Abstract:
A storm shield apparatus for protecting persons, animals, or property within a bathing structure includes a retractable shield that is selectively moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The shield is moveable along first and second tracks. In some embodiments, the first and second tracks are disposed on the bathing structure, and the shield includes a plurality of nesting arcuate shield sections. In other embodiments, the tracks are positioned on opposing longitudinal end walls proximate the bathing structure, and the shield rolls over the bathing structure along the tracks. A trough with multiple panels may be positioned under the bathing structure to provide an additional barrier to prevent flying debris from penetrating the bathing structure from its sides, longitudinal ends or bottom. The trough mates with the shield in some embodiments to form a protective enclosure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/031,598 titled “Storm Shield for Bathing Structure,” filed Jul. 31, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to protective structures for securing persons, animals, or property. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to storm shelter apparatuses for use inside buildings such as homes and businesses. 
     Various types of protective enclosures for use as storm shelters are generally known in the art. Most conventional storm shelters are subterranean structures that form an enclosure that people seek shelter in during storms. Conventional subterranean storm shelters are generally too expensive for many people. Additionally, subterranean storm shelters require available land for installation. Conventional subterranean shelters are often difficult to use, obtrusive, messy, and take a long time to install. 
     Many homes have no dedicated storm shelters either in the home or within a reasonable distance thereof due primarily to installation and material costs of traditional subterranean shelters. Others have attempted to develop above-the-ground storm shelters. However, conventional above-the-ground storm shelters are often expensive and often do not include an aesthetically pleasing exterior. Additionally, above-the-ground storm shelters may be difficult to access during a storm when people are inside a building and must go outside to get to the exterior storm shelter. 
     As a consequence, residents are often forced to identify and temporarily occupy a structurally enhanced portion of a residence or office as a shelter during severe weather. The dangers associated with disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and storms often include the potential for flying debris and/or the collapse of building materials. Many safety guidelines for severe weather instruct individuals to move to a basement, closet, or bathtub during bad weather. In such situations, individuals often get in a bathtub due to the relative strength of the bathtub wall materials. However, one problem with this solution is that bathtubs are open on the top. Therefore, although bathtubs may offer reinforced material to protect from the sides, bathtubs generally do not protect from debris falling from above. 
     In further applications, people may seek temporary shelter inside a building in a shower. Showers typically include tiled walls that may provide some protection in the event of a disaster such as a hurricane, tornado or earthquake. People may also seek protection in other reinforced areas such as stairwells or under desks. However, these solutions are inadequate in the event of a disaster because such structures may not fully enclose and protect individuals, animals, or property in the event of severe weather or disasters. 
     What is needed, then, are improvements to storm shelter structures for use inside buildings, including, but not limited to, homes, apartments, businesses, medical facilities, and offices. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a storm shield apparatus for use in a building such as a home, apartment, business, medical facility, or office. 
     The storm shield apparatus, or storm shelter apparatus, includes a retractable shield that a user may position over an opening in a bath structure, or bathing fixture, such as a bathtub or shower. The shield is moveable between a first stowed position allowing normal operation of the bathtub or shower and a second deployed position at least partially covering the bath structure. 
     The shield includes edges that are moveable along a track. The track may either be formed integrally into a structure surrounding the bathtub or shower, or in other embodiments the track includes a modular track component that is installed on the surrounding environment. 
     The track location may be customized to provide a variety of embodiments for the travel path of the shield between the stowed and deployed positions. 
     In some embodiments, the shield includes a reinforced material such as a metal or composite shield having a plurality of segments (e.g., plates) joined together at flexible joints to allow the shield to achieve a curved profile during use. In some embodiments, the shield may be housed in a wall and/or other structure, such as a shield housing. In some embodiments the shield can be rolled onto a spool that may or may not be housed within a shield housing. The shield that is in a stowed position, including shields that are on a spool or in a shield hosing, can be stored near or in the bathing structure when not in use. When the shield is needed, the shield may be moved along the track by a user to cover a portion of the bathing structure (e.g., tub or shower), including an opening of the bathing structure. 
