Abstract:
A shelter for the protection of for the protection of persons, animals, equipment, materials, property, and similar things of value from potentially damaging environmental conditions is disclosed. Various embodiments include the use of a frame structure and hinged panels which are unfolded to create the walls of the structure. Optionally flexible surfaces may be added to the ends of the shelter to at least partially close the end of the shelter.

Description:
The U.S. Government has rights to this invention pursuant to contract number DE-AC05-00OR22800 between the U.S. Department of Energy and BWXT Y-12, L.L.C. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to shelter systems for the protection of persons, animals, equipment, materials, property, and similar things of value from potentially damaging environmental conditions. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Shelter systems are typically characterized as permanent or temporary. The distinction between the two is based upon such factors as the intended duration of use, the mobility of the device, and the durability of construction, but there is no absolute discriminator for what constitutes a permanent shelter versus a temporary one. However, by way of example, conventional “brick and mortar” or wooden frame buildings are generally thought of as permanent shelters. Tents and “lean-to&#39;s” are generally thought of as temporary shelters. Tents are generally made of fabric or non-woven materials, and may be supported by mechanical poles, air columns, or air pressure. Temporary shelters are used by the military, for example, for shelters and hospitals for rapidly moving troops. It is desirable that temporary shelters can collapsed, stored and transported in configurations which constitute less physical volume that the volume available inside the shelter when it is deployed. It is also desirable that temporary shelters be set up and torn down in a minimal amount of time. 
   SUMMARY 
   Many of the foregoing and other needs are met by a system which in the preferred embodiment includes a frame formed by frame members that include two end-frames that define opposing ends of the frame. Each end-frame has a top member, and the frame defines a volume of space. A longitudinal beam is positioned between the end-frames and is fixedly connected to each top members such that the beam does not move relative to the end-frames. The system also includes panels for forming two generally upright sides, two floor sections and two roof sections. The panels are stowed essentially within the volume of space defined by the frame. Hinges connect the panels and the longitudinal beam into a continuous folding structure. The continuous folding structure is configured for folding into a storage position and for unfolding into a deployed position while maintaining the panels in the continuous folding structure without detaching the panels and without translocating the longitudinal beam. In an alternate embodiment the end of the volume of space defined by the panels may be at least partially closed by a flexible surface that is attached to the ends of at least two panels when the panels are unfolded. In a further variation a flexible surface is attached to the end of at least one panel and to the end-frame that is proximate to the end of the at least one panel to at least partially close the volume of space defined by the panels when they are unfolded. 
   In another embodiment a passageway is provided through a portion of the volume defined by the panels when they are folded within the frame such that one or more persons may enter the passageway and unfold the panels from within the passageway. 
   In different embodiments a passageway is provided through a portion of a volume of space defined by the panels when they are stowed essentially within the volume of space defined by said frame such that one or more persons may enter the passageway and unfold said panels from within said passageway. 
   Some embodiments employ a latch mechanism for securing at least one panel to the frame when the panels are unfolded to hold the panels in a secure unfolded position. Some embodiments also employ mechanical systems for unfolding the panels. 
   Additional features that may be added in alternate embodiments include a hoist and cable system for controlling and lowering the panels as they rotate and unfold around their attached hinges. An actuator may be added to assist in raising at least some of the panels to form a roof for the shelter. 
   In a further embodiment a shelter includes a frame that has two polygon end-frames defining a volume of space and each end-frame having at least a top member and two vertical members. The polygon end-frames are preferably fixedly connected together by at least one longitudinal beam such that the end-frames are opposed to each other and the at least one longitudinal beam does not move relative to the end-frames. A bottom panel extends between the end-frame. Two top panels are provided with each top panel having one side hinged to the at least one longitudinal beam and each top panel having an opposed longitudinal side. The embodiment further incorporates two tri-fold sections each having three contiguously hinged panels stowed essentially between the end-frames. One side of each tri-fold section is hinged to one side of the bottom panel, and the other side of each tri-fold section is hinged to a top panel longitudinal side. 
