MODULAR SHELTER SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular shelter system, and in particular to a shelter system that includes modular or reconfigurable components.

BACKGROUND

Quonset structures having an arched or curved roof are well known in many industries, including agriculture, industrial, commercial, and aviation. For example, in agriculture, Quonset structures are used for storage of equipment, grain, fertilizer, and harvested crops. These buildings provide simple construction, maximum space efficiency, easy access, and substantially maintenance free operation. One advantage of Quonset structures over steel or wooden frame buildings having internal support beams and columns is the wide-open floor and storage space.

Quonset structures are also often used as shelters for equipment or personnel. Conventional Quonset style shelters typically use monolithic (single piece) floor, roof, and insulation panels. This type of construction limits the ability to add sections to expand the Quonset shelter after it is first constructed. For example, the entire roof would need replacement or modification to add length to the shelter. The individual pieces of a Quonset shelter are also heavy, difficult to install, and are the primary limiting factor in expandability and modularity of the shelter.

Many current Quonset shelter designs require monolithic (single piece) floor, roof, and insulation panels. This is undesirable because Quonset shelters cannot be easily reconfigured for different needs. It would therefore be desirable to provide a Quonset shelter that addresses these limitations.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a modular shelter system is provided. The modular shelter system includes an endcap positioned at a first end of the modular shelter system. The endcap includes a first support arch. The modular shelter system also includes a second support arch positioned at a second end of the modular shelter system. The modular shelter system also includes at least one section assembly disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch. The section assembly includes a plurality of purlins oriented along a longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of using a modular shelter system is provided. The method includes: providing an endcap positioned at a first end of the modular shelter system, the endcap including: a first support arch; providing a second support arch positioned at a second end of the modular shelter system; providing a first section assembly disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch, the section assembly including a plurality of purlins oriented along a longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system; and orienting the plurality of purlins along a longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a modular shelter is provided. The modular shelter includes a first endcap positioned at a proximal end of the modular shelter. The modular shelter also includes a second endcap positioned at a distal end of the modular shelter. The modular shelter also includes a section assembly disposed between the first endcap and the second endcap. The section assembly includes a plurality of purlins. The modular shelter also includes a purlin extension system. The purlin extension system includes a movable linkage. Each of the plurality of purlins are attached to at least one purlin extension system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are numbered alike in the several figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a detail perspective view of a section of a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts a detail perspective view of frame components for a section of a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a detail perspective view of an exterior cover of a section of a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a detail view of a track for connecting a cover to an arch member for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a detail perspective view of an insulation component for a section of a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts a detail perspective view of a floor component for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts a detail perspective view of a folding endcap of a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts a detail perspective view of an endcap frame for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts a detail perspective view of a partially-folded folding mechanism for an endcap frame for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 depicts a detail perspective view of a sliding link mechanism for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 depicts a detail perspective view of a fully stowed endcap frame for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 depicts a detail perspective section view of a stowed endcap frame for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 depicts an orthogonal view of a purlin extension system for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 depicts an orthogonal view of a purlin extension system for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 depicts an orthogonal view of a purlin movable linkage for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 depicts an orthogonal view of a purlin movable linkage for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 depicts an orthogonal view of a purlin movable linkage for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 depicts a detail perspective view of a formed sheet metal base bracket for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 depicts a detail perspective view of a formed sheet metal purlin bracket for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 depicts a detail perspective view of a bracket with purlin/base bar about to be inserted for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 depicts a detail perspective view of a bracket, with t-nuts, locking nut, and purlin/base bar for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 depicts a detail perspective view a purlin base/bar inserted in a bracket for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 depicts an orthogonal, detail view of a locking nut and t-nut for a bracket for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 depicts a detail perspective view of a bracket and inserted purlin/base bar for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 depicts a detail perspective view of an arch bar L-track feature for a purlin/base bar for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 depicts a detail perspective view of a purlin/base bar L-track features on three sides of the bar, for a modular shelter system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DEFINITIONS

The present disclosure is most clearly understood with reference to the following definitions, which are incorporated herein.

