Patent Application
20150342327
1. Technical Field
This disclosure relates to wilderness portable structures, collapsible shelters, and to portable fire protection systems.
2. Background Art
Portable shelters can be carried in a backpack or frame pack and allow use of wilderness areas that are remote and inaccessible by car or other vehicles. Portable shelters such as backpacking tents are normally carried in or on a frame pack, with the weight of the tent being a major consideration in many cases. A portable shelter that reduces the weight of the shelter would be of great benefit to those utilizing portable shelters in remote wilderness areas.
Camping tents and similar collapsible shelters currently known are not designed to reflect substantial amounts of heat, and are not useful as a fire protection shelter in the event of a wild fire. Emergency fire protection shelters are used that are designed as a one time use, and are insufficient in some cases to protect the user from a wild fire. It is common for firefighters to carry an emergency fire protection shelter within a pack that contains other essential items that are needed when fighting wilderness wildfires. These emergency fire protection shelters are made as lightweight heat shields, in the shape of a shelter, but in some cases do not provide adequate heat protection resulting in loss of life. A fire shelter that increases the heat shielding and ability to protect an occupant inside the shelter would be of great benefit to firefighters or any persons utilizing emergency fire shelters in the wilderness.
At least some emergency fire shelters are not re-usable, as they are designed to deploy but not designed to be collapsed or stored again for a second use. In a situation where a fire fighter needs a temporary shelter that is not an emergency fire shelter, an additional shelter, separate from the fire shelter, is needed.
Camping shelters and emergency fire shelters do not use the pack support structure as part of the structure of the shelter. In both cases the pack that carries the shelter is separate from the shelter itself. This requires extra weight and materials, as the materials for a pack are not used when a shelter is assembled.
Disclosed is a device including a pack and a collapsible shelter. The collapsible shelter may have a stored position and may be stored on the pack when in the stored position. The collapsible shelter may have a deployed position, and an exterior and an interior when in the deployed position.
The collapsible shelter may be connected to the pack so that when the collapsible shelter is in the deployed position, the pack is between the interior and the exterior of the collapsible shelter. In an example embodiment, the pack supports at least a portion of the collapsible shelter. The position of the pack may reduce heat transfer from the exterior of the collapsible shelter to the interior of the collapsible shelter.
In another embodiment of the device, the pack includes storage for compressed breathable air, including an air valve connected to the storage for compressed breathable air to allow the breathable air to be accessed from the interior of the collapsible shelter. The pack may also include a support structure, where the support structure is hollow and is used as the storage for compressed breathable air.
Another embodiment is disclosed with a pack having a support structure, a stand structure connected to the pack support structure, and a collapsible shelter with an interior and an exterior. The collapsible shelter may have a stored position to be stored on the pack when in the stored position. The collapsible shelter may also have a deployed position,
In an example embodiment the collapsible shelter, when in the deployed position, is attached to the pack support structure so that the pack is part of the collapsible shelter. The pack support structure, when in the deployed position may be part of the collapsible shelter, with the collapsible shelter supported by the stand structure.
The collapsible shelter may have an inner layer of flexible material, and a flexible frame attached to the inner layer of flexible material. The inner layer of flexible material may include fire resistant material, and may be an inner heat shield to deflect heat from a fire away from the interior of the collapsible shelter.
In an example embodiment, the pack support structure is hollow, and contains compressed breathable air. The device may also include an air valve connected to the pack support structure to allow the breathable air in the support structure to be accessed from the interior of the collapsible shelter.
In another embodiment, the pack includes a water container incorporated into the pack, and a conduit between the water container in the pack and the interior of the collapsible shelter to allow water in the water container to be accessed from the interior of the collapsible shelter.
An embodiment may also have a floor material, having edges and an outer portion near the edges of the floor material, where the floor material provides a ground cover under the shelter, and where the floor material is stored on the pack for carrying. In an example embodiment, the device includes a shroud material and the pack is made from fire resistant material including material that reflects heat. The shroud material may form a protective cover when the collapsible shelter is stored, the shroud material may form an outer heat shield when in the deployed position by attaching to outer portions of the floor. The shroud material may be stored on the pack for carrying.
