Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of provisional application Ser. No. 60/671,451, filed Apr. 11, 2005. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to saferoom construction, and more particularly to a customizable saferoom for assembly in irregular and existing spaces and method for making same.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Saferooms, which may be installed in residences, businesses, and other buildings, are used to shelter inhabitants from violent storms and intruders. In contrast, to a storm shelter, which is generally constructed below the ground&#39;s surface and is external to the building with which it is associated, a saferoom forms a secure space within the internal confines of the building. Although a saferoom may be constructed above or below the building&#39;s foundation, such construction is difficult where the building is a pre-existing structure and, thus, must be adapted for the inclusion of the saferoom.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     According to one embodiment of the invention, a customizable saferoom includes a ceiling panel, a first wall panel having a first set of dimensions, a second wall panel having a second set of dimensions, a third wall panel having a third set of dimensions, and a fourth wall panel having a fourth set of dimensions. Each of the ceiling panel and the first, second, third, and fourth wall panels are coupled to at least one other of the ceiling panel, the first, second, third, and fourth wall panels to form an enclosed structure. The first, second, third, and fourth sets of dimensions are selected to optimize the volumetric capacity of the enclosed structure within the confines of a pre-existing space within a building.  
         [0005]     Particular embodiments of the present invention provide one or more technical advantages. Some embodiments may benefit from some, none, or all of these advantages. One technical advantage may be that a customizable saferoom may be assembled beneath a stairwell or in another irregularly shaped space of an existing structure. As a result, an existing structure may be adapted to include a saferoom in a closet or other wasted, and possibly previously inaccessible, space beneath a stairwell. Another technical advantage may be that the structural integrity of the space may be improved by the inclusion of the customizable saferoom. For example, the additional structure of the customizable saferoom may be resistant to displacement during a tornado or other violent storm. As a result, the customizable saferoom may protect inhabitants of the customizable saferoom from being picked physically displaced by the storm. Additionally, the customizable saferoom may protect inhabitants from debris circulating in the air during the storm. A further technical advantage may be that the customizable saferoom may be used for purposes other than for protection against tornadoes and other violent storms. For example, because a customizable saferoom provides a secure area within a dwelling or other building, a customizable saferoom may be used as a panic room to protect inhabitants of the building in the case of an invasion.  
         [0006]     Other technical advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following figures, description and claims.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exterior view of a customizable saferoom, according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0009]      FIGS. 2A-2C  are schematic diagrams illustrating various panels and components for forming a customizable saferoom, according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0010]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are schematic diagrams illustrating example arrangements of sidewall and endwall panels for the assembly of a customizable saferoom, according to certain embodiments of the present invention; and  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating an interior view of a secure ingress within a customizable saferoom, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0012]     It is generally recognized that a closet or other interior room without windows is the safest room in the house for seeking shelter from a violent storm. This is especially true of the space that lies immediately below a stairwell since the stairwell is generally able to withstand greater wind speeds in a violent storm such as a tornado. The structural integrity of the space may be improved, however, with the inclusion of a customizable saferoom.  FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exterior view of a customizable saferoom  10 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, customizable saferoom  10  is configured for assembly in a pre-existing space such as under a stairwell  24  or within another small space. The additional structure added by customizable saferoom  10  is resistant to displacement during a tornado or other violent storm. As a result, customizable saferoom  10  may protect inhabitants of customizable saferoom  10  from being picked up and tossed around during the storm. Additionally, customizable saferoom  10  may protect inhabitants from debris circulating in the air during the storm. Furthermore, because customizable saferoom  10  provides a secure area within a dwelling or other building, customizable saferoom  10  may be used as a panic room to protect inhabitants of the building in the case of an invasion.  