As used herein, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, the term “about” means within a range of normal tolerance in the art area to which the present disclosure pertains, for example, within two (2) standard deviations of the mean. “About” may be within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear from context, all numerical values provided herein are modified by the term “about.”

As used in the specification and claims, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing,” “having,” and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent Law, and also mean “includes,” “including,” and the like.

Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, the term “or,” as used herein, is understood to be inclusive.

Ranges provided herein are shorthand for all of the values within the range. For example, a range of 1 to 50 includes any number, combination of numbers, or sub-range from the group consisting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 (as well as fractions thereof unless the context clearly dictates otherwise).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A modular shelter system is described herein. The modular shelter system can include a multitude of features described in more detail herein.

Modular Expandability

The modular shelter system described herein uses various attachment methods to achieve complete modularity between supporting arches allowing overall expandability of the shelter in length. A number of features allow panels of the modular shelter system to span between each arch section rather than enveloping or hanging inside the frame structure. Each cover, floor, and insulation panel between arches comprises a set. These sets are interchangeable, the individual components of a set can be swapped between sets. This allows the shelter to be extended in length by adding additional frame, cover, floor, and/or insulation elements.

Exemplary features of certain embodiments include a cover element, where both outer cover and inner insulation elements are track mounted to either side of the frame members. Exemplary features of certain embodiments also include a floor element, where vinyl zippers can be used to join individual floor elements. Exemplary features of certain embodiments also include a frame element, where purlin and base bar segments are identical and interchangeable. In certain embodiments, middle arches are interchangeable. In certain embodiments, endcap arches can be distinct (e.g., from each other, from the support arches, etc.) and can come in a pair.

The sections or elements described herein can be configured to: provide per section weight management; provide improved ease of installation; provide expandability (e.g., by additional sections and/or elements); be replaced when damaged; and provide configurability for the modular shelter system.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, a modular shelter system 100 is illustrated and described. Referring specifically to FIG. 1, a modular shelter system 100 is illustrated. Modular shelter system 100 includes a first endcap 102 positioned at a first (or proximal) end. Endcap 102 can include a support arch 126 and an endcap folding mechanism 128 (shown in FIG. 8) configured and adapted to collapse the endcap. Modular shelter system 100 can also include a support arch 104 positioned at a second (or distal) end. Modular shelter system 100 can also include a support arch 106, and a plurality of section assemblies 108 (or assembly structures). Each section assembly 108 can include a plurality of purlins 114 (shown in FIG. 14), a floor element 110, and a cover element 112 and/or an insulation element 116 (shown in FIG. 6).

The plurality of section assemblies 108 are disposed between the first endcap 102 and the second endcap 104. Each section assembly 108 can include a plurality of purlins 114, a floor element 110, and a cover element 112 and/or insulation element 116. Each section assembly 108 may also include a plurality of base bars 130 which, in certain embodiments, can be identical or functionally equivalent to one of the plurality of purlins 114.

Each of the plurality of purlins 114, the floor element 110, and the cover element 112 (and/or the insulation element 116) can be configured and adapted to connect to the first endcap 102, the second endcap 104, and/or another support arch disposed between the first endcap and the second endcap. In certain embodiments, a second endcap can be included and positioned at the distal end.

Endcap Folding Mechanism

The endcap frame in a conventional soft-sided Quonset hut is comprised of separate frame members that need to be assembled, adjusted, and installed to form an arch. The individual pieces of the endcap frame in a conventional Quonset hut are often visually similar to other frame elements and have confusing ‘left’ and ‘right’ orientations.

