Patent Publication Number: US-11377868-B2

Title: Rapidly deployable modular shelter system

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/287,539 filed 27 Feb. 2019, which claims benefit and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 10,392,828 granted 27 Aug. 2019, which claims the benefits, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. provisional application No. 62/287,313 filed Jan. 26, 2016, and which is a 371 of international application no. PCT/CA2017/050071 filed 25 Jan. 2017, all of which are entitled “RAPIDLY DEPLOYABLE MODULAR SHELTER SYSTEM”, and all of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to the field of collapsible structures, in particular fabric-covered structures such as tents and collapsible frames for supporting same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Numerous designs have been developed for large-scale collapsible fabric-covered structures which are portable and can be rapidly erected and disassembled. Such structures have use in military applications, for resource exploration, for large public events such as concerts and festivals and the like. Typically the frames for such structures consist of multiple separate pieces which can become misplaced and are complicated to assemble, dis-assemble and pack for shipment. There is therefore a need for more simple and efficient frames for large-scale collapsible structures. 
     The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements. 
     The present invention therefore provides a leg element for use in a folding tent frame system, the folding tent frame system having a roof frame comprising arch brackets configured to receive a plurality of the leg elements, each leg element comprising: a) a first inner leg element comprising a base and a rigid vertical element mounted on the base, the rigid vertical element having a plurality of vertically spaced latch-receiving slots; and b) a second outer sliding leg element slideably movable vertically on the first inner leg element, the second outer sliding leg element comprising a horizontally extending lifting bar secured thereto and a spring-biased latch element for securing the outer sliding leg element at selected vertical locations on the inner leg element. 
     According to a further aspect there is provided a folding tent frame comprising a folding roof frame, and a plurality of leg elements engageable with the folding roof frame wherein the folding roof frame comprises a plurality of arch brackets located on the periphery thereof for releasably receiving and securing the plurality of leg elements. each arch bracket comprises a vertical passage open on the outer side thereof for receiving one of the outer sliding leg elements and opposed tapered interior surfaces for bearing against an outer surface of the outer sliding leg elements. The outer sliding leg elements may comprise tapered outer surfaces configured to engage the tapered interior surfaces of the plurality of arch brackets. There is further provided a shelter system comprising the folding tent frame described above, and a flexible tent body removably suspended from the folding tent frame when the folding tent frame is in an unfolded and locked configuration. 
     According to a further aspect there is provided a method of deploying a shelter wherein the shelter comprises a folding tent frame as described above and a flexible tent body, the method comprising the steps of: a) unfolding the roof frame, reversibly locking the roof frame in an unfolded configuration and placing the unfolded roof frame on a generally horizontal surface such as the ground; b) removably securing the flexible tent body to the unfolded roof frame at a plurality of points; c) securing the plurality of leg elements to the arch brackets of the unfolded roof frame wherein the leg elements are in a first lowered configuration to thereby raise one or both sides of the unfolded roof frame above the generally horizontal surface; d) raising the roof frame further above the generally horizontal surface by sliding each outer sliding leg elements of the plurality of leg elements vertically on each first inner leg element to thereby secure each leg element in a further extended configuration; e) repeating step d) until the unfolded roof frame has been raised to a selected extended height; f) before or in the course of any one of steps c), d) or e) securing each base of the plurality of leg elements to the generally horizontal surface; and g) further securing the flexible tent body to the roof frame and extended leg elements and the generally horizontal surface. Where the bases of the leg elements comprise apertures each base of the plurality of leg elements may be secured to the generally horizontal surface using stakes extending through the apertures into the generally horizontal surface. The outer sliding leg elements may slid vertically on each first inner leg element by lifting the horizontally extending lifting bars. 
