WO2022155235A1

WO2022155235A1 - Lightweight portable modular shelter and method

Info

Publication number: WO2022155235A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/012163
Authority: WO
Inventors: William SCHOFIELD
Original assignee: Schofield Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2021-01-14
Filing date: 2022-01-12
Publication date: 2022-07-21

Abstract

A portable modular shelter, wall assembly, and method of assembly include a plurality of wall panels and a plurality of wall brackets operatively attached to the wall panels. A plurality of connector columns are configured to join two of the wall brackets together, such that two of the wall panels are operatively joined by each connector column. The wall bracket includes an L-shaped member, and the connector column includes a U-shaped member. Therefore, two of the L-shaped members of the wall brackets fit within the U-shaped member of each connector column. A bottom track and a top track are configured to hold the wall panels, wall brackets, and connector columns. A plurality of connector elements are configured to attach the bottom and top tracks to one or more of the connector columns. In some configurations, the connector elements are retractable spring pins.

Description

LIGHTWEIGHT PORTABLE MODULAR SHELTER AND METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/137,731, filed January 14, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

INTRODUCTION

[0002] This disclosure generally pertains to portable modular shelter structures, such as may be used for a humanitarian displaced persons shelters and a method for assembly and disassembly of portable modular shelter structures.

SUMMARY

[0003] A portable modular shelter, wall assembly, and method of assembly are provided. Included are a plurality of wall panels and a plurality of wall brackets operatively attached to the wall panels. A plurality of connector columns are configured to join two of the wall brackets together, such that two of the wall panels are operatively joined by each connector column.

[0004] The wall bracket includes an L-shaped member, and the connector column includes a U-shaped member. Therefore, two of the L-shaped members of the wall brackets fit within the U-shaped member of each connector column. A bottom track and a top track are configured to hold the wall panels, wall brackets, and connector columns. A plurality of connector elements are configured to attach the bottom and top tracks to one or more of the connector columns. In some configurations, the connector elements are retractable spring pins.

[0005] The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages, of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the disclosure, which is defined solely by the appended claims, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an isometric view of a modular humanitarian shelter structure, which is freestanding and easily assembled. [0007] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an exploded isometric view of the example modular humanitarian shelter structure shown in FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an isometric view of a portion of a wall assembly of the modular humanitarian shelter structure.

[0009] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exploded isometric view of the portion the wall assembly of the modular humanitarian shelter structure shown in FIG. 3.

[0010] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a side view of a portion of a wall panel of the modular humanitarian shelter structure

[0011] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an enlarged portion of the view shown in FIG. 4 to better illustrate connection and assembly features.

[0012] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a front elevation view of the modular humanitarian shelter structure, showing a door opening.

[0013] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a side elevation view of the modular humanitarian shelter structure, showing a window incorporated into the wall.

[0014] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an architectural floor plan for a representative example of the modular humanitarian shelter structure. Note that floor plans may not illustrate some features of the modular humanitarian shelter structure or its components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Referring to the drawings, like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components wherever possible throughout the several figures. All figures may be referred to in any section of the specification, without regard to numerical order, and all figures may not show all features.

[0016] FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate isometric and exploded isometric views of a portable modular shelter structure, a humanitarian displaced persons shelter (HDPS) unit, or, simply, modular shelter 10. In general, the modular shelter 10 includes two primary component assemblies: one or more wall assemblies 12 and one or more roof assemblies 14.

[0017] The modular shelter 10 is generally assembled on a floor surface - not separately numbered, but generally below the modular shelter 10, as viewed in the drawings - which may be an interior surface, an exterior surface, or a combination of both. The floor surface is a generally flat area upon which the modular shelter 10 may be assembled and is sufficient to provide underlying support for the modular shelter 10. Imperfections in the floor surface may be corrected by techniques recognizable to those having ordinary skill in the art. The floor surface may include additional components or features, including, for example and without limitation: drainage or water diversion features, tiles, or other features to promote functionality or aesthetics of the modular shelter 10.

[0018] FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate isometric and exploded isometric views of a portion of one of the wall assemblies 12. As shown in the figures, the wall assemblies include a plurality of wall panels 20 and a plurality of connector columns 22 that tie together two or more of the wall panels 20. A plurality of wall brackets 24 - which are better viewed in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 - are operatively attached to each of the wall panels 20 and facilitate joining the wall panels 20 with the connector columns 22.