Certain embodiments of the modular shelter system 100 described herein resolve the issues with conventional Quonset huts by incorporating the otherwise separate components forming the arch into a single mechanism that unfolds and attaches easily. Optionally, the modular shelter system 100 can also achieve a very compact form when disassembled and stowed by using formed sheet metal rather than metals tubes. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include: (a) using a linkage mechanism to create a frame that is deployed from a folded package rather than separate components, (b) using formed sheet metal components to accommodate tighter nesting in said folding package, and (c) using a sliding link mechanism (or a driving mechanism, such as a gear, belt, wire, or the like) in a header bracket to enforce symmetrical expansion across bridging the center line of the arch.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a section assembly 108 of a modular shelter system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Section assembly 108 is illustrated including a first support arch 106, a second support arch 106, a floor element 110, and a cover element 112 (e.g., which can include thermal or electrical insulation materials).

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of frame components for a section of a modular shelter system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The frame components are illustrated to include: a first support arch 106, a second support arch 106, a plurality of purlins 114, and a plurality of base bars 130.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a cover element 112 (e.g., exterior cover) of a section of a modular shelter system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a track 134 for connecting a cover element 112 to an arch member for a modular shelter system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fitting 136 is connected (e.g., welded) to the vinyl and slid into the track 134 (e.g., Keder track).

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an insulation element 116 for a section of a modular shelter system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The insulation can include thermal sheeting or fabric that bridges between the arches (not illustrated), but inside the exterior cover. The insulation can also be gapped from the cover to provide an air barrier.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a floor component 110 for a section of a modular shelter system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate an exemplary endcap 102 and an associated endcap folding mechanism 128. Referring specifically to FIG. 8, a folding endcap 102 is illustrated. Endcap 102 is illustrated including an endcap frame 118 and support arch 126 (which is distinct from arch support 106 of the modular shelter system 100). The endcap frame 118 may be configured to collapse using the endcap folding mechanism 128.

FIG. 9 illustrates a deployed endcap frame 118 for a modular shelter system 100. Ground bars 170 are extended to approximately the width of the modular shelter system 100. Endcap frame 118 includes an endcap folding mechanism 128. In the illustrated example, endcap folding mechanism 128 is a ‘parallel’ mechanism, including a plurality of parallel bar segments 148a, 148b, 148c, and 148d.

As will be illustrated throughout FIGS. 9-12, each bar (or channel or the like) of parallel bar segments 148a, 148b, 148c, and 148d are arranged with respect to one another such that the parallel nature of each of the parallel bar segments 148a, 148b, 148c, and 148d is maintained throughout the range of motion of a collapsing (or folding) process of the endcap folding mechanism 128. Accordingly, a plurality of joints (or pivoting structures), fasteners, and stabilizing linkages are placed throughout parallel bar segments 148a, 148b, 148c, and 148d to maintain a desired folded configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates a partially folded endcap frame 118 for the modular shelter system 100. As illustrated, ground bars are folding up and into the center of the frame.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sliding links mechanism 120 for the modular shelter system 100. A pivot joint 138 between two links 140 can travel along slot 142 in the header bracket 144. Sliding links mechanism 120 allows endcap folding mechanism 128 to be fixed in a deployed state or to be fixed in a stowed state while ensuring folding links remain symmetric. Such a configuration of bracket 144 can improve the reliability of endcap folding mechanism 128.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a fully stowed endcap frame 118 for the modular shelter system 100. As illustrated, endcap frame 118 is adapted and configured to be highly compact and stowable. Such a feature can be useful in the transportation and storage of endcap frame 118.

FIG. 13 illustrates further details of the fully stowed endcap frame 118. Endcap frame 118 can be exceptionally compact, which can be useful for stowage or transportation. In certain embodiments, endcap frame may include a C-channel nesting structure, where certain channels are configured to nest within each other.