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the unfolded assembled frame for a one bay structure according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the frame in  FIG. 1 , expanded with frame components unfolded. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the frame as shown in  FIG. 2 , folded for packing. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the frame as shown in  FIG. 2 , partially unfolded. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the frame as shown in  FIG. 2 , further unfolded. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the frame as shown in  FIG. 2 , further unfolded and standing upright. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the frame as shown in  FIG. 2 , standing upright further unfolded. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the frame as shown in  FIG. 2 , standing upright completely unfolded. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a Peak Bracket. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the Peak Bracket shown in  FIG. 9  partially in cross-section, showing chord connections, peak hinge, and sliding lock mechanism with lockout feature. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a detail of the sliding lock mechanism with lockout feature. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the chord knee bracket. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view partially in cross-section of the chord knee bracket of  FIG. 12  showing the sliding lock mechanism with lockout feature. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a purlin knee bracket. 
         FIG. 15  is a detail front perspective view partially in cross-section of the purlin knee Bracket of  FIG. 14 , with sliding lock mechanism but no lockout feature. 
         FIG. 16  is a detail rear perspective view of an eave bracket. 
         FIG. 17  is a detail perspective view partially in cross-section of the eave bracket of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a detail front perspective view of the eave bracket of  FIG. 16  with a leg inserted. 
         FIG. 19  is a detail front perspective view in partial cross-section of the eave bracket of  FIG. 18  with leg inserted, shown resting in place on the upper leg bosses. 
         FIG. 20A  is a detail front perspective view of a leg assembly. 
         FIG. 20B  is a detail front perspective view of a top portion of the leg assembly of  FIG. 20A  showing pinned bosses and a close haul wire hook for cover connection. 
         FIG. 21A  is a detail front view of a leg knee joint. 
         FIG. 21B  is a detail front view of the leg knee joint of  FIG. 21A  partially in cross-section showing a locking slider. 
         FIGS. 22 and 23  are perspective detail views of a quick release foot assembly. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the midspan chord. 
         FIG. 25  is a detail perspective view of the midspan chord knee joint. 
         FIG. 26  is a detail perspective view partially in cross-section showing the midspan chord knee joint with lock slider. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the midspan chord partially folded. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the midspan chord fully folded. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a telescoping wind kit post. 
         FIG. 30  is a detail perspective view of the wind kit post connection. 
         FIG. 31  is an isolated detail perspective view of the connecting bracket of the wind kit post. 
         FIG. 32  is an isolated detail perspective view of the connecting fastener on the chord for the wind kit post. 
         FIG. 33  is a detail perspective view of the wind kit foot. 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of the unfolded assembled frame for a two bay structure according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of the unfolded assembled frame for a four bay structure according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a completed cover for a one bay structure. 
         FIG. 37  is a detail perspective view of one endwall for the cover shown in  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 38  is a detail perspective view of the barrel section for the cover shown in  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 39  is a detail perspective view of the second endwall for the cover shown in  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 40  is a detail perspective view of the exterior of a soft door assembly for the cover shown in  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 41  is detail perspective view of the interior of the soft door assembly for the cover shown in  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of a completed cover for a two bay structure. 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of a completed cover for a four bay structure. 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective view of a removable insulation package for a single bay structure. 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the endwall for the removable insulation package shown in  FIG. 44 , both endwalls being the same. 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view of the barrel for the removable insulation package shown in  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of the removable insulation package for a two bay structure. 
         FIG. 48  is a perspective view of the removable insulation package for a four bay structure. 
         FIG. 49  is a perspective view of a solar shade for use with the shelter shown in  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 50  is a perspective view of a winter fly for use with the shelter shown in  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 51  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a tent-based shelter system designed for rapid erection and mobility to perform under adverse environmental conditions. 
         FIG. 52  is a perspective view of a 2-module frame used in the tent-based shelter system as shown in  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 53  is a perspective view of the tent body for the 2-module frame used in the tent-based shelter system as shown in  FIG. 51  with sections separated. 
         FIG. 54  is a perspective view of the assembled tent body for the 2-module frame used in the tent-based shelter system as shown in  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 55  is a perspective view of a shelter fly for the 2-module shelter as shown in  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 56  is a detail perspective view of the peak bracket. 
         FIG. 57  is a perspective view of the leg element  350  in lowered position. 
         FIG. 58  is a perspective view of the leg element  350  in semi-raised position. 
         FIG. 59  is a perspective view of the leg element  350  in fully-raised position. 
