Collapsible, transportable, composite shelter and hyperbaric chamber

Abstract

A shelter in the form of a tubular structure with closeable openings at each end. Material is to be a lightweight core, such as PVC or Rohacell foam, sandwiched between two skin layers, each of which consists of fiberglass, carbon fiber, or aramid fiber. Form is to be several sections that can be expanded and contracted telescopically thereby allowing for transport as a backpack while contracted, and shelter for a supine adult while expanded. The sections are to be linked and not independent or free-standing. The sections at either end are to have rigid doors that allow access to the shelter interior. When fully expanded, the sections lock together providing for an airtight, rigid structure. This structure may serve as shelter and hyperbaric chamber for treatment of illnesses such as those resulting from exposure to low barometric pressures at high altitudes (e.g., HACE, HAPE). The structure can be fitted with a pump and a pressure release valve, which allow for control of barometric pressure to relieve such ailments associated with high altitudes. The shelter takes the place of separate backpack, tent or other shelter, insulating pad, sleeping bag, and transportable hyperbaric device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 508,685, filed on Oct. 6, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to a unique collapsible shelter which can act as a shelter and / or hyperbaric chamber. In particular, this novel device can be collapsible for easy storage and transporting, as well has adapted with a pressure regulator to act as a hyperbaric chamber if necessary. [0004] 2. Discussion of the Background Art [0005] Throughout time, man has depended during his travels upon a standard system of warmth and shelter. This system has often included a tent of some sort, blankets or a sleeping bag, an insulating pad or additional blanket, and a backpack or alternative bag in which to transport these items. In recent times, as man has sought the summits of high altitude peaks, research and technology has enabled the advent of portable hyperbaric chamber...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0044] The present invention also involves a method for forming a shelter, comprising: expanding a collapsible shelter comprising at least two telescopic body portions disposed such that at least a first body portion is collapsibly disposable within a second body portion; and at least one door disposed on an end portion of the telescopic body portion which is not adjacent another telescopic body portion; and affixing the telescopic body portions to one another to avoid collapsing of the shelter during use. This method may further comprise the step of regulating the pressure within the shelter, thereby allowing the shelter to act as a hyperbaric chamber.

Problems solved by technology

This tool has contributed yet another bulky variable to the equipment equation.

Although the materials used to produce these tools have evolved over time, the equipment itself has not changed appreciably in over 75 years.

These problems include: (a) Heavy weight resulting from the need for separate backpack, sleeping bag, insulating pad, tent, and hyperbaric chamber; (b) Complexity of and resultant disorganization in dealing with each backpack, sleeping bag, insulating pad, tent, and hyperbaric chamber; interdependency of tent, sleeping bag, and insulating pad such that each must be present and fully functioning in order to reap the benefits of any single element; (c) Dangerously lengthy deployment and breakdown time for sleeping bag, insulating pad, tent, and hyperbaric chamber, particularly in adverse conditions; (d) Frailty of tents that are prone to damage or catastrophic failure in adverse conditions, such as exposure to high winds, i.e., tents are easily damaged by exposure to heat, fuels, mildew, sharp instruments, a simple misplaced step, or simply by setting it up too quickly; (e) Loud noise produced by tents in wind, which inhibits sleep and promotes high levels of mental stress; (f) Non-utility of sleeping bags when wet, and non-waterproof backpacks; (g) Need for a shelter site that is level and large enough to accommodate a tent and its contents.

A great deal of time and energy is often expended in the location and leveling of a site, which renders repeated breakdown, moving, and set-up of tents several times in the course of a short traveling window impractical and often impossible.

Additionally, selected and leveled sites may remain uncomfortable; (h) Heavy weight and bulkiness of hyperbaric chambers such that climbers usually bring fewer chambers than members on an expedition, negating the possibility of treating multiple victims of high altitude ailments simultaneously; (i) Unnecessary difficulty in placing a debilitated person into a portable hyperbaric chamber; (j) Need to insert a sleeping bag into current portable hyperbaric chambers in order to warm a victim during treatment; (k) Use of excessive space, which is at a premium in any expedition, by the need for separate tent, sleeping bag, insulating pad, and hyperbaric chamber.

Each anchor point requires an anchor, thereby necessitating the buying of more needed equipment or the carrying of more anchor tools; (q) Multiple materials and methods required for separate manufacture of tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, insulating pads, and hyperbaric chambers; (r) Inflexibility of tent, sleeping bag, and insulating pad sizes so that multiple patterns and sizes needed to suit different proportions; (s) Unsuitable surfaces of tents and backpacks for the permanent attachment of a solar array; and (t) Difficulty in cleaning tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, insulating pads, and portable hyperbaric chambers.

Such facility of movement has not been possible previously and significantly increases one's chances of success and safety.

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