         [0013]     Customizable saferoom  10  includes a plurality of panels  12  formed of heavy gauge steel or another suitable high-strength material. Such panels  12  may include one or more ceiling panels  12   a,  one or more sidewall panels  12   b,  one or more endwall panels  12   c,  and one or more floor panels (not shown). As will be described in more detail with regard to  FIGS. 2A-2C , panels  12  may be C-shaped, U-shaped, L-shaped, I-shaped, flat, or any combination of the above. In particular embodiments, the shape of each panel  12  may be selected based on its ability to be coupled to other panels  12  and to any other components of customizable saferoom  10 . In particular embodiments, panels  12  may be on the order of 3/16″ thick. In other embodiments, panels  12  may be on the order of ¼″ thick. It is recognized, however, that all dimensions described in this document are provided for example purposes only; any appropriate dimensions may be used in the construction of customizable saferoom  10  and its components. Accordingly, customizable saferoom may include panels  12  of any thickness suitable for providing a desired amount of structural integrity to withstand violent storms or intrusions.  
         [0014]     Customizable saferoom  10  also includes one or more frame portions  14  for coupling panels  12  to one another and to other components of customizable saferoom  10 . Frame portions  14  may be formed of heavy gauge steel or another suitable high-strength material. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , customizable saferoom  10  includes two frame portions  14   a  and  14   b.  In particular embodiments, a first frame portion  14   a  may comprise one or more L-shaped pieces that are configured to couple customizable saferoom  10  to a foundation  18  or other supporting structure. Thus, first frame portion  14   a  may form the base frame of customizable saferoom  10 . A second frame portion  14   b  may form a ceiling frame for customizable saferoom  10  and may be configured similarly to first frame portion  14   a.  Thus, second frame portion  14   b  may include one or more L-shaped pieces that are configured to couple to any sidewall panels  12   b,  endwall panels  12   c,  or ceiling panels  12   a,  as is appropriate.  
         [0015]     To provide structural integrity to customizable saferoom  10 , frames  14  and panels  12 , which form customizable saferoom  10 , are coupled to one another using a plurality of high-strength fasteners  20  and  22 . In particular embodiments, fasteners  20  and  22  may include may include bolts and nuts, rivets, welding, or other suitable high-strength fasteners. In particular embodiments, fasteners  20  and  22  may include bolts and nuts having a diameter on the order of ½ inch. However, the dimensions of fasteners  20  and  22  are provided for example purposes only; it is generally recognized that any type and size of high strength fastener that is suitable for providing structural integrity to the components of customizable saferoom  10  during a violent storm or intrusion may be utilized for the construction of customizable saferoom  10 .  
         [0016]     To accommodate high strength fasteners  20  and  22 , first and second frame portions  14   a  and  14   b  may include preformed holes or slots through which first and second frame portions  14   a  and  14   b  may be coupled to other components of customizable saferoom  10 . For example, first frame portion  14   a  may include preformed holes or slots through which anchor bolts  16  or other fasteners may be used to secure customizable saferoom  10  to foundation  18 . For the further assembly of customized saferoom  10 , first frame portion  14   a  may also include preformed holes or slots through which fasteners  20  may be used to couple any adjacent sidewall panels  12   b,  endwall panels  12   c,  or floor panels (not shown) to first frame portion  14   a.  Similarly, second frame portion  14   b  may include preformed holes or slots through which fasteners  22  may be used to couple any adjacent sidewall panels  12   b,  endwall panels  12   c,  or ceiling panels  12   a  to second frame portion  14   b.    
