EP1895077A2 - Vents for temporary shelters and coverings - Google Patents

Vents for temporary shelters and coverings Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1895077A2
EP1895077A2 EP07114372A EP07114372A EP1895077A2 EP 1895077 A2 EP1895077 A2 EP 1895077A2 EP 07114372 A EP07114372 A EP 07114372A EP 07114372 A EP07114372 A EP 07114372A EP 1895077 A2 EP1895077 A2 EP 1895077A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vents
membrane
temporary shelter
temporary
shelter
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07114372A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Clare R. Kiing
Vishal Bansal
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BHA Group Inc
Original Assignee
BHA Group Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BHA Group Inc filed Critical BHA Group Inc
Publication of EP1895077A2 publication Critical patent/EP1895077A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/02—Tents combined or specially associated with other devices
    • E04H15/10—Heating, lighting or ventilating
    • E04H15/14—Ventilating
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/28—Umbrella type tents
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
    • E04H15/54—Covers of tents or canopies

Definitions

  • This present application relates generally to improved vents for temporary shelters and coverings. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, the present application relates to systems for providing breathable, water resistant membrane vents in temporary shelters or coverings to prevent humidity or heat build-up.
  • Temporary shelters such as tents, temporary sheds, mobile military structures, typically are made from non-breathable fabrics or membranes. Because of the metabolic breathing process of occupants as well as other activities, such as cooking, occupation of these structures causes humidity build-up. Humidity build-up may create an uncomfortable condition for the occupants, condensation issues, damage to electrical equipment by water, and other problems. Further, coverings for electrical equipment and other types of equipment, such as weapons, automobiles or aircraft, may experience humidity or heat build-up, either from heat generation within the cover by the equipment or by exposure to the sun coupled with moisture.
  • vents have been employed in temporary shelters and coverings to vent built-up humidity or heat to the atmosphere.
  • conventional vents often employ mesh, which is susceptible to water penetration. More specifically, mesh and other similar vent materials allow water to enter the temporary shelter or covering, which may be uncomfortable to the occupants, lead to issues with electrical equipment housed therein or cause other problems. The problem also has been solved with the use of electric dehumidifiers.
  • temporary shelters often are located in remote areas where electric service is unavailable.
  • the present application thus describes a venting system for a temporary shelter that includes one or more vents that are positioned in the exterior shell of the temporary shelter.
  • Each of the one or more vents may include a membrane that is moisture vapor transmissive and resistant to liquid penetration.
  • the membrane may have a moisture vapor transmissive rate of at least 4,000 g/m 2 /day.
  • the one or more vents may include a laminated fabric that includes the membrane and a base fabric.
  • the base fabric may include a woven, non-woven or knit textile.
  • the base fabric may include a flame retardant material.
  • the membrane may be air permeable and immune to liquid penetration. At least one of the vents may be positioned in the upper part of a side of the temporary shelter. In some embodiments, the membrane may be oleophobic. The membrane may be expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
  • the one or more vents may be incorporated into the temporary shelter by a waterproof zipper.
  • each of the one or more vents may be welded onto a corresponding opening in the exterior shell of the temporary shelter.
  • each of the one or more vents may be stitched directly onto a corresponding opening in the exterior shell of the temporary shelter and seam tape may be used to seal the stitch holes from water leaks.
  • the one or more vents may have a size such that there is approximately 4 m 2 of vent surface area in the exterior shell of the temporary shelter per 20 m 3 of interior space within the temporary shelter.
  • the present application further describes a structure for enclosing items, such as people or equipment, capable of generating heat or humidity.
  • the structure may include an exterior wall and one or more vents incorporated in the exterior wall.
  • the one or more vents may include a membrane that is moisture vapor transmissive to permit release of heat or humidity from within the structure and resistant to liquid penetration.
  • the one or more vents may have a size such that there is approximately 4 m 2 of vent surface area in the exterior wall of the structure per 20 m 3 of interior space within the structure.
  • the membrane may be oleophobic.
  • the membrane further may be air permeable and immune to liquid penetration.
  • the membrane may be expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
  • the membrane may have a moisture vapor transmissive rate of at least 4,000 g/m 2 /day.
  • a positive air pressure may be maintained in the structure.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a tent or temporary shelter 2 in which exemplary embodiments of the present application may be used.
  • the temporary shelter 2 may include an exterior fabric or shell 3 that is supported by two flexible, crossing rods 4 such that the temporary shelter 2 has four sides and an approximate dome shape.
  • the configuration of temporary shelter 2 is exemplary only and that other tent or temporary shelter configurations may be used with the invention described herein.
  • the inventive concepts described in relation to the temporary shelter 2 may be readily applied to other types of coverings, such as coverings for electrical equipment, weapons, automobiles or aircraft, that may experience heat or humidity build-up.
  • exemplary embodiments will be discussed in relation to the temporary shelter 2 example, though it will be appreciated that the embodiments may be used with other types of tents, temporary shelters, and other coverings.
  • the temporary shelter 2 may include a door 6 for egress, which may zipper between and open and closed position.
  • the temporary shelter 2 further may include one or more vents 8.
  • the vents 8 may be made of a laminated fabric that includes a breathable, water-resistant or waterproof membrane. The vents 8 thus may allow water vapor to be vented to the atmosphere while being resistant or immune to water penetration, as described in more detail below.
  • the vents 8 may be located in the exterior shell 3 of the temporary shelter 2. As shown, it may be advantageous to locate the vents 8 in the upper part (i.e., the top third) of each of the sides of the temporary shelter such that the warmer, more humid air inside the temporary shelter 2 is vented to the atmosphere.