   In alternate embodiments there is a frame consisting of polygon end-frames having at least a top member and two vertical members. The polygon end-frames are preferably fixedly connected together by at least one longitudinal beam such that the end-frames are opposed to each other. A bottom panel extends between the end-frames. Two top panels are provided with each top panel having one side hinged to the at least one longitudinal beam and each top panel having an opposed longitudinal side. A floor panel with first and second sides is provided where the first side is hinged to the bottom panel where it can rotate between a vertical and horizontal position. There is an upright wall portion fixedly attached to the second side of the floor panel and extending obliquely to the floor panel. The upright wall panel has a second side disposed from the side attached to the floor panel. There is a wall panel with first and second sides where the first side is hinged to the second side of the upright wall portion in a manner that permits rotation between a position parallel to the floor panel and a position extending obliquely with respect to the floor panel thereby forming a wall for the shelter. A roof panel is provided with first and second sides where the first side is hinged to the second side of the wall panel and also hinged to the second side of the roof panel in a manner that permits motion between a position parallel to and adjacent to the wall panel and a position oblique to the wall panel and substantially parallel to the floor panel while spaced apart from the floor panel so as to form a roof for the shelter. 
   In other embodiments the shelter may incorporate a cable system with cables for lowering and raising the floor panel between vertical and horizontal positions, and a hoist attached to the cable system for extending and retracting cables of the cable system to raise and lower the floor panel. The hoist may be mounted on the floor panel adjacent to the upright wall. The shelter may include an actuator to raise and lower the wall panel and the roof panel. In some embodiments incorporating three contiguously hinged panels in tri-fold sections, one of the hinged panels includes a floor surface. Some embodiments incorporating three contiguously hinged panels may include a flexible surface connected to the ends of at least two contiguously hinged panels. Such shelters may also include a passageway through a portion of the volume of space defined by the tri-fold sections, and may incorporate a latch mechanism for securing at least one contiguously hinged panel. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring now to the drawings in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there are shown several embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that the various embodiments shown are intended as examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a shelter folded for storage or transport. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates as shelter being unflolded for deployment. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a fully deployed shelter 
       FIG. 4  is a cut-away drawing showing an embodiment where shelter is used for a field surgical suite. 
       FIG. 5  is an end-view of a sealed hinge. 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic of the end view of a shelter folded for transportation or storage. 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic of the end view of a shelter as it is being unfolded for deployment. 
       FIG. 8  a schematic of the end view of a shelter as it is further unfolded for deployment. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic of the end view of a shelter as deployed. 
       FIG. 10  is an illustration of the end of shelter showing a door to a passageway into the shelter. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a shelter folded for transportation or storage. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a shelter as it is being unfolded for deployment. 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a fully-deployed shelter, including equipment contained in the shelter. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Described next are several embodiments of this invention from which modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the metes and bounds of the invention. 
   EXAMPLE 
   In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  the shelter includes panels  30 ,  110 , and  210 , and a tri-fold section  100  and an opposing tri-fold section  200  and a frame  1 . In the preferred embodiment the frame  1  incorporates two essentially square opposing end-frames  10  and  20 . In alternate embodiments these end-frames  10  and  20  could be triangular or polygonal. The end-frames  10  and  20  establish what are called for definitional purposes the “ends” of the shelter. The “ends”  150  and the opposing “ends”  160  of shelter panels  30 ,  110 , and  210 , and the “ends” of the tri-fold section  100  and the “ends” of the opposing tri-fold section  200  are the edges of the shelter panels  30 ,  110 , and  210 , and the edges of the tri-fold section  100  and the edges of the opposing tri-fold section  200  which are located proximate to the end-frames  10  and  20  respectively. In this embodiment the frame  1  further incorporates a longitudinal beam  40  in a manner that positions the end-frames  10  and  20  such that they are parallel to each other. The longitudinal beam  40  establishes what is called for definitional purpose the “longitudinal” dimension of the shelter. The “sides”  170  of the shelter panels  30 ,  110 ,  210 , and the sides of the tri-fold section  100 , and the sides of the opposing tri-fold section  200  are the edges of the shelter panels  30 ,  110 ,  210 , and the edges of the tri-fold section  100  and the edges of the opposing tri-fold section ( 200  in  FIG. 2 ) that run parallel to the longitudinal beam  40 . In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  the end-frames  10  and  20  are further joined together by an additional longitudinal beam  50 , and an additional longitudinal beam (not visible) which extends from the lower left corner of end-frame  10  to the lower left corner of end-frame  20 . A bottom panel  30  connects the bottom member  14  of end-frame  10  and the corresponding bottom member (not visible) of the opposing end-frame  20 . Bottom member  14  may be a separate frame structure or it may be provided by the bottom panel  30 . In the preferred embodiment the bottom panel  30  is constructed as a rigid structure such as honeycomb material with rigid framing. 