         [0017]     In the illustrated embodiment, customizable saferoom  10  is configured for installation beneath a stairwell  24 . As discussed above, it is generally recognized that the area beneath a stairwell is one of the more structurally sound areas within a structure. However, such areas often include a closet that is used for storage or, even worse, is inaccessible wasted space. Customizable saferoom  10 , however, is configured to be placed beneath stairwell  24  in a pre-existing closet or other adaptable and irregular space. For adaptation to the irregular space beneath stairwell  24 , the illustrated customizable safe room  10  includes at least one ceiling panel  12   a  that includes a sloped portion  26  at an end  28  furthest from an ingress point  30  to customizable saferoom  10 . Thus, end  28  of customizable saferoom  10  is configured for placement beneath one or more steps of stairwell  24  that are closer to the foundation  18  on which customizable saferoom  10  is installed. In the illustrated embodiment, ceiling panel  12   a  of customizable saferoom  10  also includes a flat portion  32  that is substantially parallel to foundation  18  beneath customizable saferoom  10 . In particular embodiments, the area beneath flat portion  32  may provide the greatest height dimension within customizable saferoom  10 .  
         [0018]     In particular embodiments, customizable saferoom  10  may include a ventilation system  34  providing for the circulation of air to and from customizable saferoom  10 . For example, ventilation system  34  may include vents in one or more of the panels  12  of customizable saferoom  10 . Additionally or alternatively, ventilation system  34  may include a fan or other mechanical device for removing stale air and adding fresh air to customizable saferoom  10 . In particular embodiments, ventilation system  34  may be debris resistant to prevent the passage of storm-carried debris into customizable saferoom  10 .  
         [0019]     Although customizable saferoom  10  is described as being configured for placement beneath a stairwell  24 , it is recognized that the particular configuration of the panels  12  forming customizable saferoom  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , is merely one example configuration. Customizable saferoom  10  may be of any desired configuration and is said to be “customizable” since the saferoom  10  may be customized depending upon the size and shape of the space in which customizable saferoom  10  is installed. For example, where customizable saferoom  10  is designed to be placed within an L-shaped closet, customizable saferoom  10  may likewise have an L-shaped configuration. As another example, where customizable saferoom is designed to be placed beneath a set of stairs  24 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , the ceiling panel of customizable saferoom may also be stair-stepped to mate with the underside of the stairs. As another example still, it is generally recognized that ingress  30  to customizable saferoom  10 , though shown on an endwall  12   c,  may likewise be included on a sidewall  12   b  where appropriate. Alternatively, it may be desirable to incorporate ingress  30  into ceiling panel  12   a.  Thus, ingress  30  may form a hatch that is accessible from the top floor of stairwell  24  or from a landing of stairwell  24 .  
         [0020]     Furthermore, although described as being customizably configured for placement within a pre-existing space, it is recognized that the customizable saferoom  10  of in  FIG. 1  may also be easily incorporated into a residence or other building during construction. The shape may vary depending upon the design of the building. As another possible modification, the panels  12  forming customizable saferoom  10  may be sealed or otherwise treated with a protective coating. In particular embodiments, for example, panels  12  may include an epoxy coating that is resistant to rust or other corrosion. Such a protective coating may be desirable where it is anticipated that exterior surfaces of customizable saferoom  10  may come into contact with water, minerals, and other damaging elements. Alternatively, a protective coating may be desirable where a durable and finished look is desired.  
         [0021]     FIGS.  2 A-C illustrate schematic diagrams of various components for forming a customizable saferoom  10 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Although the components of FIGS.  2 A-C may be described as being of particular shapes and dimensions, it is understood that such shapes and dimensions are provided as a mere example of a particular customizable saferoom  10 . As described above, the dimensions of the components may vary, as required, to maximize the size of customizable saferoom  10  within the area in which customizable saferoom  10  is installed.  
         [0022]     Specifically,  FIG. 2A  illustrates a base frame  100  that may be configured, as described above, for the anchoring of customizable saferoom  10  to foundation  18  or other supporting structure beneath customizable saferoom  10 . As illustrated, base frame  100  comprises four L-shaped frame portions  102   a - d  that are coupled to one another to form a substantially rectangular area  104  within base frame  100 . In a particular embodiment, each frame portion  102   a - d  may include an L-shaped angle formed of heavy gauge steel. Thus, each frame portion  102   a - d  may include two legs  106   a  and  106   b  that form a right angle. In particular embodiments, legs  106   a  and  106   b  may each have a length on the order of approximately 4 inches. Although shown rectangular, the size and shape of area  104  may vary depending upon the shape of the area in which saferoom  10  is to be placed.  