[0019] While the present disclosure may be illustrated with respect to particular industries or applications, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the products, methods, and techniques, described herein. For example, similar structures, methods, or combinations thereof, may be used in other industries.

[0020] Those having ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” et cetera, are used descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the appended claims. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second” are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way.

[0021] When used herein, the term “substantially” refers to relationships that are ideally perfect or complete, but where manufacturing realties prevent absolute perfection. Therefore, substantially denotes typical variance from perfection in the relevant art. For example, if height A is substantially equal to height B, it may be preferred that the two heights are 100.0% equivalent, but manufacturing realities likely result in the distances varying from such perfection. Skilled artisans would recognize the amount of acceptable variance. For example, and without limitation, coverages, areas, or distances may generally be within 10% of perfection for substantial equivalence. Similarly, relative alignments, such as parallel or perpendicular, may generally be within 5%. [0022] Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting. Any use of the term, “or,” whether in the description or claims, is inclusive of any specific element referenced and, also, includes any combination of the elements referenced, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0023] As best viewed in the enlarged view of FIG. 6, the wall bracket 24 is an L-shaped member and the connector column 22 is a C-shaped or U-shaped member. In the configuration shown, two of the wall brackets 24 fit within the U- shaped member of each connector column 22. The connector columns 22 are configured to join two of the wall brackets 24 together, such that two of the wall panels 20 are operatively joined by each connector column 22.

[0024] Therefore, the two shapes cooperate to lock adjacent wall panels 20 together. Note that, in the example configuration shown, the two L-shapes of the wall brackets 24 substantially fill the U-shape of the connector column 22. The wall brackets 24 may attach to the wall panels 20 via a U-shaped receiver 25 that overlaps the vertical edges or sides of the wall panel 20, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0025] During assembly of the modular shelter 10, one or more bottom tracks 30 are configured to hold the wall panels 20, the wall brackets 24, and the connector columns 22. The bottom tracks 30 are configured to be placed onto the floor surface, such that they form the lowest portion of the wall assemblies 12. Similarly, one or more top tracks 32 are configured to hold the wall panels 20, wall brackets 24, and connector columns 22. The top tracks 32 may be considered part of the wall assemblies 12 but will also interact with the roof assembly 14.

[0026] In the configuration shown, as viewed in FIG. 2, the bottom track 30 and the top track 32 have comers cut into their respective ends. However, comer elements may be attached to the ends of the bottom track 30 and the top track 32, such that additional lengths, or sections, of the bottom tracks 30 and the top tracks 32 may be used to extend the length of the wall assemblies 12. Alternatively, variable length bottom tracks 30 and top tracks 32 may be used, regardless of the length of the wall assemblies 12, by using comer elements to tie the bottom tracks 30 and the top tracks 32 to adjacent wall assemblies 12. Furthermore, added comer elements may be useful where the modular shelter 10 is configured in different shapes, such as L-shaped structures.

[0027] A plurality of bottom connector elements 34 are configured to attach the bottom track 30 to one or more of the connector columns 22. Similarly, a plurality of top connector elements 34 are configured to attach the top track 32 to one or more of the connector columns 22.

[0028] In some configurations, for example, and without limitation, the connector elements 34 are retractable spring pins, or spring-loaded pins, that are integrally formed with the connector columns 22. The connector elements 34 may cooperate with a plurality of holes 35 in the bottom tracks 30 and the top tracks 32 to attach, join, or lock the connector columns 22 to the bottom tracks 30, the top tracks 32, or both. Note that connector elements 34 other than retractable spring pins may be used, and that the bottom connector elements 34 and top connector elements 34 may not use the same type of connection devices or components, even though they are referenced by the same numbers herein.

[0029] For the example modular shelter 10 shown in the figures, a comer column 36 is configured to join two of the wall brackets 24 at an angle greater than sixty degrees. Therefore, two of the wall panels 20 are operatively joined at an angle greater than sixty degrees. For example, and without limitation, the wall panels 20 joined by the comer column 36 are at substantially ninety degrees.