The shroud may form a protective cover when the collapsible shelter is stored. The shroud may provide an outer layer of flexible material including fire resistant material. The outer layer of flexible material may be at least part of an outer heat shield to deflect heat from a fire away from the interior of the collapsible shelter.
In an example embodiment, there is a space between portions of the inner layer of flexible material and the outer layer of flexible material. The inner layer of flexible material may include multiple layers and the flexible frame may include bendable hoops attached between the multiple layers of the inner layer of flexible material.
The pack support structure may be resistant to high temperature and may be a heat shield to deflect heat from a fire away from the interior of the collapsible shelter.
In an example embodiment, the stand structure, may hold the pack support structure at an angle relative to the ground, for example the stand structure may hold the pack support structure approximately 45 to 90 degrees relative to the ground. The pack support structure may be between the interior and exterior of the collapsible shelter when deployed as part of the collapsible shelter.
The device may include a cooling system on the pack. In an example embodiment, the cooling system is an evaporative cooler and may include a multi-phase air filter. The pack may include a water container incorporated into the pack and the water container may be connected to the evaporative cooler.
The evaporative cooler may include an air intake on the exterior of the collapsible shelter when the shelter is deployed, and an air output on the interior of the collapsible shelter. In an example embodiment the multi-phase air filter includes a carbon filter, a desiccant filter, and a chilling pad/filter connected to the water container, and wherein the evaporative cooler includes a fan. The fan may be powered, at least in part, by a hand operated crank.
The pack has a top and a bottom, and may include an external camera approximately at the top of the pack. The collapsible shelter may have an outer layer of flexible material that is connected to the floor material. The floor material may have an outer edge, and the outer layer of flexible material may be connected to the floor material in close proximity to the outer edge. The inner layer of the collapsible shelter may be connected to the floor material further from the outer edge than the outer layer of flexible material.
An example method of assembling a collapsible shelter is also disclosed, including the steps of: providing a pack with a pack support structure containing a collapsible shelter, and deploying the collapsible shelter by moving the stand structure to provide a stable support structure for the collapsible shelter utilizing the pack support system, and moving a layer of flexible material to form the collapsible shelter.
The pack may also include a shroud, that when deployed has an exterior and an interior of the collapsible shelter; deploying the collapsible shelter by connecting the collapsible shelter to the pack, so that the pack and the shroud functions as a heat shield to reduce heat transfer from the exterior of the collapsible shelter to the interior of the fire shelter. The pack may also include a stand structure with a first portion of the stand structure connected to the pack, and a second portion of the support structure. Deploying the collapsible shelter may also include moving the second portion of the support structure so that the support structure supports the pack in a stable position.
Providing a pack in the example method may also include providing a pack with extendable heat shields, and with a temperature sensor on the exterior of the collapsible shelter. The pack may also include a display on the interior of the collapsible shelter that is communicatively connected to the temperature sensor. The pack may include storage for compressed breathable air in the pack, and a conduit for breathable air between the storage for compressed breathable air and the interior of the collapsible shelter. In an example embodiment the pack also includes a water container in the pack, and a conduit for water between the water container and the interior of the collapsible shelter. The collapsible shelter may also include an air mattress connected to the interior of the collapsible shelter, and a first conduit for air to access the air mattress from the interior of the collapsible shelter.
The pack may also include a wireless electronic communication system, with a location broadcaster system. An example embodiment also includes an electric powered light source on the interior of the collapsible shelter, and a power supply connected to the wireless electronic communication system, the location broadcaster system, and the electric powered light source. In another example embodiment, the pack includes a cooling system for cooling air with a conduit for cooled air accessible in the interior of the collapsible shelter.
The step of deploying the collapsible shelter may also includes the steps of: extending the heat shields to increase the area of the heat shield; enabling the temperature sensor so that a person on the interior of the collapsible shelter receives feedback from the display regarding temperature on the exterior of the collapsible shelter; filling the air mattress with air; accessing the air in the air mattress through the first conduit for air; accessing the breathable air in the storage for compressed breathable air though the conduit for breathable air; accessing the water in the water container through the conduit for water; enabling the wireless communication system; enabling the location broadcaster system; enabling the electric powered light source; enabling the cooling system; and accessing the cooled air through the conduit for cooled air.