         [0023]     A first leg  106   a  may be positioned such that it is substantially parallel and adjacent to foundation  18 . For the anchoring of base frame  100  to foundation  18 , first leg  106   a  includes preformed holes or slots  108  for receiving anchor bolts to attach base frame  100  to foundation  18 . In particular embodiments, high strength ⅝ inch anchor bolts may be used to anchor base frame  100  to foundation  18 . Accordingly, in particular embodiments, holes  108  may have a diameter on the order of approximately ⅝ inch. In another embodiments, high strength ¾ inch anchor bolts may be used to anchor base frame  100  to foundation  18 . As a result, holes  108  may have a corresponding diameter on the order of approximately ¾″.  
         [0024]     Second leg  106   b  of base frame  100  may be configured similar to first leg  106   a.  However, when installed, second leg  106   b  may be substantially perpendicular to foundation  18 . Accordingly, second leg  106   b  may be used to couple base frame  100  to the panels  12  forming the walls of saferoom  10 . For the coupling of second leg  106   b  to panels  12 , second leg  106   b  may include preformed holes or slots  110  for receiving high-strength fasteners, such as high-strength fasteners  20  and  22  described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . Thus, in particular embodiments, second leg  106   b  may include preformed holes  110  that have a diameter on the order of approximately ½ inch for receiving ½ inch anchor bolts.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2B  illustrates one side of a top frame  200  that may be configured, as described above, for coupling the walls  12   b  and  12   c  of customizable saferoom  10  to ceiling panel  12   a.  As illustrated, top frame  200  comprises four or more L-shaped frame portions  202   a - d  that are coupled to one another to form two substantially planar areas  204   a  and  204   b  within top frame  200 . Similar to base frame  100 , it is generally recognized that the size and shape of planar areas  204   a - b  may vary depending upon the shape of the area in which saferoom  10  is to be placed. As discussed above, the illustrated shape may be particularly suited for the placement of customizable saferoom  10  in an irregular space such as beneath a stairwell.  
         [0026]     In a particular embodiment, each frame portion  202   a - d  may include an L-shaped angle formed of heavy gauge steel. Thus, each frame portion  202   a - d  may include two legs  206   a  and  206   b  that form a right angle with one another. In particular embodiments, legs  206   a  and  206   b  may each have a length on the order of approximately 4 inches. A first leg  206   a  may be positioned such that it is substantially parallel to foundation  18 . Thus, first leg  206   a  may couple to ceiling panel  12   a  and may include preformed holes or slots  208  for receiving high-strength fasteners for the coupling of first leg  206   a  to ceiling panel  12   a.  In particular embodiments, high strength ⅝ inch bolts may be used to couple top frame  200  to ceiling panel  12   a.  Accordingly, in particular embodiments, holes  208  may have a diameter on the order of approximately ⅝ inch. In another embodiments, high strength ¾ inch bolts may be used to couple top frame  200  to ceiling panel  12   a.  As a result, holes  208  may have a corresponding diameter on the order of approximately ¾ inch.  
         [0027]     Second leg  206   b  of top frame  200  may be configured similar to first leg  206   a.  However, when installed, second leg  206   b  may be substantially perpendicular to foundation  18  and ceiling panel  12   a  and substantially parallel to the wall panels  12   b - c.  Accordingly, second leg  206   b  may be used to couple top frame  200  to the panels  12   b - c  forming the walls of customizable saferoom  10 . To enable such couplings, second leg  206   b  may include preformed holes or slots  210  for receiving high-strength fasteners, such as high-strength fasteners  20  and  22  described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . Where fasteners  20  and  22  have a diameter on the order of approximately ½ inch, second leg  206   b  may include preformed holes  210  that have a diameter on the order of approximately ½ inch to accommodate fasteners  20  and  22 .  
