Shelter

Abstract

A panel element ( 2 ) for use in constructing a shelter is disclosed. The panel element comprises a body portion ( 4 ), first locking means ( 8 ) mounted to the body portion, and second locking means ( 6 ) mounted to the body portion. The first locking means comprises an elongate member ( 10 ) having a plurality of apertures ( 8 ) therein, and the second locking means comprises a plurality of locking elements ( 6 ) moveable relative to the body portion between a storage position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the locking elements engage respective apertures of a first locking means of a further panel element to urge the further panel element towards the first panel element.

1 . A panel element for use in constructing a shelter, the panel element comprising a body portion, at least one first locking device mounted to the body portion, and at least one second locking device mounted to the body portion, wherein at least one said first locking device comprises respective elongate member having a respective plurality of apertures therein, and at least one said second locking device comprises a respective plurality of locking elements moveable relative to the body portion between a storage position and a deployed position, in which a plurality of said locking elements in the deployed position engage respective apertures of at least one first locking device of a further said panel element to urge said further panel element towards said panel element. 
     
     
         2 . A panel element according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one said locking element is a cam lock having a cam portion rotatably mounted to the body. 
     
     
         3 . A panel element according to  claim 1 , wherein the panel element comprises an inner sheet, an outer sheet and thermal insulation material located between said inner and outer sheets. 
     
     
         4 . A panel element according to  claim 3 , further comprising a sheet of ballistic material mounted to the inner and/or outer sheets. 
     
     
         5 . A foldable support for use in a blast resistant barrier for protection of a shelter, the support comprising a body including first and second sheets interconnected by a plurality of flexible tensile members to define a plurality of chambers for receiving filler material. 
     
     
         6 . A support according to  claim 5 , wherein said first and second sheets are flexible. 
     
     
         7 . A support according to  claim 5 , wherein the first and second sheets are interconnected by a base member for forming a widened base of the support in use. 
     
     
         8 . A shelter comprising an inner compartment formed from a plurality of panel elements according to  claim 1 , and at least one barrier member formed from a foldable support according to  claim 5  and spaced from the inner compartment in use. 
     
     
         9 . A shelter according to  claim 8 , wherein the shelter comprises at least one cover member adapted to cover at least part of an upper surface of the inner compartment.