Deploying the collapsible shelter may also include the step of covering at least a portion of the collapsible shelter with a flexible shroud heat shield.
There are many advantages of the present invention over the prior art, some of which are discussed below in the example embodiments.
In the example embodiment, the support structure 116 and the stand structure 124 are used as a support structure for a collapsible shelter. To deploy the shelter, a first step may be to place the pack on the ground, and extend the second portion of the stand structure 124, so that the pack 110 is in a stable position on the ground. For example, the stand structure 120 may support the pack 110 at an angle relative to the ground between approximately 45 degrees and 90 degrees. In an example embodiment, the pack is supported at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the ground. Other angles may be used in other embodiments.
In the example embodiment shown in
In an example embodiment the support structure 116 and the stand structure 120 are hollow and are designed to hold compressed breathable air. In this way the support structure is used as storage for compressed breathable air 112. This embodiment may be useful to fire fighters, or others who have the need for portable breathable air. An air valve 114 may be placed in the support structure 116 or the stand structure 120 to allow access to the compressed breathable air. In this embodiment, the hinges 119 include a conduit to allow the compressed breathable air to flow from the stand structure 120 to the support structure 116. In other embodiments multiple valves may be used to access compressed air from the support structure 116 and the stand structure 120 separately.
In the example embodiment of
In an example embodiment the pack includes items to aid the occupant inside the shelter, which are built into the pack. For example,
The example embodiment shown in
The collapsible shelter 180 of the example embodiment has an exterior 186 and an interior 188. In this embodiment the collapsible shelter 180 is supported by the support structure 116 and stand structure 120, as well as bendable hoops 200. In an example embodiment the stand structure 120 is in the interior 188 of the collapsible shelter 180. The collapsible shelter 180 may be made with a single layer of material, and it may also be made with an inner layer of material 196 and an outer layer of flexible material 194. As shown in
The floor material 190 has an edge 192, and the outer layer of flexible material 194 may be attached to the floor material 190 near the edge 192. The inner layer of flexible material 196 may be attached to the floor material 190 further from the edge than the outer material, thereby allowing a space 212 between the inner layer of flexible material 196 and the outer layer of flexible material 194. In other embodiments the outer layer of flexible material 194 may be designed to repel water such as rain, or to hold heat within the collapsible shelter 180, such as when a shelter is used in cold climates.
The outer layer of flexible material 194 may be a shroud that is designed to reflect heat and withstand high temperatures, such as temperatures that may be present in a wild fire. In this way the collapsible shelter 180 may assist in the comfort and safety of firefighters in an emergency situation if they must seek shelter from a wildfire. To aid in the comfort and safety of the occupants of a the collapsible shelter 180 an air mattress 216 may be included in the collapsible shelter 180 with an external valve 219 to fill the air mattress from with external air, and an interior valve 218, to allow the air in the air mattress 216 to accessed from the interior 188 of the collapsible shelter 180. By allowing access to the air in the air mattress, the occupant may be supplied with additional breathable air if the air quality in the interior 188 of the collapsible shelter 180 is lower than the air quality of the air in the air mattress 216.
Another embodiment is shown in
An air filtration system 130 may be used on a pack while a person is wearing the pack, and the person can receive the filtered air through a face mask 151. The air filtration system 130 may add water vapor to the air before the air is sent through the air output 150, which can improve hydration for the person breathing the filtered air. The water vapor may be added to the air during a process of evaporative cooling, or may be added to the air through other means, such as a mist system or vaporization system that adds moisture and water vapor to the air.
In the example embodiment of
The water container 126 may supply water to the chilling pad 140, as well as supply drinking water through the conduit for drinking water 128. In other embodiments separate water containers are used for supplying drinking water and water for the evaporative cooler. Separate containers may allow water which is not potable water to be used for the cooling system.
The cooling system 130 shown in the drawing is an evaporative cooling system but other cooling systems may be used to cool air for the interior of the collapsible shelter, and for breathing through a mask or mouth piece.
