Aussie Mozzie Tube

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The Aussie Mozzie Tube® ceased trading as a business in 2011 to become an extension of Royden Alfred Fund, a private, non-contributory Christian charity, self-funded and administered by Rodney and Elaine Foster, based in Queensland, Australia. ^{Interview with designer} Partnering organizations include The Salvation Army of Australia Eastern Territory, Gale Pacific, Queensland, Australia; and the Brisbane Youth Service and Drug Arm Australasia, Brisbane office

Manufacturing/Building Method

According to the designer, the Aussie Mozzie Tube is available in two types: the lightweight Walkabout and the heavy-duty Overlander. The Walkabout is manufactured in China and the Overlander is manufactured in Australia.

The product is manufactured according to standard tent-making methods, processes and procedures. Using lightweight fabrics suitable for air-drop compatibility, The Aussie Mozzie Tube is able to be sewn on an old treadle machine or a modern domestic sewing machine, possibly allowing work to be done in the home, or in a hall, prison or factory situation. Work is envisaged to be done by church groups, women’s groups, or unemployed, on a voluntary basis, affording no expenditure for actual manufacture. ^{Interview with designer}

Intellectural Property Type

Select Type

User Provision Model

The Walkabout is the product model that is distributed to disaster victims due to its lightness, compactness, and lower cost. The product designers provide interdenominational Christian mission work and assistance to the homeless through the provision of The Aussie Mozzie Tube by way of their self-funded parent company, Royden Alfred Fund, either within Australia through their work, or globally through a free Licence To Manufacture to any organization wishing to utilize the offer by purchasing through their Chinese manufacturer at cost price, FOB China, or producing the product for themselves, not for resale.

The designer offers plans, drawings, specifications and technical advice at no cost, to participating organizations accepting that they will have the responsibility for the necessary training. In addition, the organizations would obtain the rods, mesh, poly-tarp, zip, binding and thread direct from their own source, to the specifications required. ^{Interview with designer}

Distributions to Date Status

Unknown

Design Specifications

The Walkabout is designed for short term outdoor or fixed situation indoor use

- Size: Length 188 cm (6'2"), Width 75 cm, Height 64 cm
- Base: Lightweight Double Laminated Polyethylene
- Upper: Polyester Midge Mesh
- Weight: 1.1 kg
- Packed Size: 50 x 35 x 4 cm

The Overlander is designed for constant outdoor or rough use

- Size: Length 188 cm (6'2"), Width 75 cm, Height 64 cm
- Base: Heavy Duty Double Laminated Polyethylene
- Upper: PV Coated Mosquito Mesh
- Weight: 1.8 kg
- Packed Size: 50 x 35 x 5 cm

The Fly Kit is available as an optional extra

- Size: Length 300 cm, Width 230 cm
- Material: 115gm/m2 Double Laminated Polyethylene roped edges, reinforced corners and aluminium eyelets
- Stakes: 6 x 175 x 4 mm plated steel in small bag
- Cord: one (1) 1.5 m Clothesline, one (1) 3 m Shock Cord
- Carry Bag: Rip-stop Nylon
- Weight: 0.8 kg

Technical Support

None. Technical advise can be provided to organizations obtaining the License to Manufacture and contacting the manufacturer.

Replacement Components

None. The user would have to replace the tube or find a way to patch the material.

Lifecycle

Unknown. The designer claims they had a unit that was returned by a homeless person after four years of solid use and it was still in good condition. ^{Interview with designer}

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Performance targets include lightweight and small when packed, durable, airy, and usable on any surface. The manufacturer also claims that the Aussie Mozzie Tube has an unobstructed and non-claustrophobic view from the inside. It can also flex to fit in confined spaces.

Vetted Performance Status

All testing for usability and longevity were carried out in the field. ^{Interview with designer}

Safety

The base can be made with fire retardant materials at extra weight and cost. ^{Interview with designer}

Complementary Technical Systems

Aussie Mozzie Tube does not offer any complimentary systems. The product could serve as one of the components inside a post-disaster response kit. According to the manufacturer, the product can be treated with Long Lasting Insecticide (LLI) at least every 4 months.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

The designer claims to be in compliance with UN Global Compact and the International Quality Standard ISO9000 to comply with general tent manufacturing standards.

Other Information

It won several awards in 2006 and 2007.