Modular shelter systems and related methods

Abstract

Modular shelter systems are described herein. In one aspect, the modular shelter system includes an endcap positioned at a first end of the modular shelter system. The endcap includes a first support arch; and an endcap frame. The modular shelter system also includes a second support arch positioned at a second end of the modular shelter system. The modular shelter system also includes at least one section assembly disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch. The section assembly includes a plurality of purlins oriented along a longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system.

1 . A modular shelter system comprising:
 an endcap positioned at a first end of the modular shelter system, the endcap including a first support arch;   a second support arch positioned at a second end of the modular shelter system; and   at least one section assembly disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch, the section assembly including a plurality of purlins oriented along a longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system.   
     
     
         2 . The modular shelter system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an endcap frame positioned at the first end of the modular shelter system;   a floor element disposed perpendicular to the first support arch and the second support arch; and   a cover element disposed in parallel with the floor element.   
     
     
         3 . The modular shelter system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one section assembly comprises a plurality of section assemblies disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch. 
     
     
         4 . The modular shelter system of  claim 3 , wherein an overall length of the modular shelter system is defined by a number of section assemblies. 
     
     
         5 . The modular shelter system of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 a purlin extension system configured to adjust a length of the plurality of purlins, said purlin extension system including a movable linkage,   wherein an overall length of the modular shelter system is defined in part by the purlin extension system.   
     
     
         6 . The modular shelter system of  claim 5 , wherein each of the plurality of purlins are attached to the purlin extension system. 
     
     
         7 . The modular shelter system of  claim 5 , wherein the purlin extension system includes a handle configured and adapted to lock at least one of the plurality of purlins in place. 
     
     
         8 . The modular shelter system of  claim 1 , wherein the endcap frame includes an endcap folding mechanism configured and adapted to collapse the endcap frame. 
     
     
         9 . The modular shelter system of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 an insulation element adjacent to the cover element.   
     
     
         10 . The modular shelter system of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a folding mechanism capable of collapsing the endcap frame when not in use as part of the modular shelter system. 
 
     
     
         11 . The modular shelter system of  claim 10 , wherein the folding mechanism includes a plurality of parallel bar segments, the plurality of parallel bar segments configured to maintain a parallel orientation throughout a range of motion. 
     
     
         12 . The modular shelter system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of base bars; and   a base bracket configured and adapted to interact with each of the plurality of base bars, the base bracket being further configured to interact with one of the first support arch or the second support arch.   
     
     
         13 . A method of using a modular shelter system comprising:
 providing an endcap positioned at a first end of the modular shelter system, the endcap including a first support arch;   providing a second support arch positioned at a second end of the modular shelter system;   providing a first section assembly disposed between the first support arch and the second support arch, the section assembly including a plurality of purlins oriented along a longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system; and   orienting the plurality of purlins along a longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 providing a second section assembly at another position along the longitudinal axis of the modular shelter system,   wherein the second section assembly is configured and adapted to connect to the first section assembly.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 providing a purlin extension system adapted to extend the plurality of purlins; and   transferring force through the plurality of purlins using the purlin extension system, wherein the transferring of force puts the plurality of purlins in a tensioned state.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the step of transferring force comprises moving a handle and a movable linkage of the purlin extension system. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 disposing an endcap frame at the first end of the modular shelter system;   disposing a floor element perpendicular to the first support arch and the second support arch;   disposing a cover element in parallel with the floor element; and   tightening the cover element.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 unfolding a folding mechanism of the endcap, the folding mechanism including a plurality of parallel bar segments, the plurality of parallel bar segments configured to maintain a parallel orientation throughout a range of motion.   
     
     
         19 . A modular shelter comprising:
 a first endcap positioned at a proximal end of the modular shelter;   a second endcap positioned at a distal end of the modular shelter;   a section assembly disposed between the first endcap and the second endcap, said section assembly including a plurality of purlins; and   a purlin extension system, said purlin extension system including a movable linkage,   wherein each of the plurality of purlins are attached to at least one purlin extension system.   
     
     
         20 . The modular shelter of  claim 19 , wherein at least one of the first endcap or the second endcap includes a folding mechanism capable of collapsing the first endcap or the second endcap when not in use as part of the modular shelter. 
     
     
         21 . The modular shelter system of  claim 20 , wherein the folding mechanism includes a plurality of parallel bar segments, the plurality of parallel bar segments configured to maintain a parallel orientation throughout a range of motion.