         [0028]     As described above, top frame  200  forms two substantially planar areas  204   a  and  204   b  within top frame  200 . When installed to form customizable saferoom  10 , planar area  204   a  is substantially parallel to foundation  18   a  and couples to a flat portion  32  of ceiling panel  12   a.  By contrast, planar area  204   b  is sloped from planar area  204   a  toward foundation  18   b  and couples to a sloped portion  26  of ceiling panel  12   a.  Thus, the height of customizable saferoom  10  is greater beneath top frame portion  202   d  than beneath top frame portion  202   c.  The described embodiment may be appropriate for placing a customizable saferoom  10  that includes top frame  200  or a top frame similar to top frame  200  beneath a stairwell or other irregular surface within the house or other building. For example, planar area  204   a  of top frame  200  may be positioned in a stairwell beneath a lower portion of steps.  
         [0029]      FIG. 2C  illustrates a sidewall panel  300  according to a particular embodiment. Although a sidewall panel may be formed from a single piece of metal or other suitable material, the illustrated sidewall panel  300  is comprised of multiple sidewall portions  302 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, sidewall panel  300  is comprised of four sidewall portions  302   a - d  and each sidewall portion  302   a - d  is configured to be coupled to at least one adjacent sidewall portion  302   a - d.  Sidewall portions  302   a - d  may each be C-shaped, U-shaped, or of another appropriate configuration that allows for the coupling together of adjacent sidewall portions  302   a - d.  C-shaped and U-shaped panels may be particularly suitable for coupling to one another since such portions include legs  303   a  and  303   b.  Legs  303   a - b  of adjacent C-shaped or U-shaped panels may be positioned proximate to each other, and preformed holes or slots formed through the legs of C-shaped or U-shaped panels may be aligned. To couple to adjacent sidewall portions  302   a - d,  fasteners such as bolts may be inserted through the aligned preformed holes or slots.  
         [0030]     As illustrated, sidewall portions  302   a  and  302   b  are substantially rectangular and correspond generally with the tallest portion of customizable saferoom  10 . In a particular embodiment, sidewall portions  302   a  and  302   b  comprise C-channel members that each have a width on the order of approximately 20 3/16 inches and a length on the order of 72 inches. Thus, if a customizable saferoom  10  is constructed using a sidewall panel  300 , such as that illustrated in  FIG. 2C , the tallest portion of sidewall panel  300  may be approximately 6 feet tall.  
         [0031]     Sidewall portions  302   a  and  302   b  each include two preformed slots  304  along a top edge  306 . In particular embodiments, top edge  306  of panel  300  is placed proximate the ceiling and ceiling frame of customizable saferoom  10 . As illustrated, top edge  306  includes a substantially flat portion that is parallel to the opposing bottom edge  310 , which is placed proximate the foundation  18  and base frame  14   a  of customizable saferoom  10 . Similar to top edge  306 , sidewall portions  302   a  and  302   b  each include two preformed slots  308  along a bottom edge  310 . In particular embodiments, where sidewall portions  302   a  and  302   b  have a width of approximately 20 3/16 inches, preformed slots  304  and  308  may be positioned such that they are approximately 6 inches from the center line  312  and  314  of sidewall portions  302   a  and  302   b , respectively.  
         [0032]     In contrast to sidewall portions  302   a  and  302   b , sidewall portion  302   c  includes a top edge  318  that includes a flat portion and a sloped portion. The sloped portion corresponds generally with the slope of the ceiling frame. Where customizable saferoom  10  is configured for installation beneath a stairwell and includes a ceiling having both a sloped portion and a flat portion, sidewall portion  302   c  may be used to form the portion of the sidewall  300  that is adjacent to and couples to the portion of the ceiling or top frame that transitions from a substantially flat portion to a substantially sloped portion. Thus, sidewall portion  302   c  is a transition portion of sidewall  300 .  
