Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     To the full extent permitted by law, the present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to, and full benefit of, non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/178,563 entitled “STORM SHELTER AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF,” filed on Jul. 8, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     None 
     PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     None 
     REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING 
     None 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field of the Invention 
     The disclosure generally relates to a shelter, and more specifically to a transportable storm shelter. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Over the centuries, countless improvements have been made to the safety and efficiency of shelters, but providing a safe storm shelter that is easy to use and/or transport has remained a problem. To address this, structures have been built in the basement of a house, using the existing floor, with the structure typically resting against a wall of the basement. A problem with this approach was that if the home was destroyed, the occupants of the structure would be trapped. 
     Another approach was to utilize numerous wall pieces that could be mated together to supply a shelter. A problem with this approach was that the resultant structure was not sufficiently sturdy to withstand a storm, particularly if utilized outside of the house structure. 
     Yet another approach was to utilize an inflatable structure over which cement could be formed. A problem with this approach is that once the structure is built it was too heavy to move. Another problem is the time required to build the structure is extensive. 
     Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a recognizable unmet need for a storm shelter which is easily transportable, yet strong and sturdy enough to withstand a storm. 
     SUMMARY 
     Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present apparatus and method overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for a storm shelter and method of use by providing a transportable storm shelter. The apparatus preferably has a base section and a top section. The base section and the top section have cavities that can be filled with water to encumber the storm shelter. The top section is cone-shaped and is dimensioned to be placed on, and in contact with, the bottom of the base section. After the top section is placed on the base section, the top section is secured to the base section via bolts. Both the top section and bottom section are divided into sub-cavities such that if one sub-cavity develops a leak the other sub-cavities remain unaffected. 
     According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present apparatus in its preferred form is a storm shelter comprising a top section, a base section and an enclosed area, the top section being conically shaped, the base section being dimensioned to receive the top section, and the enclosed area being disposed between the top section and the base section. The top section has a door, and base section is a truncated cone. The top section also has at least one segment, and wherein each segment has a water-fillable interior portion, a fill cap, and a drain cap. The base section also has at least one cell, and wherein each cell has a filling cap and a draining cap. The top section also has a window. The top section also has an exterior wall, and the door also has an exterior, and the door&#39;s exterior and the exterior wall provide a flush exterior surface, and the door is openable into the top section. 
     The door also has a window, and the conical top has four sub-chambers, and the base has four cells. The top section also has a skirt, and the base section also has a fringe, and the skirt and the fringe are near to, and in contact with, each other when the top section is disposed on the base section. The top section also has an upper terminus, and the base section has an upper surface, and the upper terminus is at least four feet higher than the upper surface. The skirt and the fringe each have stake holes, and the stake holes of the skirt and fringe are alignable when the top section is disposed on the base section. The skirt and fringe each have bolt holes, and the bolt holes of the skirt and fringe are alignable when the top section is disposed on the base section. 
     In use, a user places the base on the ground, and subsequently places the conical top over the base, the conical top having a door, and the door having a window. The user then opens the door inwardly into the conical top. The conical top has four sub-chambers, and the base has four cells, and the user fills each of the four sub-chambers and cells with water. The conical top also has a skirt, and the base also has a fringe, and the skirt has skirt bolt holes and skirt base holes, and the fringe has fringe bolt holes and fringe stake holes. The user secures a bolt through one of the skirt bolt holes and one of the fringe bolt holes, and also secures a stake through one of the skirt stake holes and one of the fringe stake holes, the stake being further secured into a ground surface. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the storm shelter has a cone-shaped top, the cone-shaped top having at least one chamber, and wherein each of the at least one chambers can be filled with water. The cone-shaped top also has a door, and the storm shelter also has an enclosed area, the enclosed area being disposed within the cone-shaped top. The storm shelter also has a base, and the base is a truncated cone, and the base is dimensioned to receive the cone-shaped top. 