         FIG. 60  is a detail perspective view of a frame leg socket at the end of an arch. 
         FIG. 61  is a detail perspective view of the frame leg socket shown in  FIG. 60  with a leg element in place. 
         FIG. 62A-F  is a series of schematic drawings illustrating the initial steps in the assembly process for the 2-module shelter. 
         FIG. 63A-G  is a series of schematic drawings illustrating the steps in raising of the tent frame for the 2-module shelter. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , an unfolded frame assembly  10  for a one bay structure according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. Unfolded frame assemblies  100  and  200  for two and four bay structures according to an embodiment of the invention are shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 . Each frame assembly  10  comprises an upper section assembly  12  ( FIG. 2 ) which includes fully attached folding purlins  14 . Frame assembly  10  also comprises peak brackets  16 , eave brackets  17 , chords  18 , legs  20 , wind kit posts  22 , midspan chords  24 , chord knee joints  26 , purlin knee joints  28 , and leg knee joints  30 . Such joints contain self-resetting lock mechanisms as described below. During set up they lock the joints into place without needing to be touched. Once unlocked they reset to automatically lock the joints into place on the next setup. 
     Peak bracket and chord joint locks contain a secondary feature which allows joints to be set into an unlocked position until the joint is bent, at which time the lock resets, ready to lock the joint into position on the next setup. This facilitates the pack up procedure, as multiple joint locks need not be manually held unlocked at the same time. 
       FIG. 3  shows the upper folding assembly  12  for the frame as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , folded for packing. In  FIG. 4  one set of two folded chords  18  and one folded purlin  14  are rotated about the hinged peak bracket  16  to separate from the set of two folded chords  18  and two folded purlin  14 . In  FIG. 5  the chords  18  are unfolded by rotating at chord knee joints  26 . In  FIG. 6  the partially unfolded upper frame assembly is placed in an upright position and as shown in  FIG. 7  purlins  14  are unfolded about hinged purlin knee joints  28 , to reach the unfolded configuration shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Peak brackets  16  are hingedly connected to chord  18  about axis  30 . When in the unfolded position shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the chord  18  is locked in place by pins  32  which are mounted on interior sliding locking frame  34  and extend through slots  36  in the sides of chords  18 , and into slots  38 . Pins  32  are biased by spring  40  into the locked position shown in  FIG. 9 . Pulling on cable  42  slides sub-frame  34  away from the peak bracket  16 , releasing pin  32  from slot  38  and allowing chord  18  to rotate. 
     Thus peak bracket joints, chord knee joints, purlin knee joints, and leg knee joints all contain self-resetting lock mechanisms. During set up they lock the joints into place without needing to be touched. Once unlocked they reset to automatically lock the joints into place on the next setup. 
     As previously noted peak brackets  16  and chord knee joints  26 , contain a secondary lockout feature which allows joints to be set into an unlocked position until the joint is bent, at which time the lock resets, ready to lock the joint into position on the next setup. This assists the pack up procedure, as multiple joint locks didn&#39;t need to be manually held unlocked at the same time. Lockout bars  44  permit the chords  18  to be kept in an extended unfolded position without locking. With reference to  FIG. 11 , lockout bar  44  is hingedly mounted on pin  32  on sliding locking frame  34 . It is biased to an upward position by spring  48 . Head  46  is sized to move upwardly into slot  50  of chord knee joint  26  or slot  52  of peak bracket  16 . By pulling on cable  42  the operator can unlock the joint by allowing head  46  to extend into slot  50 / 52  to prevent the joint from re-locking while keeping the joint unfolded. Once the joint is bent, head  46  comes out of slot  50 / 52  at which time the lock resets, ready to lock the joint into position on the next setup. 
     Chord knee bracket shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  operates in the same way as the peak bracket  16  using sliding locking frame  34 . 