         [0033]     In a particular embodiment, sidewall portion  302   c  includes a C-channel member having a width on the order of approximately 20 3/16 inches. The longer edge of sidewall portion  302   c  has a length on the order of approximately 72 inches. The opposing edge may vary depending upon the width of the sidewall portion  302   c  and the slope of the ceiling panel. In one example embodiment, the length of the opposing edge may be on the order of approximately 60 inches. Like sidewall portions  302   a  and  302   b , sidewall portion  302   c  includes two preformed slots  316  along a top edge  318  and two preformed slots  320  along a bottom edge  322 . In particular embodiments, where sidewall portion  302   c  has a width of approximately 20 3/16 inches, preformed slots  316  and  320  may be positioned such that they are approximately 6 inches from the center line  316  of sidewall portion  302   c.    
         [0034]     Sidewall portion  302   d  comprises a sloped portion and, in the illustrated embodiment, is placed proximate to the shortest endwall  12   c  of customizable saferoom  10 . Thus, the longer side of sidewall portion  302   d  couples to transition sidewall portion  302   c,  and the shorter side of sidewall portion  302   d  couples to and endwall panel such as endwall panel  23   c.  The slope of the top edge  326  of sidewall portion  302   d  corresponds generally with the slope of the ceiling frame and the slope of the stairwell or other irregular surface under which the customizable saferoom is placed. Accordingly, sidewall portion  302   d  may be used to form a portion of sidewall  300  that is adjacent to and couples to the portion of the ceiling or top frame that is sloped relative to the supporting foundation.  
         [0035]     Similar to sidewall portions  302   a - c,  sidewall portion  302   d  may include a C-channel member having a width on the order of approximately 20 3/16 inches in particular embodiments. For coupling to sidewall portion  302   d,  the longest side of sidewall portion  302   d  may have a length on the order of approximately 60 inches, and the shortest side may have a length on the order of approximately 45 inches. Like sidewall portions  302   a - c,  sidewall portion  302   d  includes two preformed slots  324  along a top edge  326  and two preformed slots  328  along a bottom edge  330 . In particular embodiments where sidewall portion  302   d  has a width of approximately 20 3/16 inches, preformed slots  324  and  328  may be positioned such that they are approximately 6 inches from the center line  332  of sidewall portion  302   d.    
         [0036]     The dimensions described above are appropriate for the construction of a customized saferoom has a length of approximately 81 inches, as measured from endwall to endwall. The dimensions provided, however, are merely one example embodiment. As stated above, dimensions may vary based on the size of the area housing the customizable saferoom  10 . Similarly, the number of portions forming a panel, such as sidewall  300 , may also vary based on the desired dimensions of the customizable saferoom  10 . Thus, it is recognized that a sidewall may have fewer or more panel portions than the illustrated four, and the top edge of each panel portion may be configured as necessary for the space provided. Furthermore, although  FIG. 2C  illustrates a sidewall, specifically, it is recognized that an endwall of customizable saferoom  10  may be constructed to have features similar to those described above with respect to sidewall panel  300 .  
         [0037]     As a further modification, although sidewall  300  is not illustrated as including an ingress, the panel portions may be modified to accommodate a side ingress.  FIG. 3A  illustrates an example configuration of a customizable saferoom  400  having a side ingress  402  in a first sidewall  404 . Sidewall  404  is formed from two U-shaped portions  406  and  408  and an L-shaped portion  410 . Adjacent legs of the sidewall portions  406 ,  408 , and  410  are coupled by fasteners  412  that extend through aligned preformed holes in each adjacent leg similar to that described above with regard to  FIG. 2C . A gap in first sidewall  404  corresponds with the placement of an ingress  402 , which may accommodate a door similar to that which will be described below with regard to  FIG. 4 . Additional preformed holes or slots may be disposed proximate a top edge of each of sidewall portions  406 ,  408 ,  410  for coupling sidewall portions  406 ,  408 , and  410  to the ceiling or top frame. Conversely, preformed holes or slots disposed proximate a bottom edge of the sidewall portions  406 ,  408 , and  410  may be used to couple sidewall portions  406 ,  408 , and  410  to the base frame.  