[0030] Note, importantly, that while the comer column 36 is shown on the exterior of the modular shelter 10, alternative configurations may use the comer column 36 on the interior to connect wall panels 20 in, for example, an L-shape. The modular shelter 10 is fully configurable, such that different shapes than that shown in the figures may be formed from the components shown and described herein, including, without limitations, L-shaped, U-shaped, and W-shaped modular shelters 10.

[0031] Additionally, numerous sizes of modular shelters 10 may be formed or assembled from the same components illustrated herein. Some examples of uses for the modular shelters 10 include, without limitation: refugee housing, medical facilities, schools, operations and/or command centers, community and/or religious gathering areas, or storage structures.

[0032] For the modular shelter 10 shown, one of the wall panels 20 includes a selectively openable door 38, having a door frame defining a door opening or doorway 39. Similarly, another of the wall panels 20 includes a window element 40. In many configurations, the window element 40 will be selectively openable.

[0033] Existing shelter solutions for use by persons displaced by humanitarian crises are often not readily available to vulnerable populations or may be configured as short-term solutions, which do not allow for the sustained health and safety of the displaced persons beyond the short term useful like of the shelter. Durable, longer term shelters can be cost prohibitive and/or require materials, tools, and/or skills which are not available at or readily transportable to the geographic area where the shelter solution is needed. Further, durable, longer term shelters may be constructed such that they cannot be disassembled for reuse and/or relocation, for example, from one geographic area to another. However, the reconfigurable and reusable nature of the modular shelters 10 solves the problems of existing shelter solutions.

[0034] The roof assembly 14 shown in the example modular shelter 10 includes a plurality of roof panels 42 operatively attached to the wall panels 20, and a plurality of roof columns 44 configured to join two or more of the roof panels 42. In the configuration of the modular shelter 10 shown, and without limitation, the roof columns 44 define gutter elements configured to collect and drain liquid away an exterior roof surface of the roof panels 42.

[0035] Some of the roof panels 42 are central panels and some roof panels 42 are end panels. The roof assembly 14 also includes one or more gable end panels 46 and one or more ridge caps 48. As recognized by skilled artisans, these features close or finish the roof assembly 14 and the modular shelter 10. Additional components may be included with, or assembled to, the roof assemblies 14, for example, and without limitation, skylights, solar panels, or vents may be incorporated into the roof panels 42.

[0036] The roof assembly 14 may be operatively attached to the wall assemblies 12 in a number of different ways, each of which is given as an example, and without limitation. In one configuration, the roof assembly 14 may be laid or set on top of the wall assemblies 12 with little, or no, attachment therebetween. This configuration simplifies assembly of the modular shelter 10 but may lack permanency or long-term stability.

[0037] In other configurations, the roof panels 42 may be clipped or bracketed to the wall panels 20, such as by spring loaded clips, ratcheting clips, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, there may be brackets attached to, such as by welding, the top tracks 32. These brackets would provide connection points for the roof assembly 14 to be attached to the wall assemblies 12 via, for example, and without limitation, spring loaded pins, bolts, or sliding pins.

[0038] As best viewed in FIG. 5, the wall panels 20 of the example modular shelter 10 may be formed as a laminate structure. A first sheet 50 defines an exterior surface and an interior surface, and a second sheet 52 defines an exterior surface and an interior surface. A core layer 54 is, in this example, sandwiched between the first sheet 50 and the second sheet 52, which are adhered to the core layer 54 to form the laminated structure. In many configurations, the core layer 54 will be made of an insulating material, a structural material, or combinations thereof.

[0039] One possible laminated structure of the wall panels 20 is illustrated in FIG. 5. Note however, that the wall panels 20 in all figures may be laminated, though not all figures show laminated panels. Additionally, the highly schematic diagram of FIG. 5 is not limiting, and numerous other lamination structures may exist for the wall panels 20, including, without limitation, additional layers or composite structures.

The wall brackets 24 may attach to the wall panels 20 via the U-shaped receiver 25 that substantially overlaps the vertical edges of the laminated structure of the wall panels 20.