     Purlin knee joints  28 , and leg knee joints  30  operate in the same manner as the chord knee bracket  26  and the peak bracket  16  without the secondary lockout feature. Purlin knee bracket  28  is shown in  FIG. 14 . Purlin sections  60 ,  62  are hingedly connected about axis  64 . When in the unfolded position shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the purlin sections  60 ,  62  are locked in place by pins  66  which are mounted on interior sliding locking frame  68  and extend through slots  70  in the sides of the purlins, and into slots  72 . Pins  66  are biased by spring  67  into the locked position shown in  FIG. 14 . Pulling on cable  69  slides locking frame  68 , releasing pins  66  from slot  72  and allowing purlin sections  60 ,  62  to rotate. 
     Eave brackets  17  receive the upper end  21  of legs  20  through apertures  23 . The lower surface  25  of bracket  17  rests on upper leg bosses  27  when the legs are in place. As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20B , leg  20  may be provided with close haul wire j-hook  29  for cover connection. As noted above, leg knee joints  30  operate in the same manner as the chord knee bracket  26  and the peak bracket  16  without the secondary lockout feature. Leg knee joint  30  is shown in  FIGS. 21A and 21B . Leg sections  31 ,  33  are hingedly connected about axis  35 . When in the unfolded position shown in  FIGS. 21A and 21B , leg sections  31 ,  33  are locked in place by pins  37  which are mounted on interior sliding locking frame  39  and extend through slots  41  in the sides of the legs  20 , and into slots  43 . Pins  37  are biased by spring  45  into the locked position shown in  FIG. 21A . Pulling on boss  47  slides locking frame  39 , releasing pins  37  from slot  43  and allowing leg sections  31 ,  33  to rotate. This lock mechanism allows for a two-handed grip when lowering the shelter. 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  show a quick release foot assembly  80  for attachment to legs  20 . Such quick release feet allow a high wind set up and tear down procedure, where the feet  80  are removed from the legs  20  before setup, attached to the shelter&#39;s floor and securely anchored to the ground through apertures  84 . When the frame is erected, horizontal cylindrical extensions (not shown) on the legs  20  snap into slots  86  in the pre-anchored feet  80  to be held in place by spring-biased hinged arms  83 , greatly reducing the risk of injury to personnel or damage to equipment. High wind take down is the opposite of set up, where the shelter feet can be released from the leg assembly by using a foot to force open arms  83 , which allows a steady two-handed grasp on the leg at all times. Foot pads  80  are also sized to allow a low enough ground pressure, even with a snow loaded shelter, such that any ground capable of supporting a walking individual, or a vehicle driving on normal tires, is sufficient to support the shelter. 
     Midspan chords  24  are shown in  FIG. 24 through 28 . Each chord  24  comprises a single folding element which, when unfolded as shown in  FIG. 24 , rests on upper frame assembly  12 , with its central hinge  25  on peak purlin bracket  28  and its ends on lower purlin brackets  28 . The midspan chord knee joints  27  fold and lock/unlock the chord sections  91 ,  93 ,  95 ,  97  in the same manner as the purlin knee joints  28 , using cable  129  to unlock the joint. 
     A telescoping wind kit post  110  is illustrated in  FIG. 29 through 33 . Such posts can be attached to chords  18  at either end of the frame  10 , in order to assist in securing the cover to the structure, as follows. Each post  110  has a telescoping vertical post  112 , the interior telescopic section being secured at its lower end to wind kit post foot  116 . At its upper end the post  112  is provided with a bracket  113  having a keyhole slot  118  which engages a bolt  120  on chord  18 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 , the size of the modular structure can be increased by increasing the number of chords  18 , purlins  14  and peak brackets  16  in the upper frame assembly  12 , with proportionate increase in the number of legs  20  and midspan chords  24 . The resulting structure may thereby accommodate a two or four bays for equipment storage. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates a completed fabric cover  220  for the one bay structure whose frame  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 . It includes an endwall  222  shown in  FIG. 37 , a barrel section  224  shown in  FIG. 38 , and a second endwall  226  shown in  FIG. 39 . A soft door assembly  227  may be used for doors  228 , whose exterior is shown in  FIG. 40  and interior in  FIG. 41 . For the two bay structure shown in  FIG. 42 , two barrel sections  224  are used and four are used for the four bay structure shown in  FIG. 43 . 