     More specifically, the present disclosure of a preferred embodiment is a storm shelter, the storm shelter having a conical top, a base, an enclosed area, at least one bolt, at least one nut and at least one stake, the stake having a stake diameter. The conical top has an inside wall, an interior surface, an outside wall, an exterior surface, at least one chamber, an upper terminus, a door, a window, a hinge, a door frame, a diameter, a lightning rod, a wire, a grounding stake and a skirt. The at least one chamber preferably comprises a first sub-chamber, a second sub-chamber, a third sub-chamber, a fourth sub-chamber. 
     The first sub-chamber has a first sub-chamber fill cap and a first sub-chamber drain cap, the second sub-chamber has a second sub-chamber fill cap and a second sub-chamber drain cap, the third sub-chamber has a third sub-chamber fill cap and a third sub-chamber drain cap, and the fourth sub-chamber has a fourth sub-chamber fill cap and a fourth sub-chamber drain cap. The door has a window frame, a window hinge, door edges and a door exterior, and the window has window edges. The door frame has door frame edges, and the window frame has window frame edges. The skirt has a bolt hole and a stake hole, and the stake hole has a stake hole diameter. 
     The base has an upper surface, a platform, a bottom surface, an angled wall, a base bottom diameter, an interior cell, a first cell, a second cell, a third cell, a fourth cell and a fringe. The fringe has at least one fringe bolt hole and at least one fringe stake hole. The first cell has a first section fill cap and a first section drain cap, the second cell has a second section fill cap and a second section drain cap, the third cell has a third section fill cap and a third section drain cap, and the fourth cell has a fourth section fill cap and a fourth section drain cap. 
     The inside wall of the conical top is located within the outside wall, and the at least one chamber, adapted for receiving and containing a fluid, is located between the inside wall and the outside wall. The exterior surface is disposed on the outside wall opposite from the chamber, and the interior surface of the inside wall is located opposite the inside wall from the chamber. The enclosed area is disposed within the inside wall of the conical top. 
     A wire is electrically insulated from the surface of the conical top and is preferably disposed near the exterior surface. The wire is connected to the lightning rod and the grounding stake, and the wire, grounding stake and lightning rod are capable of transferring a lighting strike safely to the ground. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the wire may be disposed in any position that will allow electricity to be safely conducted from the lightning rod to the grounding stake. 
     The skirt is located at the bottom of the conical top, and the skirt extends radially outward from the outside wall. In a preferred embodiment, twelve bolt holes are located around the skirt equidistant from each other and twelve stake holes are located around the skirt equidistant from each other, there being fifteen degrees of arc between each bolt hole and the nearest stake holes. Alternately, there may be any number of bolt holes and stake holes, the bolt holes and stake holes being arranged around the skirt. 
     In a preferred embodiment the first sub-chamber has ninety degrees of arc. Similarly, the second sub-chamber, the third sub-chamber and the fourth sub-chamber preferably also have ninety degrees of arc. 
     The first sub-chamber fill cap is in fluid communication with the first sub-chamber, the first sub-chamber fill cap being disposed on the exterior surface near the upper terminus. The first sub-chamber drain cap is in fluid communication with the first sub-chamber, the first sub-chamber drain cap being disposed on the outer surface near the skirt. 
     The second sub-chamber fill cap is in fluid communication with the second sub-chamber, the second sub-chamber fill cap being disposed on the outer surface near the upper terminus. The second sub-chamber drain cap is in fluid communication with the second sub-chamber, the second sub-chamber drain cap being disposed on the outer surface near the skirt. 
     The third sub-chamber fill cap is in fluid communication with the third sub-chamber, the third sub-chamber fill cap being disposed on the outer surface near the upper terminus. The third sub-chamber drain cap is in fluid communication with the third sub-chamber, the third sub-chamber drain cap being disposed in the outer surface near the skirt. 
     The fourth sub-chamber fill cap is in fluid communication with the fourth sub-chamber, the fourth sub-chamber fill cap being disposed on the outer surface near the upper terminus. The fourth sub-chamber drain cap is in fluid communication with the fourth sub-chamber, the fourth sub-chamber drain cap being disposed on the outer surface near the skirt. 
