Vents for temporary shelters and coverings

Abstract

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 membrane may be expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. 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.

1 . A venting system for a temporary shelter, comprising:
 one or more vents positioned in an exterior shell of the temporary shelter;   wherein each of the vents include a membrane that is moisture vapor transmissive and resistant to liquid penetration.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the membrane comprises a moisture vapor transmissive rate of at least 4,000 g/m 2 /day. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more vents comprise a laminated fabric that includes the membrane and a base fabric. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the base fabric comprises a woven, non-woven or knit textile. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the base fabric comprises a flame retardant material. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the membrane is air permeable and immune to liquid penetration. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the vents is positioned in the upper part of a side of the temporary shelter. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the membrane is oleophobic. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the membrane comprises expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more vents are incorporated into the temporary shelter by a waterproof zipper. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more vents is welded onto a corresponding opening in the exterior shell of the temporary shelter. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more vents is stitched directly onto a corresponding opening in the exterior shell of the temporary shelter and seam tape is used to seal the stitch holes from water leaks. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more vents comprise 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. 
   
   
       14 . A structure for enclosing items, such as people or equipment, capable of generating heat or humidity, said structure comprising:
 an exterior wall; and   one or more vents incorporated in the exterior wall, the one or more vents comprising a membrane that is moisture vapor transmissive to permit release of heat or humidity from within the structure and resistant to liquid penetration.   
   
   
       15 . The structure of  claim 14 , wherein the one or more vents comprise 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. 
   
   
       16 . The structure of  claim 14 , wherein the membrane is oleophobic. 
   
   
       17 . The structure of  claim 14 , wherein the membrane is air permeable and immune to liquid penetration. 
   
   
       18 . The structure of  claim 14 , wherein the membrane comprises expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. 
   
   
       19 . The structure of  claim 14 , wherein the membrane comprises a moisture vapor transmissive rate of at least 4,000 g/m 2 /day. 
   
   
       20 . The structure of  claim 14 , wherein a positive air pressure is maintained in the structure.