GB2442732A

GB2442732A - Collapsible shelter

Info

Publication number: GB2442732A
Application number: GB0620452A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Jeremy Lyddon
Original assignee: EASY POD CONSULTANTS Ltd
Current assignee: EASY POD CONSULTANTS Ltd
Priority date: 2006-10-14
Filing date: 2006-10-14
Publication date: 2008-04-16
Also published as: GB0620452D0

Abstract

A collapsible shelter 1 comprises a collapsible wall structure 6 between a top panel 2, and a bottom panel 4. For storage the panels 2, 4 form a case 8 inside which the collapsible walls 6 are located. Alternatively either of the top panel 2 or the bottom panel 4 may fold to form the case 8 (fig 10). Optional features include: waterproof, high visibility collapsible walls 6; a folding seat 16; a handle (fig 10, 20) to assist deployment; a collapsible support frame (fig 5, 22) comprising lockable, hinged struts (fig 5, 26); a porch structure 30, a zipped door (fig 3, 32); a vent 36; a window 34; a light source; a heater; a guy rope; and a textured bottom panel 4. The shelter can be stored in a compact state and is intended to improve road safety by accommodating one or two passengers a safe distance away from a broken down vehicle.

Description

A Shelter

Field of the invention

This invention relates to a shelter, and particularly to a deployable shelter, which is designed to be stored in a compacted state until required.

Background to the invention

England's motorways and trunk roads are the busiest in Europe, with 153 billion kilometers traveled last year on a road network almost 6000 miles in length (Gilles Savary writing in European Voice 02.02.06) . This traffic is estimated to grow 26% by 2010, 31% by 2015 and 40% by 2025 (Department of Transport 2004) . On average 3,400 people die each year in road traffic accidents, which equates to 9 people each day (ROSPA Presenting Road safety: A guide for the media Pub: 2004). on average 37,000 people are seriously injured each year in road traffic accidents, with 250,000 lightly injured.

Emergency services released a statement this year

(www.tnn.co.uk/UKNews/plonearticle.2006-06-08.092510905].

"Highways Agency Network Operations Manager for the East, Jon Caidwell) warning of what they call "hard shoulder complacency" or people's imperceptions of the dangers associated with being on the hard shoulder of a road. Their statistics show that 1,500 people are killed or injured each year on Britain's hard shoulders. This clearly is a large problem and a problem which is echoed in many countries.

Many people are killed or injured in their vehicle on the hard shoulder following a breakdown. Emergency services report (Green Flag hard shoulder release, "Using the hard shoulder") that often when reaching stranded vehicles, they find the occupants still sitting in them. This is even more prevalent when the weather is inclement, as the interior of the vehicle is warm, dry and appears safe.

Emergency and breakdown services when arriving at a scene request all occupants to leave the vehicle and wait behind the crash barrier on an area to the side of the road. If a vehicle has broken down near a sheltered area, for example a bridge then the occupants will be protected to some extend during adverse weather conditions. However it is likely that in the majority of breakdown situations, no shelter will be available. This means that the occupants will have to suffer any adverse weather conditions. The alternative is to risk the dangers associated with remaining inside the vehicle.

Any invention which could overcome or at least mitigate the above-mentioned problems would therefore be desirable.

Statements of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a shelter arranged to be articulated between a storage configuration and a deployed configuration, the shelter in the deployed configuration comprising a top panel, a bottom panel and a collapsible wall structure arranged between the top and bottom panels, the shelter being collapsible such that the top and/or bottom panels form a case inside which the collapsible wall structure is located in the storage configuration.

Advantageously this invention may provide a deployable shelter which in its storage configuration can be transported and stored for example in the boot of a vehicle, and when needed can be deployed to provide shelter. Such a shelter may be deployed away from the hazard of a stranded vehicle and in particular away from the hard shoulder of a motorway. Owning such a shelter may therefore encourage people to leave their vehicle in a break down situation, even in inclement weather conditions.

As used herein the term "case" shall be taken to mean a structure which holds the collapsible wall structure in its collapsed configuration.

In an embodiment the top panel may further comprise a sidewall which extends at substantially right angles around at least a portion of its perimeter. In the storage configuration this sidewall may form a sidewall of the case. In this embodiment the sidewall may be releasably attachable to the bottom panel to form the case in the storage configuration. The sidewall may be releasably attachable by releasable attachment means.

