In response to recent natural disasters, inventors Sean Verdecia and Jason Ross havesubmitted their disaster relief shelter “AbleNook,” to Kickstarter(a popular crowd fundingplatform). AbleNook is a rapidly deployable portable structure comprised of interlockingcomponents which can be assembled by unskilled laborers in a short period of time (withouttools). The components that make up AbleNook can be shipped flat-packed in order tomaximize the number of families who are helped in disaster areas, while reducing transportationcosts. If the Kickstarter campaign proves successful, Verdecia and Ross will use the funds tobuild a fully prefabricated "field prototype" with which to complete final testing before bringingthe AbleNook to market.AbleNook’s design comprises of identical and universal wall panels and structural members thatclip together without the use of any tools. The Ablenook’s structural members can comeprewired so that upon assembly, the electrical system is live. This simple universal plug-and-playassembly system allows for ease of fabrication and ease of assembly in disaster scenarioswhere time and technical knowledge are limited.AbleNook’s units are expandable depending on application and can include the use of multiplebedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, work space, storage, etc. AbleNook makes use of adjustablefooting foundations allowing the unit to be placed on uneven surfaces so they can be deployedanywhere without the need for poured foundations.Verdecia and Ross envision the AbleNook for disaster relief housing, but foresee the possibilityfor use as prefab housing, modular classrooms, flex office space and even military applications.The plug and plug logic allows the units to be disassembled a reassembled based on need,creating an economy of scale for its use. The project was created while enrolled in graduateschool at the University of South Florida, and the university has assisted Verdecia and Rosswith getting the project patented.
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