  • the temporary shelter 2 may include rectangular vents 8 that are located in the upper part of each of its sides.
  • the membrane of the vent 8 may be: 1) breathable, including moisture vapor transmissive and 2) resistant or immune to liquid penetration (which, in combination, is often referred to as “waterproof breathable”).
  • the vent 8 maybe air permeable.
  • moisture vapor transmissive is used to describe a membrane that readily permits the passage of water vapor.
  • the moisture vapor transmissive rate (“MVTR") of the membrane is at least 4,000 g/m 2 /day (as tested per JIS L 1099 B-2 procedures).
  • the term “immune to liquid penetration” is used to describe a membrane that is not “wet” or “wet out” by a challenge liquid, such as water, and prevents the penetration of liquid through the membrane under varying ambient conditions.
  • the vent 8 of the present application may include a membrane that is made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene ("ePTFE").
  • ePTFE expanded polytetrafluoroethylene
  • Fig. 2 demonstrates a cross-section of an exemplary ePTFE laminated fabric 10, which may be used according to exemplary embodiments of the present application.
  • the ePTFE laminate fabric 10 may include an ePTFE membrane 12 and a shell or base fabric 14.
  • the ePTFE membrane 12 may include a membrane 16.
  • the ePTFE membrane 12 is typically laminated to the base fabric 14 to create the ePTFE laminate fabric 10.
  • the ePTFE membrane 12 and the base fabric 14 may be laminated pursuant to a thermal lamination process, adhesive lamination process, or other conventional methods.
  • the base fabric 14 may be laminated to one side for both sides of the ePTFE membrane 12.
  • the base fabric 14 may be a woven, nonwoven or knit textile.
  • the membrane 16 of the ePTFE membrane 12 may be porous, and preferably microporous, with a three-dimensional matrix or lattice type structure of numerous nodes 22 interconnected by numerous fibrils 24. Surfaces of the nodes 22 and fibrils 24 may define numerous interconnecting pores 26 that extend through the membrane 16 between opposite major sides 18, 20 of the membrane.
  • ePTFE membranes are more fully described in U.S. Patents 6,228,477 ; 6,410,084 ; 6,676,993 ; 6,854,603 ; and U.S. Published Patent Application U.S. 2004/0059717 , which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
  • the membrane 16 may be oleophobic.
  • ePTFE membrane 12 is exemplary only and that other types of membranes may be used with the exemplary embodiments described herein.
  • similar membranes may include microporous or non-microporous polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyamides, polyethersulfones, cellulose acetate and the like.
  • the vents 8 may be made of a laminated fabric that includes a membrane.
  • the laminated fabric may be the ePTFE laminated fabric 10 that includes an ePTFE membrane 12.
  • the ePTFE membrane 12 may be laminated to the base fabric 14, which may be chosen for its strength (tensile and tear strength), durability, durability against ultraviolet radiation, ability to blockout light, flame retardant characteristics, softness, drapeability, and ability to seamseal.
  • the base fabric 14 may be made of polyamides, polyesters, polyolefins or other similar materials. Flame retardant fibers, such as Nomex® also may be blended into the base fabric 14.
  • the base fabric 14 may be laminated on one or both sides of the ePTFE membrane 12 pursuant to the processes described above.
  • the vents 8 may be integrated into the sides of the temporary shelter 2 by several means.
  • waterproof zippers may be attached to the periphery of the vent 8 and onto the corresponding opening in the exterior shell 3 of the temporary shelter 2.
  • the vent 8 then may be zipped into place. This method of integration may allow for the easy replacement of worn or damaged vents 8.
  • the vent 8 may be stitched directly into the exterior shell 3 of the temporary shelter 2. Seam tape or other similar material may be used to seal the stitch holes from water leaks.
  • the vents 8 may be weld onto the corresponding openings in the exterior shell 3. Any of the known processes for imparting energy for completed the weld may be used, such as ultrasonic, radio frequency, hot air gun, hot plate and the like.
  • the vents 8 may be sized in the temporary shelter 2 so that the vents 8 perform efficiently while also being cost effective. More specifically, the vents 8 may be sized to a minimum size at which the vents 8 maintain a comfortable humidity level within the temporary shelter 2 assuming a certain level of occupation. In this manner, the vents 8 are not sized too large, which might be wasteful from a cost perspective, or sized too small, which might not be able to maintain a comfortable humidity level within the temporary shelter 2. Given these competing criteria, it has been discovered that an efficient size for the vents 8 is approximately 4 m 2 of vent surface area in the exterior shell of the temporary shelter 2 per 20 m 3 of interior space within the temporary shelter 2. This sizing assumes an occupancy rate of approximately one person per 10 m 3 of interior space.
  • the relative humidity will not exceed comfortable levels. For example, it has been discovered that in a hot, dry desert environment, given the parameters and occupancy rate described above, the relative humidity will stabilize at about 60-70% if the vents 8 are included at the described vent sizing ratio (i.e., approximately 4 m 2 of vent surface area in the exterior shell of the temporary shelter 2 per 20 m 3 of interior space within the temporary shelter 2). Note this example assumes that the inside temperature of the temporary shelter 2 is maintained at 25° C and that the outside conditions include a temperature of 45° C and 10% relative humidity. If, given the occupancy rate described above, the vents 8 were not included in this example, the relative humidity inside the temporary shelter 2 would exceed 100% in approximately one hour.
  • the relative humidity will stabilize at about 40-50% if the vents 8 are included at the described vent sizing ratio (i.e., approximately 4 m 2 of vent surface area in the exterior shell of the temporary shelter 2 per 20 m 3 of interior space within the temporary shelter 2).
  • the vents 8 are included at the described vent sizing ratio (i.e., approximately 4 m 2 of vent surface area in the exterior shell of the temporary shelter 2 per 20 m 3 of interior space within the temporary shelter 2).
  • the vents 8 were not included in this example, the relative humidity inside the temporary shelter 2 would exceed 100% in approximately one hour.
  • the vents 8 may be sized smaller or larger than the ratio described above.
  • a positive air pressure may be maintained in the temporary shelter 2 pursuant to conventional means. The positive air pressure may aid with the egress of moisture vapor through the vent 8.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
EP07114372A 2006-08-22 2007-08-15 Vents for temporary shelters and coverings Withdrawn EP1895077A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/507,744 US20080047596A1 (en) 2006-08-22 2006-08-22 Vents for temporary shelters and coverings

