Multi-layer shelter insulation system
OwnerRichard W. Hotes, Michael Vesperinventors
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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 above and on all sides thereof;
- 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 above and on all sides thereof;
- 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, and
- wherein the portable, insulated shelter further comprises a frame for supporting said shelter.
A method of using a portable, insulated shelter to shelter human occupants 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 the 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, and
- wherein the fabric panels are removably connected to each other by hook and loop fasteners.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.