Appears simple but is actually an advanced tensegrity structure with some remarkable qualities.
It is a descendent of Shelter Systems’ Folding Tensegrity Structures ( https://shelter-systems.com/future.html )
The First Shelter has a number of advantages:
- Very simple.
- Quick and very easy to manufacture.
- Inexpensive.
- Very strong.
- Good in snow and strong wind.
- Needs no guy lines (guy lines take up space and get in the way).
- Can use bamboo (bamboo is used in this model), branches, or 2″x 2″ for poles.
- Poles could be purchased or obtained at site (no need to ship poles with shelter).
- All poles are the same length.
- Can be folded and rolled into a tight cylindrical package with poles attached.
- If stored with poles attached the First Shelter can be set up in under one minute.
Can be make from any tarp 24′ by 24′ or 12′ wide roll goods.- Four doors for excellent ventilation (door flaps rolled up in this model).
- Doors are vertical so leakage is not a problem with doors open in rain.
- Door covers are integral with the covering (simplifying manufacturing).
- Door covers have one vertical overlapped seam that can not leak.
- If nets are needed sticky Velcro is used to install and close.
- Vertical doors allow for two or more First Shelters to be easily joined (door covers serve to seal joint.
- Square foot print allows a squire tarp to work for a floor.
- Floor can be cut from 12’ wide roll goods.
- There are no internal poles to take up space inside or get in the way.
- Only four stakes are needed.
- Stress is spread through out the covering evenly.
- All parts of the covering are drum tight.
- The covering is of a woven plastic material that is fire retarded and UV resistant and has excellent strength to weight to cost properties.
Nine Grip Clips join the tarp into a shelter (cost and manufacturing time and cost advantage)