[0040] For example, and without limitation, the first sheet 50 and the second sheet 52 may be formed from a polymer material, and the core layer 54 may be formed from a lightweight, and durable, foam material, possible examples of which will be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art. The polymer material of the first sheets 50 and the second sheets 52 may include, without limitation, at least one of a fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP), a polyethylene-based polymer, a high density polyethylene elastomer (HDPE), a polyamide, or a nylon based polymer material. Depending on the materials used, the modular shelters 10 may have a class A fire rating, which is better than existing displaced person shelters.

[0041] In some configurations of the modular shelters 10, the wall panels 20 may be configured as ballistic panels, such that they may be capable of withstanding some types of ordinance. For example, and without limitation, ballistic wall panels 20 may incorporate: compressed polyethylene, ceramic layers, shaped steel sheets, ballistic plastics, carbon or graphene layers, or combinations thereof.

[0042] Additionally, the wall brackets 24 and connector columns 22 may be specially formed to contribute to the ballistic nature of the wall assemblies 12 and to transfer energy into the ballistic wall panels 20. Note that the roof panels 42 and the roof columns 44 may also be formed from ballistic materials, such that the entire modular shelter 10 may be configured for ballistic resistance. In some configurations, the connector elements 34 may be changed, such as to improve the durability, for ballistic applications of modular shelters 10.

[0043] In the wall assembly 12, the connector columns 22 and the wall brackets 24 may be made of suitable materials, depending on the planned use for the modular shelter 10, as would be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the connector columns 22 and the wall brackets 24 may be made of metal, such as steel, aluminum, or alloys thereof, and may be extruded, stamped or otherwise formed into the preferred shape(s). The wall panels 20, the connector columns 22, and the wall brackets 24 may all be formed from lightweight materials, such that the modular shelters 10 formed therefrom are lightweight and easily assembled.

[0044] In some configurations, and without limitation, the connector columns 22 and the wall brackets 24 may be formed from lightweight polymer-based materials, such composites, reinforced polymers, or combinations thereof.

Furthermore, the connector columns 22 and the wall brackets 24, in addition to other elements of the modular shelter 10, may be coated for aesthetics, corrosion protection, or combinations thereof. For example, and without limitation, the components may be painted, powder coated, plated, or combinations thereof.

[0045] As best viewed in FIG. 6, the wall brackets 24 may be attached to the wall panels 20 via the U-shaped receivers 25. Therefore, ballistic energy may be transferred from the connector columns 22 and the wall brackets 24 into the wall panels 20, which are wider and more capable of dispersing energy.

[0046] The wall assemblies 12 and the roof assemblies 14 may include various elements to provide different functional or aesthetic features for the modular shelter 10. For example, and without limitation, the wall assemblies 12 may include: glass or plastic window elements 40; mesh screens; decorative design elements, including stenciling or metal work; substantially opaque panels to provide privacy within the modular shelter 10; or combinations thereof.

[0047] The modular shelter 10 may also be configured with additional elements, including, without limitation: electrical wiring, plumbing, heaters, coolers, various lights, floor coverings, or drainage features. Additionally, numerous types and configurations of furniture or equipment may be placed inside the modular shelter 10. Importantly, the modular shelter 10 may be assembled into various sizes and shapes of structures, all from the same basic components.

[0048] Assembly of the modular shelter 10 may occur in several ways, and any order of steps disclosed herein is not required. In many instances the bottom tracks 30 may be laid out in the preferred shape and size of the planned modular shelter 10.

[0049] The wall panels 20 may then be placed within the bottom tracks 30 and the wall panels 20 connected, via the wall brackets 24, with the connector columns 22. Then the top track 32 may be placed over the wall panels 20 and connector columns 22. The bottom track 30 and the top track 32 may be attached to the wall panels 20 and/or the connector columns 22 via the connector elements 34, either individually or in bulk, depending on the laying and chosen assembly process.

[0050] The connector elements 34 are configured to be detachable and reattachable and may be formed on either the wall panels 20, the bottom track 30, the top track 32, or the connector columns 22. Generally, no connectors other than the connector elements 34 are required to join the bottom track 30, the top track 32, the wall panels 20, and the connector columns 22 to form the wall assemblies 12. The roof assemblies 14 may then be assembled and attached to the wall assemblies 12, as needed.