     Insulation  240  can be added to the structure as shown in  FIG. 44  for a single bay structure. It comprises two insulation endwalls  242  for the removable insulation package shown in  FIG. 45 , both endwalls being the same. The barrel  244  for the removable insulation package is shown in  FIG. 46 . Again for the two bay structure as shown in  FIG. 47 , two barrel sections  244  are used and four are used for the four bay structure shown in  FIG. 48 . 
       FIG. 49  illustrates a solar shade  250  for use with the one bay shelter shown in  FIG. 36 , and  FIG. 50  illustrates a winter fly  252  for use with the one-bay shelter. Both assemblies are tensioned just at the gable ends with a parabolically curved wire rope which is anchored to the feet on the corner legs. This wire rope acts similarly to the main support cable in a tension bridge, only inverted. This makes fitment and proper tensioning simpler. 
     The fabric cover  220  can be attached after the frame has been erected. Fabric cover  220  may be suspended from the frame elements using fasteners such as hooks or hook and loop fasteners  221  and in particular close haul j-hooks  29  at the eaves as previously noted above. Fabric dry bag style port closures are preferred. PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System)/Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment i.e. PALS/MOLLE webbing attachment patches as universal hardware mounts may be incorporated. Universal webbing strip/patches may be sewn into the ceiling for attaching accessories such as air distribution ducts, lights, room dividers, etc. Glow in the dark, reversible, fabric exit signs may be used. Double layered windows allow visibility without losing insulating air gap between cover and insulation layer. 
       FIG. 51 through 63  illustrate a further variation of a tent-based shelter system using rapidly deployable frame elements. In this embodiment the leg elements are modified to facilitate set-up of the shelter particularly in high winds. The leg elements comprise sliding rather than folding elements. The main body of the leg is always the full length and the portion of the leg to which the roof frame attaches to is able to slide up and down the main leg body. In this way the roof section and attached tent fabric can be assembled at the ground level and attached to the slidable leg section in lowered position with the main leg sections secured to the ground at their base. The roof and tent assembly can then be raised by sliding the slidable leg section up the main leg section. This facilitates assembling the tent, particularly in high winds. Also in this variation midspan chords are replaced in the roof frame by removable purlins which run in the opposite direction to the midspan chords previously disclosed. 
     With reference to  FIG. 51 , as in the previous embodiment there is disclosed a tent-based shelter system designed for rapid erection and mobility to perform under adverse environmental conditions. The system can be configured for example as a deployable command post, accommodation, medical facility or as operations and command centres for disaster relief, for example. For handling and stowage, the shelter system breaks down into various packed bags that are small and light enough for users to carry and pack. 
     The different shelter modules provided in the system, using common components, are shown in  FIG. 51  in a standard configuration, however the particular arrangement may be changed to suit the particular requirements of the deployment. The system includes the following shelter modules: 4-module shelter  300 ; 2-module shelter  302 ; 1-module shelter  304 ; 4-Door Hub  306  for shelter interconnection; Vehicle Interface shelter  308 ; and entrance Vestibule  310 . As in the previous embodiment, the shelter system is a self-standing, external-frame all-weather tent system. The tent frame is the structural component of the shelter and is external to the tent, with the tent body suspended under the frame. This external frame design provides significant advantage for deployment and tear-down timing. The frame for the various modules is designed with a minimum number of unique parts. The 2-module frame  301  is shown in  FIG. 52  as exemplary, however the assembly concept is the same for all of the frames. The primary difference between the various frames is the number of arch sections and legs used to accommodate the length of the shelter. The illustrated 2-module shelter frame  301  shows the three-arch folding frame  301  supported on six telescoping legs  350  and four end stanchions  326 . The folding frame includes the arches  316 , ridge beams  312 , and eave beams  314 . Each arch and beam section is hinged to allow folding for stowage. The frame  301  is preferably constructed of powder coated aluminum for reduced weight and corrosion protection. 