Expanding Purlin

The modular shelter system 100 described herein includes a cover element 112 that is installed loose and then tensioned. The modular shelter system 100 may implement a unique purlin extension system to achieve this tensioning. The purlin bars 114 to either side of a bracket (e.g., bracket 172) use a t-slot for mounting with one tube (or bar, channel, etc.) being fixed and the other sliding. A rotating handle (e.g., handle 124) couples with a sliding linkage (e.g., sliding linkage 146) to push (handle closed) or pull (handle open) the sliding side of the assembly. When installed the handle position is bi-stable (i.e., it naturally holds in either the open or closed position).

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a purlin 114 and/or purlin extension system 122. Referring specifically to FIG. 14, a purlin extension system 122 for a modular shelter system 100 is illustrated. In the illustrated example, the purlin extension system 122 is part of a purlin 114. The purlin extension system 122 includes a handle 124, which is shown in a ‘closed’ configuration in FIG. 14. In the illustrated example, the portion of the purlin 114 to the right of the handle 124 is fixed, while the portion of the purlin 114 to the left of the handle 124 (i.e., portion 132) is movable. The movable portion 132 is moved by a link of the purlin extension system 122. Additional extension can be achieved by having both sides driven by linkages.

FIG. 15 illustrates the purlin extension system 122 of FIG. 14 with the handle 124 in an “open” position. Since handle 124 of purlin extension system 122 is in an “open” position, purlin extension system 122 can be considered to be in an untensioned or pretensioned state.

FIGS. 16-18 depict further details of the purlin extension system 122 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. In FIG. 16, a sliding linkage 146 is shown in an “open” position. In this “open” position, weight and tension of the vinyl cover for the modular shelter system 100 creates inward pressure on the ends of the movable portion 132 of the purlin 114. This pressure is transferred through the sliding linkage 146, which causes the handle 124 to naturally hold in the ‘open’ position.

FIG. 17 depicts the sliding linkage 146 in a “transition” position between “open” and “closed.” The handle 124 pushes the sliding linkage 146 which then extends the movable portion 132 of the purlin 114. FIG. 17 shows the transition point where the handle 124 transitions from naturally staying “open” to naturally staying “closed.”

FIG. 18 depicts the sliding linkage 146 in a ‘closed’ position. Once the sliding linkage 146 passes a horizontal position, the force transferring through the sliding linkage 146 will cause the handle 124 to naturally stay ‘closed’. Since handle 124 of purlin extension system 122 is in a “closed” position, purlin extension system 122 can be considered to be in a tensioned or posttensioned state.

Sheet Metal Intersection Brackets

In a conventional Quonset structure, the brackets that connect the various frame members (arch, purlin, base) are typically tubes welded together at right angles to allow the frame member to nest either inside or outside the bracket. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the modular shelter system described herein implements formed sheet metal to achieve the same function while reducing production time and cost.

Base Bracket Locking Mechanism

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the modular shelter system 100 described herein includes arch-bars and/or purlin bars. The arch-bars and purlin bars may be custom aluminum extrusions that integrate an L-Track geometry (sometimes referred to as an “airline track”). L-Track fittings can engage from the face of the profile, slide to one side, and then use the circular feature to lock into position. The modular shelter system 100 may implement L-tracks by connecting nuts (e.g., T-nuts) designed to slide in from the end of the track (e.g., using a T-nut), but can use a rotating nut in the circular features to lock the position. In certain embodiments, the bracket of the modular shelter system envelops the profile and locks into L-track features on multiple sides.

FIGS. 19-25 illustrate various brackets and associated connecting structures of the modular shelter system 100.

FIG. 19 illustrates a formed sheet metal base bracket 168 configured and adapted to connect up to two horizontal structures (e.g., two base bars 130) and/or a vertical structure (e.g., a portion of a support arch 106 or 126). A handle 150 can be coupled to a locking nut 174 (or similar fastening structure), and can rotate the locking nut to secure each respective horizontal structure.

