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.

1 . 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 when in a collapsible mode; and    at least one door disposed on an end portion of said telescopic body portion which is not adjacent another telescopic body portion;    wherein said telescopic body portions may be expanded and affixed to one another when in an expanded mode.    
   
   
       2 . The shelter according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one window disposed within at least one telescopic body portion.  
   
   
       3 . The shelter according to  claim 2 , wherein said window is removably disposed within a side wall of said telescopic body portion.  
   
   
       4 . The shelter according to  claim 1 , wherein said telescopic body portions are affixed to one another in an expanded mode by means of oppositely disposed flanges, wherein said flanges are disposed on adjacent end portions of said telescopic body portions and wherein at least one of said flanges comprise a lock pin, wherein said lock pin secures said first and second body portions when in said expanded mode.  
   
   
       5 . The shelter according to  claim 4 , wherein at least one of said flanges comprises a gasket, thereby forming an airtight seal between said adjacent telescopic body portions when said telescopic body portions are in said expanded mode.  
   
   
       6 . The shelter according to  claim 1 , wherein said telescopic body portions comprise an insulating layer and a hollow core.  
   
   
       7 . The shelter according to  claim 6 , wherein said insulating layer comprises a core layer disposed between a pair of external layers.  
   
   
       8 . The shelter according to  claim 7 , wherein said core layer is at least one insulating material selected from the group consisting of: expanded hexagonal aramid, PVC foams and other foams.  
   
   
       9 . The shelter according to  claim 7 , wherein said external layers are at least one material selected from the group consisting of: plastic, fibers immersed in a thermoset plastic, and fiberglass.  
   
   
       10 . The shelter according to  claim 1 , further comprising a pressure regulator, thereby allowing said shelter to act as a hyperbaric chamber.  
   
   
       11 . The shelter according to  claim 10 , wherein said pressure regulator comprises a valve disposed about a side wall of one of said telescopic body portions for increasing said air pressure within said shelter; and a pressure relief valve disposed about a side wall of one of said telescopic body portions for controlling the pressure within said shelter.  
   
   
       12 . The shelter according to  claim 1 , further comprising a backpack frame disposed about the outer surface of the largest diameter telescopic body portion, thereby acting as a backpack when in said collapsible mode.  
   
   
       13 . 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 said telescopic body portion which is not adjacent another telescopic body portion; and    affixing said telescopic body portions to one another to avoid collapsing of said shelter during use.    
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein said telescopic body portions are affixed to one another means of oppositely disposed flanges, wherein said flanges are disposed on adjacent end portions of said telescopic body portions and wherein at least one of said flanges comprise a lock pin, wherein said lock pin secures said first and second body portions.  
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein at least one of said flanges comprises a gasket, thereby forming an airtight seal between said adjacent telescopic body portions.  
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein said telescopic body portions comprise an insulating layer and a hollow core.  
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein said insulating layer comprises a core layer disposed between a pair of external layers.  
   
   
       18 . The method according to claim  71 , wherein said core layer is at least one insulating material selected from the group consisting of: expanded hexagonal aramid, PVC foams and other foams.  
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein said external layers are at least one material selected from the group consisting of: plastic, fibers immersed in a thermoset plastic, and fiberglass.  
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 13 , further comprising regulating the pressure within said shelter, thereby allowing said shelter to act as a hyperbaric chamber.  
   
   
       21 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein the regulating of said pressure is performed by a pressure regulator which comprises a valve disposed about a side wall of one of said telescopic body portions for increasing said air pressure within said shelter; and a pressure relief valve disposed about a side wall of one of said telescopic body portions for controlling the pressure within said shelter.