     The basic frame assembly  301  in this embodiment consists of folding beams (horizontal elements that form the ridge beam  312  and eave beams  314 ), and folding arches  316  (sloping beams that join the ridge and eave beams  312 ,  314 ). Each beam and arch has a latched hinge  318 ,  320  at its mid-point allowing the entire assembly to fold to minimize its size for transportation and storage as shown in  FIG. 62A . Arches  316  are hingedly connected to ridge beam  312  at peak brackets  328 . Once the main frame is unfolded during deployment, separate removable purlins  322  are secured between the arches  316  to provide additional rigidity to the frame and support points for the roof fabric. The beam and arch latched hinges  318 ,  320  comprise automatic spring-loaded latches which automatically lock into place during erection. These are constructed as disclosed in the previous embodiment. The arch latches have a ‘free’ position during teardown, which resets itself into a primed position for subsequent deployment when the frame is fully collapsed. See  FIG. 9-13 . The beam latches must be held open while they are initially folded. See  FIG. 25, 26 . 
     The frame  310  is supported on legs  350  that attach by inserting them into brackets  368  ( FIG. 60 ) at the junction of each arch and eave beam  316 ,  314 . Separate endwall stanchions  326  attach to each end of the shelter to provide additional support for the endwalls. The modular purlins  322  are beam elements installed between the arches  316 , parallel with the eave and ridge beams  312 ,  314 . The purlins  322  provide frame rigidity and support for the tent fabric. Endwall stanchions  326  at the endwalls provide additional support for the tent fabric and hard door if installed. 
     The tent body  330  as shown for the 2-module shelter in  FIG. 53  is preferably made of military-grade fabric and integrates wall and roof sections. The 1-module, 2-module, and 4-module shelters use multi-part fabric bodies as shown in  FIG. 53 . The multi-part bodies are composed of endwall sections  332  and barrel sections  334  where required to add length. Endwall section  332  has a longitudinally extending sidewall  337 , a laterally extending major endwall  339 , and a laterally extending minor endwall  341  opposite major endwall  339 . Endwall section  332  also has a right trapezoid shape roof  343  with a shorter leg edge  345  adjoining sidewall  337 , a longer leg edge  346  comprising fastening means  336 , a shorter base edge  347  adjoining minor endwall  341 , and a longer base edge  348  adjoining major endwall  339 . Barrel section  334  has a laterally extending first endwall  349 , and a laterally extending second endwall  357  opposite and offset from first endwall  349 . Barrel section  334  also has a roof  359  having a parallelogram shape with a first base edge  361  adjoining first endwall  349 , a second base edge  363  adjoining second endwall  357 , and angled leg edges  365  comprising fastening means  336 . The 1-module shelter uses two endwall sections  332  directly joined together. The 2-module shelter uses one barrel section  334  between the endwall sections  332  to provide the required length (as illustrated) and the 4-module shelter uses three barrel sections  334 . The endwall and barrel sections are joined using heavy-duty zippers  336  which start at the roof peak  338 . The section roof panel edges are diagonal in order to facilitate a modular design with identical endwall and barrel sections  332 ,  334 . The connecting edges of each endwall and barrel are identical so that they may be joined in any sequence there is no front or back orientation. This design simplifies deployment compared to other systems that have directional connections and must be oriented in a specific way in order to assemble. 
       FIG. 54  illustrates the assembled 2-module shelter  330  using one barrel section  334  between the endwall sections  332 . The endwall sections  332  preferably have two soft doors  331 , one on the end face and one on the sidewall section, each with a window panel and a window opening on each side of the door. The soft doors may be replaced with hard doors if required. The endwall sections  332  may incorporate two large sleeves  333  to accommodate external heating or air conditioning ducts. Two small sleeves  335  may also be incorporated to pass power and communication cables in and out of the shelter. Each barrel section  334  preferably also has two soft doors  331  which can remain sealed, used as windows, or as connections to other modules in the complex. An example of a shelter fly for the 2-module shelter is shown as  340  in  FIG. 55 . 