Another embodiment is shown in
In the example embodiment, the heat shields may be used to provide extra protection to the head and upper body of a person in the collapsible shelter, with heat shields on either side, and in front, providing heat shield protection on multiple sides, covering approximately 270 degrees around the head of the occupant in the shelter, in addition to the protection provided by the inner layer of flexible material and the outer layer of flexible material. The pack heat shield 167 may also protect the contents of the pack from high temperatures. A temperature sensor 166 is shown in the example embodiment of
In an example embodiment the collapsible shelter may be used as an emergency shelter or as a tent during inclement weather. The collapsible shelter may be made so that it can be used, and then stored and used again. For example the floor material may be rolled which may allow for rapid deployment, as well as preventing tearing or damaging material. The inner layer of flexible material may also be rolled with the use of fine wire hoops between layers of the inner layer of flexible material. The fine wire hoops may provide a shape to the collapsible shelter that allows one or more occupants to minimize contact with the inside of the collapsible shelter, thereby minimizing the transfer of heat from outside of the tent to the inside of the tent.
An example method 300 of assembling a collapsible shelter is shown in
An embodiment of the method 300, includes supporting the pack in a stable position 314. This may be done by including a stand structure on the pack, and moving the stand structure so that the stand structure supports the pack in a stable position. A pin may be used to lock the stand structure into the stable position.
Heat shields may be stored on the pack, for example triangular shaped heat shields may be stored between the back of the pack and the support structure of the pack. The example method includes extending the heat shields 316 so that the heat shields reflect heat from at least a portion of the sides of the collapsible shelter. A flexible shroud heat shield may also be used as part of the step of deploying the collapsible shelter to provide an additional layer of protection from heat.
The method may include filing an air mattress with air 318, to provide comfort to firefighters inside the shelter, as well as providing a reserve of breathable air in the air mattress. As will be understood by firefighters, and those skilled in the art of fighting wildfires, this step as with several of the steps of this example method may be performed fully, in part, or not at all depending on the available time.
In an example embodiment, sensors and equipment may be enabled while in the collapsible shelter, such as enabling a temperature sensor 320 while inside the shelter. In an example configuration the shoulder straps of the pack will be accessible from inside the shelter, and may have conduits attached to the shoulder straps for water and compressed air stored in the pack. The shoulder straps on the pack may be used to lift and reposition the pack so that the heat shields can be placed between the firefighters and the hottest part of the wildfire. The firefighter inside the collapsible shelter may monitor feedback on a display from the temperature sensor to determine what direction to position the shelter, or if the shelter needs to be adjusted.
From inside the collapsible shelter, one or more firefighters may access air in the air mattress 322, access compressed air stored in the pack 324, and access water stored in the pack 326.
The example method may also include enabling a communication system 328, enabling a location broadcaster 330, and enabling a light source 332 inside the collapsible shelter. In an example embodiment one or more of the systems may be enabled automatically when the shelter is deployed. In the example method 300, enabling the cooling system 334 may also be done from inside or outside the collapsible shelter. With a cooling system enabled, the occupant or occupants of the collapsible shelter can access cooled air 336 from the cooling system. When used as an emergency fire shelter, the objective is to reduce the stress of the firefighter, and provide an increased opportunity for survival.
While example embodiments of the invention have been disclosed through the drawings and detailed discussion above, many variations not discussed are included within the scope of the invention as modifications which are readily apparent to those skilled in the art of preparing and using collapsible structures, and in addition to those skilled at the art of making and using emergency fire shelters. For example the inner layer of flexible material, when in the deployed position, is shown and discussed as connected to the floor material in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the inner layer of flexible material is not connected to the floor material. Another example is the manner in which compressed air is stored in the pack. In the example embodiments compressed air is stored in the support structure or the frame of the pack, but compressed air may be stored instead in a traditional container for compressed air. The shape and configuration of elements of the example embodiments may also be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example the shape of support structures are shown by way of example, and may be modified as is known or readily understood based on the above disclosure, by those skilled in the arts relating to the invention.
While the principles of the invention have been made clear in illustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, and methods, the elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from those principles. The appended claims are intended to cover and embrace any and all such modifications, within the limits only of the true spirit and scope of the invention.