   In the preferred embodiment, two tri-fold sections  100  and  200  are installed vertically as shown. Each tri-fold section  100  and  200  consists of three panels ( 101 ,  102 ,  103  and  201 ,  202 ,  203 , respectively, in  FIG. 2 ) that are connected by two longitudinal hinges ( 320 ,  330  and  420 ,  430 , respectively, in  FIG. 2 ) like a tri-fold room divider. Each tri-fold section  100  and  200  (in  FIG. 2 ) may be collapsed accordian-like into a flat package as shown in  FIG. 1 . One free longitudinal side  170  of each tri-fold section  100  and  200  (in  FIG. 2 ) is connected by a hinge ( 310  or  410 , respectively in  FIG. 6 ) to the bottom panel  30 . Optionally, in an alternate structure, the bottom panel  30  attaches to a longitudinal beam (for example  50 ) and the free side  170  of each tri-fold section  100  and  200  hinges to the same longitudinal member (for example  50 ). 
   In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the side  170  of each tri-fold section (for example  100 ) that is not attached to the bottom panel  30  is connected by a hinge (for example  340 ) to a top panel (for example  110 ). The corresponding feature (on the opposite side of the shelter) in this example is a tri-fold section  200  which is connected by a hinge  440  to the other top panel  210 . In the preferred embodiment the hinges  340  and  440  are constructed as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In an alternate embodiment the hinges  340  and  440  are constructed as standard mechanical hinges. In this example the top panels  110  and  210  are each each connected by a hinge,  350  and  450  respectively, to a longitudinal frame beam  40  that is orthogonal to the end-frame elements. In the preferred embodiment the hinges  350  and  450  are constructed as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In an alternate embodiment the hinges  350  and  450  are constructed as standard mechanical hinges. 
   Further mechanical stability and functionality may be established by adding end panels  70  and  80  as illustrated. In addition, interior equipment such as cabinet  90  may be added. Note that a passageway ( 60  in  FIG. 2 ) through at least a portion of the stowed configuration is defined by the boundaries established by the bottom panel  30 , the cabinet  90 , the interior vertical surface parallel to cabinet  90  (not visible from this angle) and top panels  210  and  110 . This passageway ( 60  in  FIG. 2 ) may be used by a person to enter the stowed configuration and deploy the shelter from the interior. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates an intermediate stage of deployment of a preferred embodiment. Here the tri-fold section  100  shown  FIG. 1  is unfolding as its three constituent panels  101 ,  102 , and  103 . The tri-fold section  200  in  FIG. 1  is unfolding as its three constituent panels  201 ,  202 , and  203 . In a preferred embodiment panels  101  and  201  are constructed as rigid structures such as honeycomb material with rigid framing, since they constitute part of the floor of the shelter. In a preferred embodiment panels  70 ,  80 ,  110 ,  210 ,  102 ,  103 ,  202 , and  203  incorporate a protective material which is resistant to puncture by sharp instruments, bullets, flying debris, projectiles, and similar hazards. Such protective material may consist of high strength fabric, metallic or ceramic armor, or similar materials. Interior cabinet  90  (in  FIG. 1 ) is not depicted for this  FIG. 2 . 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the fully-deployed shelter. Hinges  320  and  330  are shown connecting the three panels  101 ,  102 ,  103  in  FIG. 2  that comprise the tri-fold panel section  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . In the preferred embodiment the hinges  320  and  330  are constructed as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In an alternate embodiment the hinges  320  and  330  are constructed as standard mechanical hinges. In a preferred embodiment the top panels  110  and  210  are latched to the end-frame top members ( 12  and  22  in  FIG. 1 ) when the shelter is fully unfolded. Such latching adds rigidity to the overall structure. 