         [0038]     A second sidewall  414  is formed similar to first sidewall  404  but does not include a gap for an ingress. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, second sidewall  414  is formed from four U-shaped portions  416 ,  418 ,  420 , and  424 . Adjacent legs of the U-shaped portions  416 ,  418 ,  420 , and  424  are coupled by fasteners  426  that extend through aligned preformed holes in each adjacent leg. Additional preformed holes or slots may be disposed proximate a top edge of each of sidewall portions  416 ,  418 ,  420 , and  424  for coupling sidewall portions  416 ,  418 ,  420 , and  424  to the ceiling or top frame. Similarly, preformed holes or slots disposed proximate a bottom edge of the sidewall portions  416 ,  418 ,  420 , and  424  may be used to couple sidewall portions  416 ,  418 ,  420 , and  424  to the base frame.  
         [0039]     First sidewall  404  and second sidewall  414  each couple to a first endwall  428  and a second endwall  430 . In the illustrated embodiment, first and second endwall  428  and  430  are configured similarly. Thus, only first endwall  428  will be described in detail. In the illustrated embodiment, first endwall  428  is formed from two L-shaped portions  432  and  434 . The shorter legs of the L-shaped portions are coupled to one another by one or more fasteners  436  that extend through aligned preformed holes formed in the shorter legs of the L-shaped portions. Similarly, the longer legs of L-shaped portions  432  and  434  are coupled to first and second sidewalls  404  and  414 , respectively. Specifically, a first endwall portion  432  is coupled to a first sidewall portion  406  of first sidewall  404  by one or more fasteners  438 . A second endwall portion  434  is coupled to a first sidewall portion  416  of second sidewall  414  by one or more fasteners  440 . Additional preformed holes or slots may be disposed proximate a top edge of first and second endwall portions  432  and  434  for coupling first and second endwall portions  432  and  434  to the ceiling or top frame. Similarly, preformed holes or slots disposed proximate a bottom edge of the L-shaped portions  432  and  434  may be used to couple first and second endwall portions  432  and  434  to the base frame.  
         [0040]      FIG. 3B  illustrates an example of an alternative configuration of a customizable saferoom  500  having a end ingress  502  in first endwall  504 . In the illustrated embodiment, first endwall  504  is actually formed from the leg portions of sidewall panels. Thus, construction of first endwall  504  does not require any independently constructed panel portions. Again, the illustrated embodiment is merely one example configuration of a customizable saferoom  500 . It is recognized that many modifications to the illustrated configuration are possible. For example, end ingress  502  may be centered on first endwall  504 , in particular embodiments. As another example, first endwall  504  may be formed from straight panels, C-shaped panels, U-shaped panels, L-shaped panels, or any combination thereof.  
         [0041]     A second endwall  506  is formed similar to first and second endwalls  428  and  430  of  FIG. 3A . Thus, endwall  506  is formed from two L-shaped endwall portions  508  and  510 . The shorter legs of each of the L-shaped portions  508  and  510  are coupled to one another by one or more fasteners  512  that extend through aligned preformed holes formed in the shorter legs of the L-shaped portions. Similarly, the longer legs of first endwall portion  508  and second endwall portion  510  are coupled to a first sidewall  512  and second sidewall  514 , respectively. Specifically, first endwall portion  508  is coupled to first sidewall  512  by one or more fasteners  516 . Similarly, second endwall portion  510  is coupled to second sidewall  514  of by one or more fasteners  518 .  
