light into the tent when the tent is completely sealed due to rain or cold weather. The tent also comprises four air inlet vents  135  in the corners for ventilation. The tent is totally sealable with mosquito netting allowing continuous airflow and can also be sealed completely when canopies and windows are closed. All doors and windows have extra buttons and loops to enable them to be closed in case the zippers fail. Additionally, all zippers have pullers to allow for faster opening in case of emergency. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of alternate and suitable configurations of doors and windows may be implemented in alternate embodiments of the present invention. For example without limitation, the tent may comprise more or fewer windows or more or fewer doors, doors may not be opened into canopies, etc. In one alternate embodiment, rather than having sealed plastic windows to provide light a plastic skylight may be provided or the windows with mosquito netting may also comprise clear plastic flaps that may be closed to seal these windows. In other alternate embodiments, only the front wall of the tent has a door or only the front wall and the back wall have doors. In yet another alternate embodiment, the tent comprises a door on the front wall and one side door. In the present embodiment, the door canopies have attachable flaps, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 4 ; however, alternate embodiments of the present invention may not include flaps for the canopies of the doors. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , in the present embodiment, the floor of living area  109  is a bucket style floor  137  to generally prevent water from entering the tent. Floor  137  is detachable and comprises loops in order to enable floor  137  to be used as a tarp, if necessary, for more shade. Flaps  139  are provided around the tent to enable rainwater to slide away from the tent, generally preventing rainwater from entering the tent. Alternate embodiments may be implemented without a bucket style floor or with no flaps around the tent. 
         [0039]    In the present embodiment, the preferred dimensions for the tent to shelter a family of ten people are  520  cm in length by  272  cm in height by  520  cm in width, without including the size of the canopies of front wall  125  and side doors  129 . However, in alternate embodiments, the tent can be built in smaller or larger sizes. In the present embodiment over 80% of the ceiling of outer tent  101  is more than 2 m in height to enable most people to comfortably stand in the tent; however, the height of the ceiling may vary in alternate embodiments of different sizes. In the present embodiment, the outer tent is preferably made of a resistant Polyester Oxford 210D with Rip-stop fabric 300D and water protection.The preferred water protection is PU4000MM. The material is also preferably treated with a fire retardant treatment according to CPAI-84. The material resists temperatures from −15 degrees centigrade to 45 degrees centigrade. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the fabric of the tent may be various different fabrics including, but not limited to, any Oxford fabric denier with or without Rip-Stop, cotton, canvas, polyester, etc. In the present embodiment, the material of the tent may be made in one of two colors, white or light blue. These colors keep the tent cooler and clearly distinguish the tent as a humanitarian tent in a disaster or humanitarian situation. In alternative embodiments of the present invention any other color can be used depending on the situation. The material of outer tent  101  is preferably silver coated and has a UV 50 for extra protection against the sun; however, this coating may not be included in some alternate embodiments. 
         [0040]      FIG. 2  illustrates exemplary openings  201  on sleeves  203  that hold poles  115 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, openings  201 , which are located at the points where poles  115  cross, facilitate water drainage from the roof of the tent. Since the roof is higher in the middle the rain water flows downwards through the openings preventing water pooling on the roof. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3  illustrates exemplary flaps  123  used to attach poles  113  to the tent, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, eyelets  301  in flaps  123  enable guy lines to be attached to flaps  123  and secured to the ground with steel pegs. These guy lines add stability to the tent; however, the guy lines may be omitted in some embodiments. 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary disaster relief tent, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the tent comprises two doors  401  on one side and a door  403  on the front wall. Door  403  is shown opened into a canopy  405  with flaps  407  to protect against rain and wind. When two tents are connected to each other flaps  407  are able to form a tunnel, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 5B . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are side perspective views of two tents connected at the front walls, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  shows the tents without flaps  501 , and  FIG. 5B  shows the tents with flaps  501 . In the present embodiment, the tents are connected at the ends of canopies  503  formed from doors  505  at the fronts of the tents. The connecting mechanism in this embodiment is with loops and bottons in the middle and on each corner of the canopies but other connecting means can be used such as zippers, Velcro, etc. A rectangular side door  507  of one tent is shown sealed with mosquito netting, and a rectangular side door  509  of the other tent is shown closed. The tents may also be connected to other tents with the canopies formed by side doors  507  and  509 . Referring to  FIG. 5B , flaps  501  protect against rain and wind and make a tunnel between the two tents. 
         [0044]    A preferred use for many preferred embodiments of the present invention is as disaster and humanitarian family relief tents. However, due to the flexible design of many preferred embodiments those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of alternate and suitable uses for preferred embodiments of the present invention exist including, but not limited to, first aid tents, school modules, community centers, command centers, offices, etc. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  is an interior view of exemplary tents connected with flaps  601  on canopies  603  under a large canopy  605 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, this configuration of the tents may be used for different uses such as, but not limited to, as a school or as a community center. Large canopy  605  enables the tents to feel more connected and provide added protection from the elements. 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary large canopy  605  for use over a multiplicity of connected tents, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a large steel pole  701  is located in the center of canopy  605  to hold up canopy  605 . 
         [0047]    In an exemplary application as a school module, four tents are connected to each other without divisions making a total of four classrooms. This configuration preferably comprises one bucket style floor for each tent, which may or may not comprise flaps on the doors to protect from rain. This configuration also may or may not have a large canopy added to cover the four tents for extra protection. The school can be made smaller or larger by removing or adding connected tents. A community center may also be formed with a same or similar configuration. 
         [0048]      FIG. 8  is a side perspective view an exemplary disaster relief tent for use as a first aid tent, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the tent comprises an inner tent without dividers to form one large room  801  that can hold multiple patients. A front wall  803  in the present embodiment does not comprise a door. 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective view an exemplary disaster relief tent for use as a first aid tent, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the tent comprises an inner tent with a divider  901  to separate a patient room  903  for one or more patients from an office  905  for first aid personnel such as, but not limited to, doctors, paramedics, nurses, etc. Multiple tent of this configuration may be connected to each other at a canopy  907  to make any number of rooms for patients, with or without flaps  909  on canopies  907 . 
         [0050]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the structure of the tent may be made of a minimum of four large poles made of a flexible material such as, but not limited to, fiberglass arcing over the tent from one side to the other and crossing each other on the roof rather than the steel poles and five roof poles. 
         [0051]    Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teaching will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable features may be included in some alternate embodiments of the present invention. For example, without limitation, in one alternative embodiment of the present invention, solar panels can be positioned on the roof to provide electrical power to the tent. Some alternate embodiments may use this electrical power for conveniences such as, but not limited to, lighting, fans, heat, air conditioning, etc. Some alternate embodiments may comprise kitchen areas. Other alternate embodiments may comprise pouches, storage compartments or shelves built into the walls for storing items such as, but not limited to, personal items, medical supplies, food, etc. Yet other alternate embodiments comprise loops or hooks for hanging items such as, but not limited to, lanterns, fans, IV bags, etc. 
         [0052]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing multi-use tents according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the tents may vary depending upon the particular type of application for which they are to be used. The tents described in the foregoing were directed to humanitarian aid implementations; however, similar techniques are to provide tents for non-humanitarian purposes such as, but not limited to, base camps for mountain climbing or military applications. Non-humanitarian implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 
         [0053]    Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.