   In  FIG. 3  flexible surfaces  510  and  520  are shown attached to panels  201 ,  201 ,  203 ,  70  and  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  80  respectively. Such flexible surfaces could be manufactured from fabric, plastic, or non-woven materials, for example. In the preferred embodiment these flexible surfaces  510  and  520  are constructed of butyl rubber. This permits them to fold and stretch as the shelter is deployed or collapsed for storage and transport. In a further variation the flexible surfaces  510  and  520  could be attached to one or more panels  201 ,  201 ,  203  or  101 ,  102 ,  103 , and to the end-frame  10 . In  FIG. 3  the flexible surfaces  510  and  520  are shown covering the complete end of the shelter outside the end-frame area. This is the preferred embodiment where complete isolation from nuclear, biological and chemical contaminants in the enviroment is needed within the shelter. In some alternate applications it is desirable and it is possible to cover only a portion of the end. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a cut-away version of a further embodiment where the interior is equipped as a mobile surgical suite. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a sealed hinge. The female flange  700  is attached to one panel and the male flange  800  is attached to the adjoining panel. A flexible exterior cover  910  is positioned across the joint  750  of the hinge and sealed by adhesive or alternate fastening mechanims at points  950 . For additional protection an interior cover  920  may be added as illustrated and sealed by adhesive or alternate fastening mechanisms at points  960 . I a preferred embodiment the covers  910  and  920  are fabricated from butyl rubber. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8 , and  9  the method of assembling the shelter will be described.  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8 , and  9  schematically illustrate a cross sectional side view of the panels  30 ,  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  110 ,  210 ,  201 ,  202 , and  203 , and the hinges  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350 ,  450 ,  440 ,  430 ,  420 , and  410 . The dimensions of items shown are increased and decreased to aid the clarity of the illustration, and particularly, the hinges  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350 ,  450 ,  440 ,  430 ,  420 , and  410  are greatly magnified. The shape of the panels has been simplified and the width dimension shrunk to zero. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates the position of the panels  30 – 203  when they are in the fully folded position ready for shipping. The panels  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  201 ,  202  and  203  are fully folded together in an approximately parallel relationship, and are substantially perpendicular to the panels  30 ,  110 , and  210 . To begin the process of erecting or unfolding the shelter, the panels  101  and  201  are lowered away from the center of the shelter until they assume the position shown in  FIG. 7 . By reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7  it will be appreciated that the process of lowering and raising the panels  101  and  102  may be accomplished entirely by a person inside the shelter, and thus the shelter may be erected from the relative safety of the interior of the shelter. In the preferred embodiment, a hoist  105  and cable system  104  are provided for lowering and raising panel  101 , and likewise a hoist  205  and cable system  204  are provided for raising and lowering panel  201 . The hoists  105  and  205  are preferably secured to the outermost portions of panels  101  and  201 , and the cable system is secured at anchors  106  and  206 , which are stationary during the process of folding and unfolding the shelter. Preferably, the anchors  106  and  206  are formed on and are part of the end-frame  10 . 