         [0042]     Each of sidewalls  512  and  514  may be formed similar to second sidewall  414  of  FIG. 3A  and will not be described in detail here. However, unlike sidewall  414 , sidewall  512  may include a longer leg of the U-shaped sidewall panel portion  520  that is proximate to first endwall  504 . In the illustrated embodiment, the longer leg of the U-shaped sidewall portion  520  may form a corner of the configurable saferoom  500 . As a result, U-shaped sidewall portion  520  may form both a portion of sidewall  514  and a portion of first endwall  504 . Specifically, the longer leg of the U-shaped sidewall portion  514  may form a portion of first endwall  504  that includes ingress  502 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating an interior view of a secure ingress  500  within a customizable saferoom, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As described above, ingress  500  may be formed in an endwall or sidewall of the saferoom. Additionally, it is recognized that where design considerations make it preferable, ingress  500  may be formed in a ceiling panel of the customizable saferoom.  
         [0044]     Ingress  500  includes a door assembly  502  that is coupled to adjacent panels s of the saferoom using heavy gauge hinges. As shown, door assembly  502  includes a double-door assembly. However, it is recognized that a single door assembly, an accordion style door assembly, or any other suitable door assembly may be used in alternative embodiments. Depending upon the particular embodiment desired and the space in which the saferoom is installed, double-door assembly  502  may open toward the interior of the customizable saferoom or toward the exterior of the customizable saferoom. A door assembly that opens toward the interior of the customizable saferoom offers some benefits. For example, because such a door may be opened from the inside, any debris outside the doors of the saferoom will not prevent the opening of the doors. Additionally, such a configuration allows the inhabitants of the customizable saferoom to easily push the doors shut from the interior of the saferoom.  
         [0045]     In the illustrated embodiment, a first door  504   a  forming double-door assembly  502  includes a lip portion  506  that is configured to create an overlap with an adjacent second door  504   b  when the door assembly is in the closed position. As a result, debris may be prevented from entering the customizable saferoom through a crack between first door  504   a  and second door  504   b.  For further sealing door assembly  502 , door assembly  502  includes at least one locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, door assembly  502  includes three locking mechanisms that each comprise a bar  508  and cradle assembly  510 . For example, as illustrated, two cradle portions  510  are mounted or otherwise coupled to the adjacent wall panel of the customizable saferoom. To seal the door assembly, bar  508  may be positioned proximate the interior side of first and second doors  504   a - b  and the respective ends of bar  508  may be slid into the two opposing cradle portions  510 . When in place, bar  508  prevents first and second doors  504   a - b  from being opened from the outside.  
         [0046]     Although  FIG. 4  illustrates a locking mechanism that includes a bar and cradle assembly, it is recognized that any mechanism suitable for securing the door(s) of customizable saferoom may be utilized. For example, in particular embodiments, deadbolts may be used. The deadbolts may be in addition to or in lieu of the bar and cradle assembly locking mechanisms illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The dead bolts may be lockable from the inside, outside, or both. When locked from the outside, the customizable saferoom may be secured when not in use. The space may be used as storage and because lockable may be used to store valuables, in particular embodiments. When locked from the inside, the deadbolt may be used by inhabitants of the customizable saferoom to secure the doors to prevent access by anyone outside the customizable saferoom. Such embodiments may be desirable when customizable saferoom is to be used as a panic room in addition to or in lieu of its use as a weather shelter. As a further modification, it is recognized that although three locking mechanisms are depicted in the illustrated embodiment, door assembly  502  may include any appropriate number and combination of locking mechanisms.  
         [0047]     Although the present invention has been described with several embodiments, numerous changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present invention encompass all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, although the above described embodiments include each sidewall and endwall being comprised of multiple panels, it is recognized that each sidewall and endwall may be comprised of a single panel. As another example, although the above described embodiments include a base frame and a top frame for coupling the components of the customizable saferoom, it is recognized that the various panels may be directly coupled to one another and the base and top frames may be omitted from the components forming the customizable saferoom.

Technology Category: 0