In an alternative embodiment the bottom panel may further comprise a sidewall which extends at substantially right angles around at least a portion of its perimeter. In the storage configuration this sidewall may form a sidewall of the case. In this embodiment the sidewall may be releasably attachable to the top panel to form the case in the storage configuration. The sidewall may be releasably attachable by releasable attachment means.

In an alternative embodiment both the top and bottom panels may further comprise a sidewall which extend at substantially right angles around at least a portion of their perimeter. In the storage configuration these sidewalls may form sidewalls of the case. In this embodiment the sidewall on the bottom panel and the sidewall on the top panel may be releasably attachable to one another to form a case in the storage configuration. The sidewalls may be releasably attachable by releasable attachment means.

In these embodiments, in the storage configuration, the sidewall(s) may completely or partially encase the collapsible wall structure. The releasable attachment means may be, for example, one or more zips, clips, buttons, poppers, straps or elastic ties.

Alternatively the "case" may not comprise sidewalls as described above. In an alternate embodiment the top and bottom panels may be releasably attachable to form a case using releasable attachment means for example one or more ties, belts or elastic means which may extend between the top and bottom panels in the storage configuration. In this embodiment the top and bottom panels may form a case by sandwiching the collapsible wall structure.

In an even further alternative embodiment the bottom panel may be arranged to fold, for example fold in half, such that in the storage configuration it forms the top and bottom of the case.

In a particular example of this embodiment the bottom panel may comprises a hinge to allow for easier folding. In this embodiment the top panel may be arranged to be located inside the case in the storage configuration. In this embodiment the bottom panel may further comprise a sidewall which extends at substantially right angles around at least a portion of its perimeter. In the storage configuration when the bottom panel is folded this sidewall may form a sidewall of the case. In this embodiment the two parts, for example the two halves, of the bottom panel may be releasably attachable to one another to form the case in the storage configuration. Suitable releasable attachment means are described above.

In an alternative embodiment the top panel may be arranged to fold, for example fold in half, such that in the storage configuration the top panel forms the top and bottom of the case. In a particular example of this embodiment the top panel may comprises a hinge to allow easier folding. In this embodiment the bottom panel may be arranged to be located inside the case in the storage configuration. In this embodiment the top panel may further comprise a sidewall, which extends at substantially right angles around at least a portion of its perimeter. In the storage configuration when the top panel is folded this sidewall may form a sidewall of the case. In this embodiment the two parts, for example the two halves of the top panel may be releasably attachable to one another to form the case in the storage configuration. Suitable releasable attachment means are described above.

In an embodiment the collapsible wall structure may be integral with the top and/or bottom panels. This may advantageously simplify the shelter. In an alternative embodiment the collapsible wall structure may be removably attached to the top and or bottom panels, for example by releasable attachment means such as one or more zips or poppers. In an embodiment the collapsible wall structure may comprise a back wall, front wall and two side walls.

In an embodiment the shelter in the deployed configuration, is sized to accommodate at least one person. In an embodiment the shelter in the deployed configuration is sized to accommodate two people. In a particular embodiment the shelter further comprises at least one collapsible seat. In this embodiment the shelter in its deployed configuration may be sized to accommodate at least one seated person.

In an embodiment the top panel may further comprise a handle, which may be utilised to help articulate the shelter from the storage configuration to the deployed configuration. In an embodiment the handle may be provided in the centre of the top panel.

In a particular embodiment the shelter may further comprise a collapsible interior frame. In an embodiment the collapsible interior frame may comprise at least one hinged strut. In an embodiment the hinged strut may be formed from two bars of a rigid material, for example a metal, hinged together. In an embodiment the hinged strut may be attached to the bottom and top panels in a hinged manner either directly or via a further component of the interior frame. Thus when the top panel is S pulled away from the bottom panel, or the bottom panel is pulled away from the top panel, the hinged strut will pivot from a bent position in the collapsed configuration to a substantially straight position in the deployed configuration.

