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  Mount n'
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Accessible Tents-Freedom Tent ............
Garden Rocker............
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The Drawing Board:-Accessible Tents ............ |
On the Drawing Board:“In-tent-ionally Accessible Tent and Vestibule for People with and without Disabilities” The Need: People with disabilities and their families like to go camping. Existing tents fall short of being accessible. SBIR Phase I and Phase II Awards from USDA BlueSky Designs was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research Phase I grant to develop more accessible tent and vestibule technology for camping. USDA link to BSD Tent Project Description |
June/July 2004 inTents Magazine
BSD’s latest work in progress, the Universal Vestibule and Tent, was featured in inTents, the tent and fabric structure industry magazine.
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Phase I Activities and Results (May 2001-January 2002) BSD developed and tested prototypes of 4 tent and vestibule structures and 6 door styles in Phase I. Results showed a redesign of tent technology significantly improved the usability and accessibility of tents. People with significant mobility, dexterity and visual impairments (and their service dogs) could independently enter and exit tents with the improved door designs. Campers without disabilities appreciate the quick and easy access for times when it is raining or they are carrying things. Everyone loved the extra room provided by the universal vestibule—for storage or hanging out. Two Designs Two very different design concepts resulted from our Phase I concept testing. The first is a “Universal Shelter/Vestibule”, which can serve as a standalone shelter, commode or shower area, or it can connect to different tents and/or a vehicle with a coupling, or fly which bridges the two structures. The UV will serve as a common entry and storage area outside the sleeping tent(s). It can also serve as a space to hang out when it is raining or buggy outside. The door will be easy to get in and out, with no zippers. The second design combines a usable vestibule/porch space with a sleeping area. The vestibule area will provide shelter from weather, and it can be used as a screened area for sitting. The sleeping area will sleep 2-3 people.   
On the drawing board, Prototypes Door Design Concepts Six door designs were developed and tested in Phase I. They are being refined in Phase II. None of the doors use zippers, they all minimize the strength and dexterity required, and two operate hands-free. Phase II Activities BlueSky Designs was awarded a Phase 2 SBIR grant to further develop the tent and vestibule designs. Activities include further prototype development on the two products, controlled testing for strength and durability, wind and weather resistance, and field testing by people with and without disabilities.  Focus Groups for new tent prototypes Market Potential Three market research firms have projected a solid market for these products, even as a niche market of campers with disabilities. The designs have much broader market appeal, in that they are easy to use and provide very usable spaces. Commercialization: Three patent applications will be filed in 2003. The grant period runs through August 2004, at which time the two designs will be ready for commercialization. BlueSky Designs will be seeking manufacturing partners beginning in 2003 so that their input and hardware may be incorporated into the designs. |
Focus Group participant proves...
... Ease-of-Use.
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| Privacy | Contact Us: 888.724.7002 | Terms of Use | © 2006 BlueSky Designs. All rights reserved. Site design by Caldera Designs. |
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