[0051] The modular shelter 10, irrespective of its configuration or size, is as easy to assemble as a tent, but provides a permanent, or semi- permanent, structure that can be used, and reused, for a much longer time. Additionally, particularly where used for humanitarian purposes, the modular shelter 10 can be assembled by the displaced persons that will be using the modular shelter 10, such that a feeling of self- sufficiency, community, and family is created during assembly of one or more modular shelters 10.

[0052] The bottom track 30, the top track 32, the wall panels 20, the connector columns 22, and connector elements 34 may be considered to form a shelter kit.

Then, the bottom track 30 and the top track 32 may be detached from the wall panels 20 and the connector columns 22 via the connector elements 34, such that the shelter kit is disassembled.

[0053] The shelter kit may be moved to a different area nearby or to a distant area, as the shelter kit is easily movable when disassembled into its component parts. At the new site, the bottom track 30 and the top track 32 may be reattached to the wall panels 20 and the connector columns 22 via the connector elements 34, such that the shelter kit is reassembled. The modular shelters 10 have lower weight materials with high durability and sustainability achieved, and can be redeployed, adapted and reconfigured for dynamic in-field changing requirements. The modular shelters 10 are a perfect hybrid cost solution between a tent and a traditional, previous, rigid structure, because the modular shelters 10 have greater versatility, as they are reusable and reconfigurable.

[0054] The modular shelters 10 formed from the shelter kit provide numerous benefits, many of which will be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art. Some of the benefits includes, without limitation: function, benefits, and performance of a traditional rigid structure, but with lower costs and year-over-year increased value, in a single, variable layout, system solution. The modular shelters 10 may provide up to twenty years of usable life span. This is significantly greater than the life span of existing displaced person shelters, which are often only capable of three years of use.

[0055] An existing, traditional, shelter for displaced persons requires up to 32 man hours for assembly of a basic shelter unit. However, the modular shelter 10 may be assembled in 2 man hours per unit. Furthermore, the modular shelter 10 requires no complex tools, and may be assembled with no more than a rubber, or wooden, mallet. Advantageously, no additional tools may be required to assembly, or disassemble, the modular shelters 10.

[0056] Therefore, the modular shelters 10 have significant time savings, require less manpower, and have no measuring, cutting, power, or heavy tools required. The system of the modular shelters 10 is built and locked together with proprietary easy to use (and handle) components, with no small fasteners to lose or handle, and is designed specifically for community and family participation in easily rebuilding their lives.

[0057] The modular shelters 10 may sold, transferred, or transported as a system that can create whatever building or configuration is required. Alternatively, specific kits may be provided, which could then also be combined or reconfigured based on specific needs for the modular shelters 10.

[0058] FIGS. 7-9 show additional views of one example of the modular shelter 10, with FIG. 7 showing a front elevation view, FIG. 8 showing a side elevation view, and FIG. 9 showing a floor plan layout view. Note that the floor plan view illustrates one possible configuration, but does necessarily show all elements or components, and does not include some of the attachment and assembly features. The views of FIGS. 7-9 further demonstrate that the components of the modular shelters 10 are lightweight and sized such that they are readily transportable.

[0059] The modular shelters 10 shown in the figures were designed with input from humanitarian and medical experts. No special tools or skills are required to assemble the modular shelters 10, such that the modular shelters 10 can be constructed, for example, by the displaced persons in need of the modular shelters 10 with minimal or no training.

[0060] The example modular shelter 10 shown in the figures may be approximately, for example, and without limitation, twelve feet by sixteen feet, providing up to 200 square feet or 20 square meters of floor space. The example wall assemblies 12 are approximately, for example, and without limitation, four feet wide by seven feet tall, such that there is over eight feet of interior height in the example modular shelter 10.

[0061] Clause 1: A portable modular shelter, comprising: a plurality of wall panels; a plurality of wall brackets operatively attached to each of the wall panels; and a plurality of connector columns configured to join two of the wall brackets together, such that two of the wall panels are operatively joined by each connector column.

[0062] Clause 2: The shelter of claim 1, wherein the wall bracket includes an L-shaped member, and wherein the connector column is a U-shaped member, such that two of the L-shaped members of the wall brackets fit within the U-shaped member of each connector column.