In a particular embodiment a locking sleeve may be provided on the hinged strut. Such a locking sleeve may be located on the top half of the hinged strut such that when the shelter is deployed and the hinged strut reaches a substantially straight position, the locking sleeve may slide over the hinge between the two bars, locking the hinged strut and thus locking the shelter in its deployed configuration. Therefore simply pulling upwardly on the top panel, for example by pulling on the handle, will deploy the shelter.

In an embodiment the two bars may be of equal length, for example they may be the same length or shorter than the length of the top and bottom panels such that the bars may lie flat, or substantially flat in the storage configuration.

In an embodiment the two bars are substantially the same length as the length of the top and bottom panels and the hinged strut formed from the two bars is long enough to hold the collapsible wall structure taught, or substantially taught, in the deployed configuration. This embodiment may be useful for shelters sized for a single person.

In an alternative embodiment the two bars are substantially shorter than the length of the top and bottom panels, fOr example substantially half their length, however the hinged strut formed from the two bars is long enough to hold the collapsible wall structure taught, or substantially taught, in the deployed configuration. This embodiment may be useful for shelters designed for two or more people. In this embodiment the top or bottom panel may fold to form the case, in the storage configuration.

In a particular embodiment the collapsible interior frame comprises four hinged struts, one positioned in each corner of the interior of the shelter.

In an embodiment the collapsible wall structure further comprises a porch structure, which may be deployed with the collapsible wall structure from the case. Advantageously this allows the length and/or depth of the case to be smaller then the length and/or depth of the deployed shelter. In an embodiment comprising a porch, the porch may be folded into the case in the storage configuration. During deployment of the shelter the porch may be unfolded to allow the shelter to be fully deployed.

In an embodiment the collapsible wall structure may further comprise a door or entrance aperture. Advantageously a door or entrance aperture may allow a person to enter and exit the deployed shelter. In an embodiment the collapsible wall structure may comprise a releasably attached door. A releasably attached door may advantageously allow a person to enter and/or exit the deployed shelter, whilst allowing the shelter to be sealed from any inclement weather conditions.

In an embodiment the door may be releasably attached to the collapsed wall structure by releasable attachment means. In an embodiment the releasable attachment may be, for example, a zip or poppers. In an embodiment the door may be located on the porch structure.

In an embodiment, the shelter in the deployed configuration may be from 60, or 65, or 70, or 75, or 80, or 85, or 90, or 92 cm to 95, or 100, or 105, or 110, or 115, or 120, or 125, or 130, or 150, or 200, or 250, or 300 cm in length. In an embodiment the shelter in the deployed configuration may be 92cm in length.

In an embodiment, the shelter in the deployed configuration may be from 60, or 63, or 65, or 68, or 70, or 72, or 75, or 78 to 80, or 82, or 85, or 88, or 90, or 95 or 100, or 105, or 110, or 115, or 120, or 125, or 130, or 150, or 200 cm in depth. In an embodiment the shelter in the deployed configuration may be 78cm in depth.

In an embodiment, the shelter in the deployed configuration may be from 100, or 110, or 120, or 130, or 140 to 150, or 160, or 170, or 200 cm high. In an embodiment the shelter in the deployed configuration may be 140cm high.

In an embodiment, the shelter in the stored configuration may be from 60, or 65, or 70, or 75, or 80, or 85, or 90, or 92 cm to 95, or 100, or 105, or 110, or 115, or 120, or 125, or 130, or 150, or 200, or 250, or 300 cm in length. In an embodiment the shelter in the deployed configuration may be 92cm in length.

In an embodiment, the shelter in the stored configuration may be from 20, or 25, or 30, or 35, or 40, or 45, or 46 to 50, or 55, or 60, or 65, or 70, or 75, or 80, or 85 cm in depth. In an embodiment the shelter in the deployed configuration may be 46cm in depth.

In an embodiment, the shelter in the stored configuration may be from 2, or 5, or 8, or 10, or 12, or 15 to, 18, or 20, or 22, or 25, or 28, or 30 cm high. In an embodiment the shelter in the stored configuration may be 15 cm high.

The top and bottom panels may be either rigid or soft. In a particular embodiment the top and/or bottom panel may be formed from a waterproof material. In an embodiment the top and/or bottom panels may be formed from a plastics material, for example ABS plastic. In an embodiment the top and/or bottom panel may be formed from or covered in a high visibility material or coating, for example a reflective material or paint.