FIG. 20 illustrates a formed sheet metal purlin bracket 152 (e.g., L-track bracket). The purlin bracket 152 includes T-nuts 154 that may be used to attach to an arch member 106. Purlin bracket 152 can be mounted to an arch member 106 and provide a mechanism of connecting to other arch members (or arch assemblies) via expanding purlin assemblies. Channel opening 156 can be used to receive various structures.

FIG. 21 illustrates a bracket 158 with a purlin 114 (or a base bar 130) about to be inserted into the bracket. Purlin 114 is illustrated sliding in from the proximal end of the bracket 158, rather than dropping onto the face of the L-Track feature 176. In some applications, the L-track feature 176 can include features on multiple sides of an extrusion rather than just a single face.

FIG. 22 illustrates further details of the bracket 158, including T-nuts 160, a locking nut 162, and the inserted purlin 114 (or a base bar 130). Purlin 114 (or a base bar 130) can slide onto T-nuts 160 and inside the body of bracket 158. The locking nut 162 can be turned to a horizontal position to allow the bar to slide on.

FIG. 23 illustrates further details of the bracket 158, with the purlin 114 (or a base bar 130) inserted into bracket 158. Once the purlin 114 (or a base bar 130) is inserted, the locking nut 162 can be rotated ninety degrees (90°) to a vertical position to secure the purlin 114 (or a base bar 130) into place.

FIG. 24 illustrates further details of the bracket 158, including a detail view of the locking nut 162 and a T-nut 160. The geometry in the body of bracket 158 allows the locking nut 162 to turn in the correct direction.

FIG. 25 illustrates further details of the bracket 158, including a handle 164, which is configured to couple to, and rotate, the locking nut 162.

Integration of Hanging and Linking Solution

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the modular shelter system 100 may implement L-Track (aka Airline Track) profiles in the arch, and purlin 114/base bar 130 extrusions.

FIGS. 26-27 illustrate further details of the movable portion 132 of the purlin 114, including a profile 166 (e.g., an “L-track” profile). The profile 166 allows modular hanging solutions along any frame member inside the shelter; in other words, such a profile on frame members provide additional utility to a user of the system by allowing a user to hang equipment. Such features may allow hanging for various accessories (e.g., wiring, ducting, curtains, and the like) that may be attached to an L-Track bracket 152, of the type shown in FIG. 20.

The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications, and other references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein in their entireties.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly to include other variants and embodiments of the invention which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.

An apparatus and system as described above with reference to the foregoing description and appended drawings is hereby claimed.

Enumerated Embodiments

The following enumerated embodiments are provided, the numbering of which is not to be construed as designating levels of importance.

Embodiment 1 provides a modular shelter system comprising: an endcap positioned at a first end of the modular shelter system, the endcap including a first support arch; a second support arch positioned at a second end of the modular shelter system; and at least one section assembly disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch, the section assembly including a plurality of purlins oriented along a longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system.

Embodiment 2 provides the modular shelter system of embodiment 1, further comprising: an endcap frame positioned at the first end of the modular shelter system; a floor element disposed perpendicular to the first support arch and the second support arch; and a cover element disposed in parallel with the floor element.

Embodiment 3 provides the modular shelter system of any one of embodiments 1-2, wherein the at least one section assembly comprises a plurality of section assemblies disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch.

Embodiment 4 provides the modular shelter system of embodiment 3, wherein an overall length of the modular shelter system is defined by a number of section assemblies.

Embodiment 5 provides the modular shelter system of embodiment 3, further comprising: a purlin extension system configured to adjust a length of the plurality of purlins, said purlin extension system including a movable linkage, wherein an overall length of the modular shelter system is defined in part by the purlin extension system.

Embodiment 6 provides the modular shelter system of embodiment 5, wherein each of the plurality of purlins are attached to the purlin extension system.

Embodiment 7 provides the modular shelter system of embodiment 5, wherein the purlin extension system includes a handle configured and adapted to lock at least one of the plurality of purlins in place.