     In the event of inclement weather, a user may get inside the bathing structure, or may place property or pets inside the tub or shower, and deploy the shield along the track. The space enclosed between the shield and the bathing structure provides a secure enclosure. The shield may be locked in position in the deployed (extended) and/or in the stowed (retracted) position. 
     In this regard, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a shield apparatus that may be used to protect people, animals, or property in the event of severe weather such as tornadoes or hurricanes. Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a shield that may be used for to protect people, animals or property during other disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires, and/or home intrusions. 
     In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a storm shield apparatus including a bathing structure and a shield positioned on the bathing structure. The shield has a first shield edge and a second shield edge opposite the first shield edge. A first track is positioned proximate the first shield edge, and a second track is positioned proximate the second shield edge. The shield is selectively moveable along the first and second tracks relative to the bathing structure between a stowed position and a deployed position. 
     In additional embodiments, the present disclosure provides a storm shield apparatus including a bathing structure, a first track, a second track opposite the first track, and a shield positioned on the bathing structure. The shield is selectively moveable relative to the bathing structure along the first and second tracks between a stowed position and a deployed position. The shield at least partially covers the bathing structure when the shield is in the deployed position to provide protection to persons, pets or property residing in the bathing structure. 
     In yet further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a shield apparatus comprising a structure that includes four sides and an opening configured to receive a bathing structure, where the four sides are defined by a first end plate, a second end plate, a first longitudinal plate, and a second longitudinal plate. The shield further includes a shield that is comprised of a plurality of segments that are adapted for telescopic movement between a retracted position and an extended position, and the shield includes a first longitudinal shield edge and a second longitudinal shield edge. The shield includes a first longitudinal track extending between the first plate end plate and the second end plate along a first longitudinal edge of the bathing structure, the first longitudinal track being configured to slidably receive the first longitudinal shield edge. The shield further includes a corresponding second longitudinal track that extends between the first plate end plate and the second end plate along a second longitudinal edge of the bathing structure, the second longitudinal track being configured to slidably receive the second longitudinal shield edge. In this manner, when the shield is in the deployed position in which the segments of the shield are extended, the shield covers a bathing structure opening. 
     Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a shield apparatus suitable for new construction or replacement or retrofitting of existing bathing structures such as showers and bathtubs. The shield may be used with single or multi-family units, new construction and/or retrofit and remodeling applications. 
     Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a storm shield for a bathing structure such as a bathtub or shower, the shield including interior illumination such as illumination by LED lights. 
     Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a storm shield for a bathing structure such as a bathtub or shower, the shield including ventilation ports and/or active ventilation using forced air flow. Forced air flow may be provided from a fan, reservoir of compressed gas, or the like. 
     Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a storm shield for a bathing structure such as a bathtub or shower, the shield including a Personal Locator Beacon or sounding alarm to notify rescue workers as to location. 
     Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a storm shield for a bathing structure such as a bathtub or shower, the shield including an emergency radio band-equipped radio to keep occupants apprised of storm conditions. 
     Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a storm shield for a bathing structure such as a bathtub or shower, the shield including an optional two-way communication system to enable direct contact with rescue workers or others. 
     Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a storm shield for a bathing structure such as a bathtub or shower, the shield made of readily available materials such as metals, porcelains, polymers, reinforced fiberglass, as well as optional innovative materials such as carbon composites in order to reduce weight. 
     Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a storm shield for a bathing structure such as a bathtub or shower, the shield including an integrated battery to power one or more devices listed above. Instructions may recommend semi-annual battery replacement similar to those being suggested for residential smoke and carbon dioxide detectors (daylight savings time changes). 
     A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a storm shield apparatus including a base plate as well as a first end plate that is spaced apart from a second end plate. A shield extends between the space provided between the first and second end plates, a first track is provided on the first end plate, a second track is provided on the second end plates. Furthermore, the space between the first and second end plates can receive a bathing structure, and the shield is moveable along the first and second tracks to selectively cover the bathing structure. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second tracks define a convex profile over the bathtub our outside a shower to provide arch strength to protect against falling and flying debris. In this regard, the first and second tracks define an arcuate path over the bathtub in some embodiments. 