In an embodiment the top and/or bottom panel may be reinforced for strength. In a particular embodiment a ground engaging surface of the bottom panel may be textured, for example by having projections. A textured surface may advantageously prevent the shelter from slipping when in the deployed condition, particularly if deployed on a wet or muddy surface.

In an embodiment the shelter may further comprise at least one guy rope. In an embodiment the guy rope may be associated with the top panel, for example at the rear of the shelter away from the door.

In an embodiment the collapsible wall structure may be formed from a waterproof material, for example a plastics or plastics coated material. In an embodiment the collapsible wall structure may be formed, at least partially, from a high visibility material or alternatively may be at least partially coated with a high visibility substance. In an embodiment the collapsible wall structure may be formed from PVC.

In an embodiment the structure may further comprise at least one viewing panel and/or aperture. In a particular embodiment the shelter may comprise 1, or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6 viewing panels or apertures. In an embodiment the viewing panel(s) may be formed from a transparent or translucent material, for example a plastics material. In an embodiment one or more viewing panel(s) may be located on the collapsible wall structure. In an embodiment one or more viewing panel(s) may be located on the porch structure. In an embodiment one or more viewing panel(s) may be located at or near the top of the shelter such that in use of the shelter an occupant can see out.

In an embodiment the shelter may further comprise one or more vents, for example, pocket vents. In an embodiment the shelter may comprise 1, or 2, or, 3, or 4, or 5, or 6 vents. In an embodiment one or more vents may be located on the sides of the shelter. In an embodiment one or more vents may be located at or near the top of the shelter.

In an embodiment the shelter is lightweight such that it can be transported easily, in particular such that it can be carried comfortably by a single person. In an embodiment the shelter may be from 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8 to 9, or 10, or 11, or 12, or 13, or 14, or 15 kilos.

In an embodiment the shelter may further comprise a heater, for example a battery powered heater. This may advantageously be used to warm an occupant inside the shelter. In a further embodiment the shelter may further comprise a light, for example a battery operated light. This may advantageously be used to help an occupant see in poor light conditions. In an embodiment the shelter may further comprise a GPS device. This may advantageously help a rescue vehicle or the emergency services to find the occupants.

In an embodiment the shelter may further comprise a blanket or other cover that may be located within the shelter in both the storage and deployed configuration. This may advantageously help to keep a user warm, whilst removing the need to carry a separate blanket. In an embodiment the shelter may further comprise long life food or drink.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following examples. Generally speaking the invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings). Thus features, integers, and characteristics described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Moreover unless stated otherwise, any feature disclosed herein may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same or a similar purpose.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a front view of a single occupancy shelter in the deployed configuration; Figure 2 shows a side view of a single occupancy shelter in the deployed configuration; Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of a single occupancy shelter in the deployed configuration with the door open; Figure 4 shows a section through a single occupancy shelter in the deployed configuration showing a person using the shelter; Figure 5 shows a section through a single occupancy shelter showing how the shelter can be articulated between the stored and deployed configurations; Figure 6 shows a side view of the features shown in Figure 5; Figure 7a shows a section through a single occupancy shelter in the storage configuration viewed from the front; Figure 7b shows a section through a single occupancy shelter in the storage configuration viewed from the side; Figure 7c shows a section through a single occupancy shelter in the storage configuration as a plan view; Figure 8 shows a front view of a double occupancy shelter in the deployed configuration; Figure 9 shows a side view of a double occupancy shelter in the deployed configuration; Figure 10 shows an illustration of a double occupancy shelter being articulated from the storage configuration into the deployed configuration.

Figure 11 shows a section through a double occupancy shelter showing how the shelter can be articulated between the stored and deployed configurations; and Figure 12 shows a side view of the features shown in Figure 11.

All figures are schematic.

Detailed description

As can be seen in the figures the shelter can be designed to hold one or more people. An example of a shelter for one person and an example of a shelter for two people are described below.

Figures 1 to 7 show an example of a shelter designed for one person. The shelter is arranged to be articulated between a storage configuration as shown in Figures 7a to 7c and a deployed configuration as shown in Figures 1 to 6.