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1895077A2 true EP1895077A2 (en) 2008-03-05

Family

ID=38819751

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07114372A Withdrawn EP1895077A2 (en) 2006-08-22 2007-08-15 Vents for temporary shelters and coverings

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20080047596A1 (ko)
EP (1) EP1895077A2 (ko)
JP (1) JP2008050936A (ko)
KR (1) KR20080018121A (ko)
CA (1) CA2596769A1 (ko)
RU (1) RU2007131740A (ko)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108824947A (zh) * 2018-07-11 2018-11-16 江苏军盾特种装备有限公司 一种军用指挥帐篷

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100243181A1 (en) * 2009-03-31 2010-09-30 O'connor Patrick J Vented shower curtain
US10252820B2 (en) 2015-08-06 2019-04-09 Heli-One Canada Ulc System and method for storing aircraft
CN107100383B (zh) * 2017-02-08 2020-08-18 西藏大学 一种多功能智慧高原生态细胞屋

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3148688A (en) * 1963-08-29 1964-09-15 Arnopole Charles Tent construction
NL6810696A (ko) * 1967-08-12 1969-02-14
US4067346A (en) * 1976-05-24 1978-01-10 Husted Guy L Collapsible hunting blind
US4302496A (en) * 1980-10-21 1981-11-24 Albany International Corp. Composite waterproof and flame resistant fabrics
US4374888A (en) * 1981-09-25 1983-02-22 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Nonwoven laminate for recreation fabric
US4971130A (en) * 1989-12-20 1990-11-20 Bentley Richard P Weather seal covering assembly for a window
US5401901A (en) * 1991-09-19 1995-03-28 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Weather-resistant electromagnetic interference shielding for electronic equipment enclosures
US5431970A (en) * 1993-08-11 1995-07-11 Broun; Conway C. Laminate material for protective bags and cases
US5765584A (en) * 1995-07-14 1998-06-16 Johnson Worldwide Associates, Inc. Tent door capable of high/low ventilation
US6676993B2 (en) * 1999-02-12 2004-01-13 Bha Technologies, Inc. Porous membrane structure and method
US6228477B1 (en) * 1999-02-12 2001-05-08 Bha Technologies, Inc. Porous membrane structure and method
US20040060589A1 (en) * 2002-09-23 2004-04-01 Michal Torres-Badash Portable shelter
US7357135B2 (en) * 2004-09-08 2008-04-15 Steel Grip, Inc. Protective hood with fan assembly

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108824947A (zh) * 2018-07-11 2018-11-16 江苏军盾特种装备有限公司 一种军用指挥帐篷

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20080047596A1 (en) 2008-02-28
RU2007131740A (ru) 2009-02-27
KR20080018121A (ko) 2008-02-27
JP2008050936A (ja) 2008-03-06
CA2596769A1 (en) 2008-02-22

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