     It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the first sub-chamber drain cap, second sub-chamber drain cap, third sub-chamber drain cap and fourth sub-chamber drain cap may alternatively be disposed anywhere proximate to the bottom of conical top. Similarly, the first sub-chamber fill cap, second sub-chamber fill cap, third sub-chamber fill cap and fourth sub-chamber fill cap may alternatively be disposed anywhere on conical top near the upper terminus. It will further be recognized by those skilled in the art that the conical top may have any number of chambers other than the four sub-chambers described herein. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the door is disposed in the conical top, the door being hingedly secured to the inside wall via a hinge, and the door edges peripherally surrounding the door. The door exterior is disposed on the door opposite the enclosed area. When closed, the door exterior and the conical top&#39;s exterior surface comprise a smooth, flush surface. In a preferred embodiment, the door&#39;s interior peripheral edge is dimensioned larger than the door&#39;s exterior peripheral edge, thereby preventing the door from opening away from the enclosed area. 
     The window is preferably hingedly secured to the door via the window hinge, the window being disposed within the door, the window edges peripherally surrounding the window, and the window being disposed within the window frame edges of the window frame. In a preferred embodiment, the window&#39;s interior peripheral edge is dimensioned larger than the window&#39;s exterior peripheral edge, thereby preventing the window from opening away from the enclosed area. 
     The storm shelter may optionally comprise additional windows, particularly a second window, disposed on the opposite side of the conical top from the first window. The second window is preferably hingedly secured to the inside wall, the second window being disposed within the conical top, and the second window edges peripherally surrounding the second window. In a preferred embodiment, the second window&#39;s interior peripheral edge is dimensioned larger than the second window&#39;s exterior peripheral edge, thereby preventing the second window from opening away from the enclosed area. 
     The fringe extends radially outward from the base. In a preferred embodiment, twelve fringe bolt holes are located around fringe equidistant from each other and twelve fringe stake holes are located around fringe equidistant from each other, there being fifteen degrees of arc between each fringe bolt hole and the nearest fringe stake holes. Alternately, there may be any number of fringe bolt holes and fringe stake holes, and the fringe bolt holes and the fringe stake holes are arranged in the fringe. The angled wall connects to the bottom surface of the base near the fringe. 
     In a preferred embodiment the first cell of the base has ninety degrees of arc. Similarly, the second cell, the third cell and the fourth cell preferably also have ninety degrees of arc. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the base may comprise any number of cells other than the four described, and the cells may individually have any number of degrees of arc. 
     The first section fill cap is in fluid communication with the first cell, the first section fill cap being disposed on the angled wall. Alternatively, the first section fill cap is disposed on the upper surface. The first section drain cap is in fluid communication with the first cell, and the first section drain cap is disposed on the angled wall near the fringe. 
     The second section fill cap is in fluid communication with the second cell, the second section fill cap being disposed on the angled wall. Alternatively, the second section fill cap is disposed on the upper surface. The second section drain cap is in fluid communication with the second cell, and the second section drain cap is disposed on the angled wall near the fringe. 
     The third section fill cap is in fluid communication with the third cell, the third section fill cap being disposed on the angled wall. Alternatively, the third section fill cap is disposed on the upper surface. The third section drain cap is in fluid communication with the third cell, and the third section drain cap is disposed on the angled wall near the fringe. 
     The fourth section fill cap is in fluid communication with the fourth cell, the fourth section fill cap being disposed on the angled wall. Alternatively, the fourth section fill cap is disposed on the upper surface. The fourth section drain cap is in fluid communication with the fourth cell, and the fourth section drain cap is disposed on angled wall near the fringe. 
     In use, the base is placed on the ground or another surface. The user fills the first cell via the first section fill cap, the second cell via the second section fill cap, the third cell via the third section fill cap and the fourth cell via the fourth section fill cap. The first cell, second cell, third cell and fourth cell are preferably filled with a liquid such as water, the liquid may be mixed with chemicals such as, for exemplary purposes only, calcium chloride, or other non-corrosive chemicals as are known in the art to lower the temperature of water&#39;s freezing point. 