In the deployed configuration, the shelter (indicated generally at 1) comprises a top panel 2, a bottom panel 4 and a collapsible wall structure 6 arranged between the top and bottom panels 2, 4. In the storage configuration, the top and bottom panels 2,4 of the shelter 1 form a case (indicated generally at 8 -see figures 7a to 7c) inside which the collapsible wall structure 6 is located.

As can be seen in figures 1 to 7 both the top and bottom panels 2,4 have a sidewall 12 which extends at substantially right angles around at least a portion of their perimeters. In the storage configuration these sidewalls 12 form sidewalls 12 of the case 8. Preferably the top and bottom panels 2, 4 are releasably attachable to one another to form a secure case 8, for example using one or more clips or zips. When the shelter 1 is needed the top and bottom panels 2, 4 can be released, thereby releasing the collapsible wall structure 6.

Figures 8 to 12 show an example of s shelter 1 designed for two people. The shelter 1 is arranged to be articulated between a storage configuration and a deployed configuration as shown in Figures 10. In this example the bottom panel 4 is preferably arranged to fold in half, such that in the storage configuration the bottom panel 4 actually forms the top and bottom of the case 8. In this example the top panel 2 is soft and therefore can be folded inside the case 8 with the collapsible wall structure 6 in the storage configuration. In a particular example of this embodiment the bottom panel 4 comprises a hinge 10 to allow for easier folding.

In this example the bottom panel 4 preferably has a sidewall 12 which extends at substantially right angles around at least a portion of its perimeter. In the storage configuration when the bottom panel 4 is folded this sidewall forms sidewalls of the case 8. In this embodiment the two halves of the bottom panel 4 are releasably attachable to one another using, for example, clips (not shown).

As can be seen, particularly in figures 3, 5, 7b, 7c, and 11 both examples of the shelter 1 preferably have at least one collapsible seat 16. The seat(s) 16 are arranged such that they fit inside the case 8 in the storage configuration but can be unfolded in the deployed configuration if needed. Figures 5 and 11, in particular, indicate how the seats 16 can be moved from a collapsed to an upright position. The seats 16 are mounted on a seat support frame 18, which automatically deploys and locks into position when the seat is manually lifted. The seat support frame 18 is preferably constructed from light gauge zinc plated mild steel.

In both examples the top panel 2 preferably further comprise a handle 20 (see figure 10), which may be utilised to help articulate the shelter 1 from the storage configuration to the deployed configuration. The handle 20 may be provided in the centre of the top panel 2.

In both examples the shelter 1 comprises a collapsible interior frame (indicated generally at 22) . The collapsible interior frame 22 comprises four hinged struts 24 which are formed from two bars 26 of light gauge zinc plated mild steel, which are hinged together. The four hinged struts 24 are positioned in the corners of the shelter 1.

The hinged struts 24 are attached to the bottom and top panels 2,4 in a hinged manner. Thus when the top panel 2 is pulled away from the bottom panel 4, the hinged struts 24 will pivot from a bent position in the collapsed configuration to a substantially straight position in the deployed configuration.

This deployment can be seen in Figures 5 and 11 where a position between the storage and deployed configurations is indicated, and arrows show the direction of movement towards the storage configuration.

In the example shown in Figure 5 the bars 26 are substantially the same length as the length of the top and bottom panels 2, 4 and the hinged struts 24 formed from the bars 26 are long enough to hold the collapsible wall structure 6 taught, or substantially taught, in the deployed configuration.

In the example shown in Figure 11 the bars 26 are substantially shorter than the length of the top and bottom panels 2, 4, however the hinged struts 24 formed from the bars 26 are long enough to hold the collapsible wall structure 6 taught, or substantially taught, in the deployed configuration. In this embodiment the bottom panel 4 folds to form the case 8 as can be seen in Figure 10. This is possible because the bars 26 are only half of the length of the top and bottom panels 2, 4.

The shelter 1 also comprises a porch structure 30, which is deployed with the collapsible wall structure 6 from the case 8.

During deployment of the shelter 1 the porch 30 may be unfolded as shown in Figure 10 to allow the shelter 1 to be fully deployed.

The collapsible wall structure 6 also comprises a zip-openable door 32, which is located on the porch structure 30 to allow people to enter and exit the shelter 1.

The shelter 1 preferably has three viewing panels 34.