     Further objects of the present disclosure provide a shield for a bathing structure. The shield includes a shield member selectively moveable relative to the bathing structure for covering the opening of the bathing structure. 
     Another object of the present disclosure provides a bathing structure including a wall beside the bathtub, a gap between the bathing structure and the wall, a track positioned adjacent the gap, and a retractable shield positioned to travel on the track, wherein the shield is extendable through the gap to cover the bathing structure. 
     A further object of the present disclosure provides a storm shield including a track in a wall or other structure along which a shield may travel to selectively cover a bathing structure. 
     Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus in a partially-deployed position. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus in a deployed position. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a trough for use with a storm shield apparatus. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus with a shield in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment to of a storm shield apparatus with a shield in a deployed position. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, various embodiments of structural features associated with the present invention are generally illustrated and described. The embodiments shown in the drawings the description below are not intended to limit the scope of the Claims, and the illustrations are shown as exemplary embodiments of some modes of carrying out the claimed invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a storm shield apparatus  10  is illustrated in a partial cross-sectional perspective view. Storm shield apparatus  10  includes a shield  12  that is selectively moveable to cover a bathing structure  48  such as a bathtub or shower. Shield  12  is selectively moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. During everyday use of the bathing structure, the storm shield apparatus  10  is stowed and out of the way, and the storm shield apparatus does not interfere with normal operation of the bathing structure. In the event of inclement weather or natural disasters such as storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes or other disruptive conditions, one or more people may enter the bathing structure and deploy the storm shield apparatus to cover and protect the space between the bathing structure and the storm shield. The storm shield protects the interior space from falling and wind-driven debris. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , storm shield apparatus is shown in a stowed position with a portion of shield  12  housed in a space between bathing structure  48 , a floor  40  on which the bathing structure is mounted, and rear wall  46  against which bathing structure  48  is positioned. For example, conventional bathtubs include a space between the bathtub cavity  54  and the floor  40  and rear wall  46 . The space provides a region for running plumbing, or is otherwise kept empty upon installation of the bathing structure. Storm shield apparatus  10  utilizes this space to house a stowable shield  12  may be selectively deployed from the space to provide a protective cover over the bathing structure. During a period of inclement weather, one or more persons or pets may get in the bathing structure  48  and then deploy the storm shield apparatus  10  from this space to provide a protective cover. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , shield  12  is moveable along a track  30  during deployment and stowage. In some embodiments, shield  12  includes a multi-segment barrier made of multiple sections  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d , etc. forming a flexible shield similar to a roll-top desk. The multiple sections are joined together at longitudinal joints that allow each rigid section to flex relative to its adjacent sections. A handle  36  on shield  12  allows a user positioned in the bathing enclosure to manually lift the shield  12  and move shield  12  along the track  30  to cover the bathing enclosure. In additional embodiments, shield  12  is linked to a powered actuator and a control to allow a user to deploy and stow shield  12  using the control. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, track  30  includes a first track section  32  and a second track section  34 , shown in  FIG. 3 . First and second track sections are positioned at opposite axial ends of shield  12  such that a first axial shield end  22  travels along first track section  32 , and a second axial shield end  24  travels along second track section  34 . First and second track sections  32 ,  34  may be formed into corresponding end walls  42 ,  44  respectively positioned at the ends of the bathing structure  48 . Shield  12  is rolled on a spool  56  in some embodiments at a position under tub deck  60  on bathing enclosure  48 . As a user lifts handle  36 , shield  12  is unrolled from spool  56  and shield  12  travels along a path defined by track  30 . Track  30  includes an arcuate track forming a semi-circular path in some embodiments as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, shield  12  extends through tub deck  60  via a tub deck opening  62  allowing passage of shield  12  from a stowed position to a deployed position. In other embodiments, shield  12  extends from a gap between the longitudinal edge of the tub deck and the rear wall  46 . 