[0063] Clause 3: The shelter of claim 2, further comprising: a bottom track configured to hold the wall panels, wall brackets, and connector columns; and a plurality of bottom connector elements configured to attach the bottom track to one or more of the connector columns.

[0064] Clause 4: The shelter of claim 3, wherein the bottom connector elements are retractable spring pins.

[0065] Clause 5: The shelter of claim 4, further comprising: a top track configured to hold the wall panels, wall brackets, and connector columns; and a plurality of top connector elements configured to attach the top track to one or more of the connector columns. [0066] Clause 6: The shelter of claim 5, wherein the top connector elements are retractable spring pins.

[0067] Clause 7: The shelter of claim 6, further comprising: a comer column configured to join two of the wall brackets together at an angle greater than sixty degrees, such that two of the wall panels are operatively joined at an angle greater than sixty degrees.

[0068] Clause 8: The shelter of claim 7, wherein one of the wall panels includes a selectively openable door, and wherein one of the wall panels includes a window element.

[0069] Clause 9: The shelter of claim 8, further comprising: a plurality of roof panels operatively attached to the wall panels; and a plurality of roof columns configured to join two or more of the roof panels.

[0070] Clause 10: The shelter of claim 9, wherein the roof columns define a gutter element configured to collect and drain liquid away an exterior roof surface defined by the roof panels.

[0071] Clause 11 : The shelter of claim 10, wherein the wall panels further include: a first sheet defining an exterior surface and an interior surface; a second sheet defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are made of a polymer material; and a core layer, wherein the core layer is made of an insulating material, wherein the interior surfaces of the first sheet and the second sheet are adhered to the core layer to form a laminate structure.

[0072] Clause 12: A wall assembly comprising: a plurality of panel members; a plurality of wall brackets operatively attached to the panel members; and a plurality of connector columns configured to join two of the wall brackets together, such that two of the panel members are operatively joined by each connector column.

[0073] Clause 12: The wall assembly of claim 12, wherein: each of the wall brackets includes an L-shaped member and a U-shaped receiver; each of the connector columns is a U-shaped member, such that two of the L-shaped members of the wall brackets fit within the U-shaped member of each connector column; and each of the panel members is connected to two of the U-shaped receivers of the wall brackets.

[0074] Clause 14: The wall assembly of claim 13, wherein the panel members are laminated panels, further including: a plurality of first sheets defining an exterior surface and an interior surface; a plurality of second sheets defining an exterior surface and an interior surface; and a plurality of core layers, wherein the interior surfaces of the first sheets and the second sheets are adhered to the core layers to form the laminated panels.

[0075] Clause 15: The wall assembly of claim 14, wherein: the core layers are made of an insulating material; and the first sheets and second sheets are made of a polymer material.

[0076] Clause 16: The wall assembly of claim 15, wherein: the insulating material of the core layers is a foam material; and the polymer material of the first sheets and second sheets includes at least one of a fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP), a polyethylene based polymer, a high density polyethylene elastomer (HDPE), a polyamide, or a nylon based polymer material.

[0077] Clause 17: A method of assembling a portable modular shelter, comprising: placing a plurality of wall panels within a bottom track; connecting the wall panels with a plurality of connector columns; placing a top track over the wall panels and connector columns; and attaching the bottom track and the top track to the wall panels and the connector columns.

[0078] Clause 18: The method of claim 17, wherein attaching the bottom track and the top track to the wall panels and connector columns occurs via a plurality of connector elements; and wherein the connector elements are: configured to be detachable and reattachable; and integral to at least one of the wall panels, the bottom track, the top track, or the connector columns, such that no connectors other than the connector elements are required to join the bottom track and the top track to the wall panels and the connector columns.

[0079] Clause 19: The method of claim 18, wherein the bottom track, the top track, the wall panels, the connector columns, and connector elements form a shelter kit.

[0080] Clause 20: The method of claim 19, further comprising: detaching the bottom track and the top track from the wall panels and the connector columns via the connector elements, such that the shelter kit is disassembled; moving the shelter kit; and reattaching the bottom track and the top track to the wall panels and the connector columns via the connector elements, such that the shelter kit is reassembled.