Preferably one viewing panel 34 is located on the porch and one viewing panel 34 is located on each side wall of the shelter 1.

The shelter 1 also preferably has two pocket vents 36 located at a high level on the sides of the shelter 1. I0 I5

Claims

Claims 1. A shelter arranged to be articulated between a storage

configuration and a deployed configuration, the shelter in the deployed configuration comprising a top panel, a bottom panel and a collapsible wall structure arranged between the top and bottom panels, the shelter being collapsible such that the top and/or bottom panels form a case inside which the collapsible wall structure is located in the storage configuration.
2. A shelter according to claim 1 wherein the top panel further comprises a sidewall which extends at substantially right angles around at least a portion of its perimeter and forms a sidewall of the case in the storage configuration.
3. A shelter according to claim 2 wherein the sidewall is releasably attachable to the bottom panel to form the case in the storage configuration.
4. A shelter according to claim 1 wherein the bottom panel further comprise a sidewall which extends at substantially right angles around at least a portion of its perimeter and forms a sidewall of the case in the storage configuration.
5 A shelter according to claim 4 wherein the sidewall is releasably attachable to the top panel to form the case in the storage configuration.
6. A shelter according to claim 1 wherein both the top and bottom panels further comprise a sidewall which extend at substantially right angles around at least a portion of their perimeter and form sidewalls of the case in the storage configuration.
7. A shelter according to claim 7 wherein the sidewall on the bottom panel and the sidewall on the top panel are releasably attachable to one another to form the case in the storage configuration.
8. A shelter according to claim 1 wherein the top and bottom panels form a case in the storage configuration by sandwiching the collapsible wall structure, the top and bottom panels being releasably attachable to each other by releasable attachment means.
9. A shelter according to claim 1 wherein the bottom panel is arranged to fold, such that in the storage configuration it forms the top and bottom of the case.
10. A shelter according to claim 1 wherein the top panel is arranged to fold such that in the storage configuration the top panel forms the top and bottom of the case
11. A shelter according to any preceding claim wherein the collapsible wall structure is integral with the top and/or bottom panels.
12. A shelter according to any preceding claim which in the deployed configuration, is sized to accommodate at least one person.
13. A shelter according to claim 12 which in the deployed configuration is sized to accommodate two people.
14. A shelter according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one collapsible seat.
15. A shelter according to any preceding claim further comprising a handle, which may be utilised to help articulate the shelter from the storage configuration to the deployed configuration.
16. A shelter according to any preceding claim further comprising a collapsible interior frame.
17. A shelter according to claim 16 wherein the collapsible interior frame comprises at least one hinged strut.
18. A shelter according to claim 17 wherein the hinged strut is formed from two bars of a rigid material
19. A shelter according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the hinged strut is attached to the bottom and top panels in a hinged manner either directly or via a further component of the interior frame.
20. A shelter according to any of claims 16 to 19 wherein the collapsible interior frame further comprises a locking sleeve.
21. A shelter according to any of claims 18 to 20 wherein the two bars are the same length or shorter, than the length of the top and bottom panels such that the bars lie flat, or substantially flat in the storage configuration.
22. A shelter according to any of claims 16 to 21 wherein the collapsible interior frame comprises four hinged struts, one positioned in each corner of the interior of the shelter.
23. A shelter according to any preceding claim wherein the collapsible wall structure further comprises a porch structure, which is deployable with the collapsible wall structure from the case.
24. A shelter according to any preceding claim further comprising a door or aperture.
25. A shelter according to any preceding claim wherein the top and bottom panels are formed from or covered in a high visibility material or coating.
26. A shelter according to any preceding claim wherein the top and/or bottom panels are rigid.
27. A shelter according to any preceding claim wherein a ground engaging surface of the bottom panel is textured.
28. A shelter according to any preceding claim further comprise at least one guy rope.
29. A shelter according to any preceding claim wherein the collapsible wall structure is formed from a waterproof material.
30. A shelter according to any preceding claim wherein the collapsible wall structure is formed, at least partially, from a high visibility material.
31. A shelter according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one viewing panel.
32. A shelter according to any preceding claim further comprising one or more vents.
33. A shelter according to any preceding claim further comprising a heater.
34. A shelter according to any preceding claim further comprising a light source.
35. A shelter as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.