     Shield  12  includes first and second shield edges that move along track sections. First shield edge on shield  12  includes a first axial edge  22  that moves along first track section  32 , and second shield edge on shield  12  includes a second axial edge  24  that moves along second track section  34  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  in some embodiments. Alternatively, first shield edge on shield  12  includes a first longitudinal edge  26  that moves along first track  32 , and second shield edge on shield  12  includes a second longitudinal edge  28  that moves along second track  34 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Track  30  can include many configurations. In some embodiments, first and second track sections  32 ,  34  are recessed into first and second end walls  42 ,  44 , respectively. In additional embodiments, first track section  32  includes a separate track member that is installed on first end wall  42  using one or more fasteners, and second track section  32  includes a separate track member that is installed on second end wall  44  using one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, each track section includes a C-shaped cross-sectional profile to retain a corresponding feature on shield  12  in a locking manner. For example, one or more corresponding rollers or track carriages extend from first axial end  22  of shield  12  and engage and travel along first track section  32 . Similarly, one or more corresponding rollers or track carriages extend from second axial end  24  of shield  12  and engage and travel along second track section  34 . 
     Shield  12  may be deployable from either side of bathing structure  48 , as seen in  FIGS. 4A-7  in different configurations. As shown in  FIG. 4A , shield  12  is winds and unwinds on a spool  56  on the side of bathing enclosure  48  adjacent rear wall  46 . Spool  56  may be housed in a longitudinal spool casing  57  in some embodiments. From this position, shield  12  may be deployed upwardly along track  30 . As shield  12  travels along track  30 , spool  56  unwinds and handle  36  approaches the front side of the bathing enclosure. In some applications, track  30  terminates on the tub deck at or near the top front edge of the tub on the tub deck. In other embodiments, track  30  extends to the exterior of the tub skirt  58  and travels to the floor to a shield lock  66  that receives and engages the front longitudinal edge of the shield  12  to lock the shield in place. As seen in  FIG. 6 , spool  56  may be positioned in some embodiments in rear wall  46 . In alternative embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 7 , spool  56  is located in a space under the bathing structure  48  adjacent or near the tub skirt  58  on the front side of the bathing enclosure. In this embodiments, shield  12  moves along track  30  in a direction from the front side of the bathing enclosure toward the rear wall  46 . 
     In some additional embodiments, storm shield apparatus  10  includes a two-component system including a shield  12  and a base trough  70 , shown in  FIGS. 8-12 . Base trough  70  includes a five-sided trough having a bottom panel  72 , a first side panel  78 , a second side panel  80 , a first end panel  74  and a second end panel  76 . Each panel includes a rigid material such as a metal plate. Each panel may be rigidly joined together with adjacent panels using fasteners or welds. Trough  70  provides an internal trough cavity  84  shaped to receive the basin  54  portion of a bathing enclosure  58  such as a bathtub. Many bathing enclosures are made of molded plastic or other similar materials that offer little resistance to penetration by wind-driven debris. Shield  12  covers the space above the bathing enclosure, but the lower portion of the bathing enclosure may remain susceptible to impact by debris during a disaster. Trough  70  provides reinforcement on each side of the bathing structure from below, from the sides, and from the ends, thereby providing a protective shield for the volume enclosed by the tub basin  54 . 
     First side panel  78  on trough  70  includes a first upper edge  86 , and second side panel  80  includes a second upper edge  88 . A bathtub deck  60  may rest against the front and rear upper edges  86 ,  88  when a bathtub is positioned on the trough  70 , as seen in  FIG. 9 . Trough  70  is dimensioned such that first side panel  78  is received between tub skirt  58  and tub basin  54 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , when the bathing structure is lowered onto the trough  70 .  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  are shown with partial cutaway views with the end of the trough shown as open to illustrate the internal positioning of the trough panels. However, during use, each end of trough  70  is closed by first and second end panels  74 ,  76  respectively, as shown in  FIG. 8 . Each end panel  74 ,  76  protects the axial ends of the tub from incident debris from those directions. Additionally, as seen in  FIG. 8 , each end panel  74 ,  76  has a height greater than the height of first and second side panels  78 ,  80 . Shield  12  is deployable between the raised portions of first and second end panels  74 ,  76  as seen in  FIG. 10 . For example, in some embodiments, first track section  32  is disposed on first end panel  74  on trough  70 , and second track section  34  is disposed on second end panel  76  on trough  70 . As noted above, first track section  32  is recessed into first end panel  74  in some embodiments, and second track section  34  is recessed into second end panel  76  in some embodiments. Each track section is shaped to receive one or more corresponding rollers or track carriages disposed on the axial ends of panel  12 . 