Embodiment 8 provides the modular shelter system of any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the endcap frame includes an endcap folding mechanism configured and adapted to collapse the endcap frame.

Embodiment 9 provides the modular shelter system of any one of embodiments 1-8, further comprising: an insulation element adjacent to the cover element. In embodiment 9, “adjacent” can be taken to mean directly in contact or to optionally include an air gap (e.g., between the outer vinyl and the inner insulation which can be concentric).

Embodiment 10 provides the modular shelter system of any one of embodiments 1-9, further comprising: a folding mechanism capable of collapsing the endcap frame when not in use as part of the modular shelter system.

Embodiment 11 provides the modular shelter system of embodiment 10, wherein the folding mechanism includes a plurality of parallel bar segments, the plurality of parallel bar segments configured to maintain a parallel orientation throughout a range of motion.

Embodiment 12 provides the modular shelter system of any one of embodiments 1-11, further comprising: a plurality of base bars; and a base bracket configured and adapted to interact with each of the plurality of base bars, the base bracket being further configured to interact with one of the first support arch or the second support arch.

Embodiment 13 provides a method of using a modular shelter system comprising: providing an endcap positioned at a first end of the modular shelter system, the endcap including a first support arch; providing a second support arch positioned at a second end of the modular shelter system; providing a first section assembly disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch, the section assembly including a plurality of purlins oriented along a longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system; and orienting the plurality of purlins along a longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system.

Embodiment 14 provides the method of embodiment 13, further comprising: providing a second section assembly at another position along the longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system, wherein the second section assembly is configured and adapted to connect to the first section assembly.

Embodiment 15 provides the method of any of embodiments 13-14, further comprising: providing a purlin extension system adapted to extend the plurality of purlins; and transferring force through the plurality of purlins using the purlin extension system, wherein the transferring of force puts the plurality of purlins in a tensioned state.

Embodiment 16 provides the method of embodiment 15, wherein the step of transferring force comprises moving a handle and a movable linkage of the purlin extension system.

Embodiment 17 provides the method of embodiment 16, further comprising: disposing an endcap frame at the first end of the modular shelter system; disposing a floor element perpendicular to the first support arch and the second support arch; disposing a cover element in parallel with the floor element; and tightening the cover element.

Embodiment 18 provides the method of any of embodiments 13-17, further comprising: unfolding a folding mechanism of the endcap, the folding mechanism including a plurality of parallel bar segments, the plurality of parallel bar segments configured to maintain a parallel orientation throughout a range of motion.

Embodiment 19 provides a modular shelter comprising: a first endcap positioned at a proximal end of the modular shelter; a second endcap positioned at a distal end of the modular shelter; a section assembly disposed between the first endcap and the second endcap, said assembly structure including a plurality of purlins; and a purlin extension system, said purlin extension system including a movable linkage, wherein each of the plurality of purlins are attached to at least one purlin extension system.

Embodiment 20 provides the modular shelter of embodiment 19, wherein at least one of the first endcap or the second endcap includes a folding mechanism capable of collapsing the first endcap or the second endcap when not in use as part of the modular shelter.

Embodiment 21 provides the modular shelter system of embodiment 20, wherein the folding mechanism includes a plurality of parallel bar segments, the plurality of parallel bar segments configured to maintain a parallel orientation throughout a range of motion.

Embodiment 22 provides a modular shelter system comprising: an endcap positioned at a proximal end, the endcap including a first support arch defining an outer arched profile and an endcap frame disposed within the outer arched profile, the endcap frame defining a grounded profile; a second support arch positioned at a distal end, the second support arch defining another outer arched profile; and a section assembly disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch, the section assembly including: a plurality of purlins, the plurality of purlins being oriented along a longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system; a floor element, the floor element being disposed parallel to the grounded profile; and a cover element, the cover element being disposed along a surface defined by the outer arched profile and the another outer arched profile; wherein each of the plurality of purlins, the floor element, and the cover element are configured and adapted to connect to the endcap, the first support arch, the second support arch, or another support arch disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch.