     A detail perspective view of the peak bracket  328  is shown in  FIG. 56 . It receives the ends of ridge beams  312 , of the 2-module shelter frame as shown or potentially of the extension frame for a 4-module shelter frame, and is provided with apertures  342  to accept ridge beams  312  and secure them by a hitch pin  344 .  FIGS. 57, 58 and 59  are perspective views of the leg element  350  in lowered, semi-raised and fully-raised positions respectively. Leg element  350  consists of outer sliding leg element  352  with lifting handle  354  and spring-loaded lift handle latch  356 , inner leg element  358  having latch slots  360  mounted on base  362  having base apertures  364 . Upper supporting horizontal leg latch bar  351  forms the upper end of a T-shaped spring loaded lever  355  which rotates about axis  353  to facilitate removal of the legs  350  from frame leg socket  368 . As outer sliding leg element  352  is slid up the inner leg element  358 , lift handle latch  356  slides out of the prior latch slot  360  and is then biased into the next higher latch slot  360  where it secures the leg element  352  until it is again moved upwardly.  FIG. 60  is a detail perspective view of the frame leg socket  368  on arch  316 . It has open front face  370  to receive the leg  350 , so that bar latch  351  engages socket latch flanges  372  as shown in  FIG. 61 . The outer surface of sliding leg element  352  engages the tapered inner surface  374  of frame leg socket  368  so that arch bracket  368  and attached frame  310  is firmly supported on the sliding leg element  352 . In  FIG. 61  the sliding leg element  352  has been slid upwardly to the fully raised position on inner leg element  358 . An eye bolt  366  can be bolted to the upper edge of inner leg element  358  with an attached ratchet strap  367  to secure the frame corners to a stake. 
     The following describes the assembly process for the 2-module shelter. The assembly process is essentially the same for all of the shelters, the difference being that the Vestibule, 4-Door Hub, and Vehicle Interface shelter use specific one-piece covers, and the 1-module, 2-module, and 4-module shelters use two endwall sections  332  and 0, 1 or 2 barrel sections  334 . Initially the shelter fabric sections are laid out on the ground in their intended locations and joined by aligning the zipper starting points in the middle at the roof peak, and closing the zippers a short distance. The folded roof frame ( FIG. 62A ) is then deployed before proceeding with joining the remainder of the fabric. The frame is unfolded on the ground adjacent to one end of the laid-out shelter fabric to allow it to be expanded out over the fabric ( FIG. 62B ). With the frame lying on one side, the arches are unfolded at the roof peak hinges to their full length at the centre hinges so the arch hinges lock securely ( FIG. 62C ). The unfolded frame is stood on the eave beam ends as shown in  FIG. 62D . The arches are pulled apart as in  FIG. 62E , unfolding the beam sections so the beam hinges lock securely as shown in  FIG. 62F . Arch cables are secured between the lower ends of the arches and roof fabric is partially secured to the roof beams by connecting cables from the tent roof to the ends of the respective arches by engaging cable hooks in slots on the underside of the arches where they join the eave beam  14  (not shown). The tent fabric is secured by roof attachment straps to roof beam D-rings (not shown). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 52 and 62F, 8  modular purlins  322  are then installed between arches  316 . The ends of each purlin may have a T-shaped head to slide into securement slots in the sides of arches  316 . The roof fabric is then further secured to the frame arches  316  and purlins  322 , and fly  340  is centered over the frame  301 . The raising of the frame  301  is illustrated in  FIG. 63A-G . The frame with attached fabric is positioned on the ground as shown in  FIG. 63A . The first side of the frame is lifted and the collapsed legs  350  inserted into the frame arch brackets  368  ( FIG. 63B ) so that upper latch  351  is positioned in socket latch flanges  372 . The second side of the frame is lifted and the collapsed legs  350  similarly inserted into the frame arch brackets  368  on the second side of the frame ( FIG. 63C ). The frame  301  is now supported off the ground with the shelter fabric suspended below as shown in  FIG. 63D . The bases  362  of the legs  350  can be secured to the ground at each stage of the setup as required using takes through apertures  364  of each base. Using the handles  354  on the legs  350  the frame is lifted further, ensuring the latches  356  fully engage the leg tube slots  360  ( FIG. 63E ). The shelter may be raised incrementally, one side at a time, or fully, both sides at once, depending on the number of personnel available to lift, to the position shown in  FIGS. 63F  and G. Insulation and sun shades may be installed as described in the previous embodiment. 
     While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the invention be interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.