Multi-layer shelter insulation system
AssigneeAlaska Structures, Inc.
InventorsRichard W. Hotes, Michael Vesper
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A portable, insulated shelter consists of flexible inner and outer layers, lightweight fabric panels located therebetween, and connected to each other, a suitable support frame, and a system, such as a HVAC unit and a suitable connector, for actively controlling the interior environment of the shelter. The shelter may be used to protect and provide livable conditions in harsh, remote locations. Methods of selectively installing and removing the fabric panels are also provided, along with methods of setting up and disassembling the shelter.
Claims11
A portable, insulated shelter for sheltering human occupants in harsh, remote environments, said shelter comprising:
- a flexible liner for providing inner surfaces of the shelter, the flexible liner being arranged to surround the occupants;
- lightweight fabric panels for providing thermal insulation for said shelter, said lightweight fabric panels being connected to each other, and being arranged adjacent to the flexible liner, such that the fabric panels surround the flexible liner;
- and
- a flexible outer layer for protecting the fabric panels or the liner from wind, rain, ice and snow, said flexible outer layer being located outside of the fabric panels, such that the fabric panels are sandwiched between the liner and the outer layer,
- wherein the fabric panels each include multiple layers of materials sandwiched together,
- wherein the fabric panels are removably connected to each other by hook and loop fasteners,
- wherein the portable, insulated shelter further comprises a frame for supporting said shelter, and
- wherein the portable, insulated shelter has top and side walls, and wherein the top and side walls of the shelter do not have any layers other than the liner, the fabric panels, and the outer layer.
A method of using a shelter in a harsh, remote environment, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a flexible liner for providing inner surfaces of the shelter, such that the flexible liner surrounds occupants above and on all sides thereof;
- providing lightweight fabric insulation panels, and providing a flexible outer layer for protecting the lightweight fabric insulation panels or the liner from wind, rain, ice or snow;
- and
- subsequently, installing the lightweight fabric insulation panels adjacent to and between said liner and said outer layer, and connecting said fabric panels to each other, such that said fabric panels are sandwiched between said liner and said outer layer, and thereby providing thermal insulation for said shelter,
- wherein the fabric panels are removably connected to each other by hook and loop fasteners, and
- wherein the shelter has top and side walls, and wherein the top and side walls of the shelter do not have any layers other than the liner, the panels, and the outer layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.