   As the panels  101  and  201  are lowered downwardly and outwardly, the panels  102  and  202  move outwardly and downwardly in unison, but the interior ends of the panels  102  and  202  move upwardly, and the magnitude of the upward movement is determined by the relative sizes of the panels. In  FIG. 7 , only very slight upward movement was experienced by the interior ends of the panels  102  and  202  because they were almost equal in their width dimension to the panels  101  and  102 . 
   To raise the panels from the position shown in  FIG. 7  to the position shown in  FIG. 9 , actuator systems  108  and  208  are provided to raise the panels as schematically illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Once the panels are raised to the position shown in  FIG. 9 , it is preferred to leave the actuators  108  and  208  and the cable systems  104  and  204  in operable position to provide additional structural integrity and quick fold up capability. The primary stability of the shelter in the raised position is provided by latching the frame elements  10  to the panels. Preferably, the panels  110  and  210  are latched to the end-frame  10  as schematically illustrated in  FIG. 9  by latch and anchor mechanisms  112  and  212 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9  the need for a resilient cover for the ends of the shelter is illustrated. In the preferred embodiment, a flexible cover is continuously attached and sealed along the ends of the panels, covering at least a potion of the opening found at the end of the shelter. As the shelter moves from the position shown in  FIG. 7  to the position of  FIG. 8 , the flexible cover will stretch because of the expansion of the area caused by the upward movement of the panels  110  and  210 . The needed stretch is defined by the distance between the panels  110  and  210  and the dotted imaginary line  120  shown in  FIG. 8 . It has been found that butyl rubber sheets are suitable for use as the resilient material to extend between the ends of the panels because it can easily stretch with the motion of the panels as panels  110  and  210  move upwardly. 
     FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment where a door  65  is provided at the entrance of the passageway ( 60  in  FIG. 2 ). In an application where complete isolation from nuclear, biological and chemical contaminants in the environment is needed within the shelter, the preferred embodiment is to have the door  65  sealed against panels  70  and  80  and against the end-frame members  12  and  14 . 
     FIGS. 11 ,  12  and  13  are somewhat diagrammatical cross sectional views of the shelter roughly corresponding to  FIGS. 6 ,  8  and  9  respectively.  FIGS. 11 ,  12  and  13  are more detailed and more realistic, but are still diagrammatic illustrations.  FIG. 11  illustrates the shelter in the closed position, and in this embodiment short upright walls  124  and  224  are disposed on the outer sides of the panels  101  and  201 , and enable the panels  102 ,  103 ,  202  and  203  to hang substantially vertically and provide a space between panels  101  and  102 , and between  201  and  202 . Thus, space is provided to mount the hoists  105  and  205  on the panels  101  and  201  without interfering with the other panels. The upright walls also provide rigidity and strength along the outer side of the panels  101  and  201  when functioning as a floor. 
   Referring to  FIG. 12 , the shelter is shown in a partially unfolded condition in which the actuators  108  and  208  are raising the panels  102 ,  103 ,  110 ,  210 ,  203 ,  202  to form sidewalls and a roof for the shelter. As the actuators continue to push the panels  102  and  202  outwardly and upwardly, the panels  103 ,  110 ,  210  and  203  will rotate and move downwardly to assume the position shown in  FIG. 13 . 
   The actuators  108  and  208  and the hoists  105  and  205  are preferably mounted so as to provide the least possible interference with the usefulness of the shelter. The cable system  104  is disposed on guides, preferably pulleys, and runs outside the ends of the panels  102 ,  103 ,  202  and  203 . Thus, the presence of the cables does not interfere with the movement and rotation of the panels. Similarly, the actuators  108  and  208  are preferably mounted proximate the ends of the panels, and most preferably, an actuator  108  is mounted on both ends of panel  101 , and an actuator  208  is mounted on both ends of panel  201 . Likewise, while there is need of only one hoist  105  on panel  101  and one hoist  205  on panel  201 , the cable system  104  extends upwardly at both ends of panels  101  and  201  as schematically shown in  FIG. 12 . 
   The foregoing description of certain embodiments of this invention has been provided for the purpose of illustration only, and various modifications may be made without affecting the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.