     Storm shield apparatus  10  may be installed in a new construction residence, or installed as a retrofit of an existing bathing structure location. In some embodiments, an existing structure such as a bathtub may be removed entirely, and trough  70  placed in the location where the bathing structure was formerly positioned. A new bathing structure including a shield  12  may be positioned in the trough  70 . In some embodiments, trough  70  includes a first end panel  74  having one or more plumbing openings  64  to allow passage of faucet  50  or valve control knobs, as seen in  FIG. 8 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 11 , shield  12  may be stowed in a position between trough  70  and tub basin  54  on spool  56 . Shield  12  may be raised via handle  36  through tub deck opening  62 . In some embodiments, first side panel  78  on trough  70  extends upwardly on the interior side of tub skirt  58 . As such, the upper edge  86  of first side panel  78  provides support for tub deck  60 . A shield receiver  33  may be positioned on tub deck  60  directly above first side panel  78 . Shield receiver  33  receives and mates with a corresponding structure on the front longitudinal edge of shield  12 . Shield receiver  33  is secured directly to first side panel  78  using one or more fasteners that extend through tub deck  60  in some embodiments. As seen in  FIG. 12 , in some embodiments shield  12  includes a rear longitudinal edge  28  including an edge stop to stop the upward travel of shield  12  during deployment. When shield  12  is engaged to shield receiver  33  in a deployed position, the volume between shield  12  and trough  70  is enclosed by rigid protective panels on trough  70  and by the shield material in shield  12 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 8-10 , trough  70  is designed to provide structural protection for one or more persons or pets positioned in tub basin  54  from the sides and from below. Trough  70  includes one or more vent holes  82  positioned on one or more panels, as seen in  FIG. 8 . Each vent hole allows passage of air so that persons or pets positioned in the enclosure may be able to breathe for an extended period of time. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13-17 , alternative embodiments of the storm shield apparatus  10  include a shield that moves longitudinally from one end of a bathing structure to the other. Shield  12  includes a segmented shield comprising a plurality of arcuate sections that slide relative to one another in a nesting or telescoping arrangement. Each section forms a semi-cylinder in some embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , shield  12  includes multiple sections  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d ,  14   e . Each shield section slides along first and second tracks  32 ,  34 . Each shield section in this embodiment includes an front longitudinal edge and a rear longitudinal edge. First track  32  is positioned in a longitudinal direction along the front upper surface of tub deck  60 , and second track  34  is positioned in a longitudinal direction along the rear upper surface of tub deck  60 , as seen in  FIG. 13 . Shield  12  may be fully or partially recessed behind first end panel  74  in the stowed position. During use, a user may pull the shield out from the stowed position such that the shield sections slide along the track members  32 ,  34  to a deployed position shown in  FIG. 14 . In some embodiments, a shield receiver  33  is positioned on second end wall  44  or second end panel  76  to receive and engage the axial edge of the end shield section to lock the shield  12  in a deployed position, as seen in  FIG. 14 . 
     Shield  12  can include various sizes and numbers of shield sections, as seen in  FIGS. 15-17 . Shield sections generally nest relative to each other in a stowed position, as seen in  FIG. 15  in some embodiments. When deployed, the shield sections slide relative to each other along track  30  to cover the bathing structure  48 . In some embodiments, shield  12  includes three shield sections. In other embodiments, shield  12  includes four shield sections. In further embodiments, shield  12  includes five shield sections. In various other embodiments, shield  12  may include between three and thirty shield sections. 
     In some embodiments, trough  70  is dimensioned such that shield  12  extends from first end panel  74  to second end panel  76  and from the first side panel  78  to the second side panel  80 , thereby providing a complete enclosure between the trough  70  and the shield  12 . 
     Although the storm shield apparatus is shown in several Figures with the bathing structure  48  being a bathtub, the storm shield apparatus  10  may be used with other types of bathing structures, including showers. 
     Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful Storm Shield for Bathing Structure it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.