[0081] The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the disclosure. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs, configurations, and embodiments exist for practicing the appended claims, as will be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A portable modular shelter, comprising: a plurality of wall panels; a plurality of wall brackets operatively attached to each of the wall panels; and a plurality of connector columns configured to join two of the wall brackets together, such that two of the wall panels are operatively joined by each connector column.

2. The portable modular shelter of claim 1, wherein the wall bracket includes an L-shaped member, and wherein the connector column is a U-shaped member, such that two of the L-shaped members of the wall brackets fit within the U-shaped member of each connector column.

3. The portable modular shelter of claim 2, further comprising: a bottom track configured to hold the wall panels, wall brackets, and connector columns; and a plurality of bottom connector elements configured to attach the bottom track to one or more of the connector columns.

4. The portable modular shelter of claim 3, wherein the bottom connector elements are retractable spring pins.

5. The portable modular shelter of claim 4, further comprising: a top track configured to hold the wall panels, wall brackets, and connector columns; and a plurality of top connector elements configured to attach the top track to one or more of the connector columns.

6. The portable modular shelter of claim 5, wherein the top connector elements are retractable spring pins.

7. The portable modular shelter of claim 6, further comprising: a comer column configured to join two of the wall brackets together at an angle greater than sixty degrees, such that two of the wall panels are operatively joined at an angle greater than sixty degrees.

8. The portable modular shelter of claim 7, wherein one of the wall panels includes a selectively openable door, and wherein one of the wall panels includes a window element.

9. The portable modular shelter of claim 8, further comprising: a plurality of roof panels operatively attached to the wall panels; and a plurality of roof columns configured to join two or more of the roof panels.

10. The portable modular shelter of claim 9, wherein the roof columns define a gutter element configured to collect and drain liquid away an exterior roof surface defined by the roof panels.

11. The portable modular shelter of claim 10, wherein the wall panels further include: a first sheet defining an exterior surface and an interior surface; a second sheet defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are made of a polymer material; and a core layer, wherein the core layer is made of an insulating material, wherein the interior surfaces of the first sheet and the second sheet are adhered to the core layer to form a laminate structure.

12. A wall assembly comprising: a plurality of panel members; a plurality of wall brackets operatively attached to the panel members; and a plurality of connector columns configured to join two of the wall brackets together, such that two of the panel members are operatively joined by each connector column.

13. The wall assembly of claim 12, wherein: each of the wall brackets include an L-shaped member and a U-shaped receiver; each of the connector columns is a U-shaped member, such that two of the L-shaped members of the wall brackets fit within the U-shaped member of each connector column; and each of the panel members is connected to two of the U-shaped receivers of the wall brackets.

14. The wall assembly of claim 13, wherein the panel members are laminated panels, and the laminated panels further include: a plurality of first sheets defining an exterior surface and an interior surface; a plurality of second sheets defining an exterior surface and an interior surface; and a plurality of core layers, wherein the interior surfaces of the first sheets and the second sheets are adhered to the core layers to form the laminated panels.

15. The wall assembly of claim 14, wherein: the core layers are made of an insulating material; and the first sheets and second sheets are made of a polymer material.

16. The wall assembly of claim 15, wherein: the insulating material of the core layers is a foam material; and the polymer material of the first sheets and second sheets includes at least one of a fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP), a polyethylene based polymer, a high density polyethylene elastomer (HDPE), a polyamide, or a nylon based polymer material.

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17. A method of assembling a portable modular shelter, comprising: placing a plurality of wall panels within a bottom track; connecting the wall panels with a plurality of connector columns; placing a top track over the wall panels and connector columns; and attaching the bottom track and the top track to the wall panels and the connector columns.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein attaching the bottom track and the top track to the wall panels and the connector columns occurs via a plurality of connector elements; and wherein the connector elements are: configured to be detachable and reattachable; and integral to at least one of the wall panels, the bottom track, the top track, or the connector columns, such that no connectors other than the connector elements are required to join the bottom track and the top track to the wall panels and the connector columns.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the bottom track, the top track, the wall panels, the connector columns, and connector elements form a shelter kit.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: detaching the bottom track and the top track from the wall panels and the connector columns via the connector elements, such that the shelter kit is disassembled; moving the shelter kit; and reattaching the bottom track and the top track to the wall panels and the connector columns via the connector elements, such that the shelter kit is reassembled.

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