Embodiment 23 provides the modular shelter system of embodiment 22 further comprising: a plurality of section assemblies disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch, wherein each of the plurality of section assemblies is configured and adapted to be modular such that each section assembly can be disposed at any of a plurality of positions.

Embodiment 24 provides the modular shelter system of embodiment 23, wherein the modular shelter system defines an overall length, the overall length being varied by the plurality of section assemblies.

Embodiment 25 provides the modular shelter system of embodiment 22, further comprising: a purlin extension system configured to adjust a length of the plurality of purlins, said purlin extension system including a movable linkage, wherein the modular shelter system defines an overall length, the overall length being varied by the purlin extension system.

Embodiment 26 provides the modular shelter system of embodiment 25, wherein each of the plurality of purlins are attached to at least one purlin extension system.

Embodiment 27 provides the modular shelter system of any of embodiments 24-25, wherein the purlin extension system includes a handle configured and adapted to lock a first stationary purlin in place.

Embodiment 28 provides the modular shelter system of any of embodiments 24-27, further comprising: an endcap folding mechanism configured and adapted to collapse the endcap frame.

Embodiment 29 provides the modular shelter system of any of embodiments 24-28, further comprising: an insulation element adjacent to the cover element.

Embodiment 30 provides the modular shelter system of any of embodiments 24-29, further comprising: a folding mechanism capable of collapsing the endcap when not in use as part of the shelter.

Embodiment 31 provides the modular shelter system of embodiment 30, wherein the folding mechanism includes a plurality of parallel bar segments, the plurality of parallel bar segments configured to maintain a parallel orientation throughout a range of motion.

Embodiment 32 provides the modular shelter system of any of embodiments 24-31, further comprising: a plurality of base bars; and a base bracket configured and adapted to interact with each of the plurality of base bars, the base bracket being further configured to interact with a support arch.

Embodiment 33 provides a method of using the modular shelter system of any of embodiments 24-32 comprising: providing an endcap positioned at a proximal end, the endcap including: a first support arch defining an outer arched profile and an endcap frame disposed within the outer arched profile, the endcap frame defining a grounded profile; providing a second support arch positioned at a distal end, the second support arch defining another outer arched profile; providing a section assembly disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch, the section assembly including: a plurality of purlins; a floor element; and a cover element; wherein each of the plurality of purlins, the floor element, and the cover element are configured and adapted to connect to the endcap, the first support arch, the second support arch, or another support arch disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch; orienting the plurality of purlins along a longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system; disposing the floor element parallel to the grounded profile; and disposing the cover element along a surface defined by the outer arched profile and the another outer arched profile.

Embodiment 34 provides the method of embodiment 33 further comprising: providing another section assembly at another position along the longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system, wherein the another section assembly is configured and adapted to connect to the section assembly, wherein the another section assembly is configured and adapted to connect to the endcap, the first support arch, the endcap frame, or the second support arch in the same manner as the section assembly.

Embodiment 35 provides the method of any of embodiments 33-34 further comprising: providing a purlin extension system to the plurality of purlins; and transferring force through the plurality of purlins with the purlin extension system, wherein the transferring of force puts the plurality of purlins in a tensioned or compressed state.

Embodiment 36 provides the method of any of embodiments 33-35, wherein the transferring force includes: moving a handle and a movable linkage of the purlin extension system.

Embodiment 37 provides the method of any of embodiments 33-36, further comprising: tightening the cover element disposed along a profile defined by a support arch.

Embodiment 38 provides the method of any of embodiments 33-37, further comprising: unfolding a folding mechanism of the endcap, the folding mechanism including a plurality of parallel bar segments, the plurality of parallel bar segments configured to maintain a parallel orientation throughout a range of motion.

MODULAR SHELTER SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS

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