Patent ID: 8646225
Filing Date: 2014-02-11
Classification: E04H,Y02A

Abstract:
1. An underground shelter having a front wall, a back wall, two opposing side walls, a bottom and a top defining a substantially rectangular box with an opening defined in the top, a flat lid adapted to cover the opening, a roller means for alternately rolling the lid to expose or close a portion of the opening defined in the top, the improvement comprising: a. the lid divided into two portions and adapted to be substantially flush with a surrounding ground level in a closed position having b. the roller means comprising c. at least one ramp defined in the first lid portion adjacent to the dividing space, and out of line with the track, and adapted to elevate a leading edge roller moving relative to the ramp from a lower level to a higher level, the higher level allowing the second lid portion to pass over the first lid portion; d. at least one of the leading edge rollers engaging the at least one ramp, each leading edge roller adapted to rollingly engage a surface to support a leading edge of the second lid portion as the second lid portion passes up and over the first lid portion; e. a latch means releasably engaging the moveable second lid portion into a fixed closed position; f. a lid retainer means for keeping the second lid portion in position against a lifting force created by a differential pressure between an inside of the shelter and an outside atmosphere during a storm event; and g. access means for allowing at least one person to enter or leave the shelter.