     The conical top is subsequently placed over the base, the inside wall of the conical top being disposed near the angled wall. Alternately, the conical top could be placed over the base before filling the first cell, the second cell, the third cell and the fourth cell. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the base bottom diameter is dimensioned slightly less than, and nearly equal to, the conical diameter. 
     After the conical top is placed over the base, the conical top is adjusted so that the skirt bolt holes align with the fringe bolt holes and the skirt stake holes align with the fringe stake holes. The conical top is preferably selectively secured to the base by placing bolts through the skirt bolt holes and fringe bolt holes. Subsequently nuts are secured to the bolts. Preferably, a user drills stake holes into the ground, the stake holes having a stake hole diameter, and the stake diameter is dimensioned slightly greater than the ground hole diameter. The storm shelter is preferably selectively secured to the ground by placing stakes through the stake holes and fringe stake holes, the stakes preferably being secured into the holes in the ground. 
     The occupant subsequently fills the first sub-chamber via the first sub-chamber fill cap, the second sub-chamber via the second sub-chamber fill cap, the third sub-chamber via the third sub-chamber fill cap and the fourth sub-chamber via the fourth sub-chamber fill cap. The first sub-chamber, second sub-chamber, third sub-chamber and fourth sub-chamber are filled with a liquid, such as, for exemplary purposes only, water and optionally a freezing point lowering additive. 
     The occupant opens the door to enter the enclosed area of the storm shelter, and subsequent to entering the enclosed area, the occupant stands or sits on the platform of the base before closing the door. The occupant secures the door shut, and, from the safety of the enclosed area, the occupant can view the conditions outside via the window. 
     After bad weather has passed, the occupant opens the door to exit the storm shelter. To disassemble the storm shelter, the occupant opens the first sub-chamber drain cap, second sub-chamber drain cap, third sub-chamber drain cap and fourth sub-chamber drain cap, thereby allowing the liquid to drain from the first sub-chamber, second sub-chamber, third sub-chamber and fourth sub-chamber. Concurrently, or subsequently, the occupant removes the stakes and bolts from the storm shelter. Subsequently, the occupant removes the conical top from the base, and then opens the base&#39;s first section drain cap, second section drain cap, third section drain cap and fourth section drain cap, thereby allowing the liquid to drain from the first cell, second cell, third cell and fourth cell. 
     The conical top and the base preferably comprise a polymeric material. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the conical top and the base may comprise any material of sufficient strength that is suitable for containing a fluid. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the fringe and/or skirt of the conical top do not have bolt holes and the storm shelter does not utilize bolts or nuts. In use, the conical top and the base are secured together via stakes, the stakes also securing the storm shelter to the ground. 
     In another alternate embodiment, the skirt of the conical top does not have stake holes and the storm shelter does not utilize stakes. In use, the conical top and base are secured together via bolts and nuts, the apparatus relying on its weight alone to remain as a combined conical top and base unit. 
     In still other alternate embodiments, the storm shelter does not have a base. In use, the conical top is secured to the ground via stakes and/or utilizes its weight for securing the storm shelter to the ground. 
     In yet another alternate embodiment, the storm shelter has a top section that is dome-shaped, a base section dimensioned to receive the top section, an enclosed area therewithin, and a flange to assist securing the top and bottom sections, the flange having multiple holes for screws and/or bolts. The top section has a skirt, which has skirt opening(s), and the bottom section has footing notch(es) dimensioned to be received in the skirt opening(s). Preferably there are four skirt openings and footing notches, though any, preferably matching, number may be used. 
     The skirt has skirt holes and the bottom section comprises footing holes, both being designed to be aligned with each other and with the flange holes. 
     In use, the footing section is placed on ground, and the dome-shaped top is placed over the footing section, creating an enclosed area. A flange is then placed over the skirt. Finally, at least one securing stake or a bolt is secured through one of the flange holes, one of the skirt holes, and one of the fringe holes. 
     Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the storm shelter is its ability to provide a safe storm shelter. 
     Another feature and advantage of the storm shelter is its ability to be easily transported, assembled, used, and disassembled. 
     Still another feature and advantage of the storm shelter is its ability to be secured to the ground to retain the storm shelter fixed in place. 
     Yet another feature and advantage of the storm shelter is its ability to be selectively encumbered with additional weight, thereby preventing adverse weather conditions from moving the storm shelter. 
     Yet still another feature and advantage of the storm shelter is its ability to be rapidly assembled. 
     A further feature and advantage of the storm shelter is its ability to withstand damage and still retain functionality. 
     Another feature and advantage of the storm shelter is its ability to prevent the doors and windows from being forcibly opened outward by severe weather conditions. 
     These and other features and advantages of the storm shelter will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and Claims when read in light of the accompanying Detailed Drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present storm shelter will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a storm shelter, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 1B  is a detail perspective view of a door and window of the storm shelter of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a top conical component of the storm shelter of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of a truncated-conical base component of the apparatus of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a detail top view of the conical top of the storm shelter of  FIG. 1A , shown exploded from the base depicted in  FIG. 3B ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a detail top view of the base of the storm shelter of  FIG. 1A , shown exploded from the conical top depicted in  FIG. 3A ; and 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a dome-shaped storm shelter, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a base of a storm shelter, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a dome-shaped storm shelter with a base, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
     
    
    
     It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-6 , specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-3B , by way of example, and not limitation, therein is illustrated an example embodiment storm shelter  100 , wherein storm shelter  100  preferably comprises conical top  200 , base  500 , enclosed area  150 , one or more bolts  241 , one or more nuts  242  and one or more stakes preferably comprising duplex spike  244 , wherein each duplex spike  244  comprises stake diameter  246 . Conical top  200  comprises bottom  201 , inside wall  205 , outside wall  210 , chamber  215 , upper terminus  220 , skirt  240 , door  290 , window  295 , second door  340 , hinge  300 , door frame  305 , conical diameter  315  (best shown in  FIG. 2A ), lightning rod  225 , wire  230 , flush surface  320  and grounding stake  235 . Skirt  240  comprises skirt bolt holes  243  dimensioned to receive bolts  241  and skirt stake holes  245 , wherein skirt stake holes  245  comprises stake hole diameter  247 . Inside wall  205  comprises interior surface  206 , and wherein outside wall  210  comprises exterior surface  211 . Chamber  215  comprises first sub-chamber  260 , second sub-chamber  265 , third sub-chamber  270  and fourth sub-chamber  275  (best shown in  FIG. 3A ). First sub-chamber  260  comprises first sub-chamber fill cap  262  and first sub-chamber drain cap  263 , second sub-chamber  265  comprises second sub-chamber fill cap  267  and second sub-chamber drain cap  268 , third sub-chamber  270  comprises third sub-chamber fill cap  272  and third sub-chamber drain cap  273 , and fourth sub-chamber  275  comprises fourth sub-chamber fill cap  277  and fourth sub-chamber drain cap  278 . Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , door  290  comprises window frame  310 , window hinge  312 , door edges  291 , door exterior  292 , door interior peripheral edge  293  and door exterior peripheral edge  294 . Door frame  305  comprises door frame edges  306 , and window frame  310  comprises window frame edges  311 . Window  295  comprises window edges  296 , window interior peripheral edge  297  and window exterior peripheral edge  298 . Similarly, second door  340  comprises second door edges  341 , second door interior peripheral edge  342  and second door exterior peripheral edge  343 . 
     Turning now more particularly to  FIGS. 1A   2 B,  3 B, base  500  comprises a truncated cone having base bottom  501 , upper surface  510 , platform  515 , bottom surface  520 , angled wall  525 , at least one interior cell  535 , base bottom diameter  530 , and fringe  505 , wherein fringe  505  comprises at least one fringe bolt hole  506  and at least one fringe stake hole  507 , and wherein interior cell  535  preferably comprises first cell  540 , second cell  545 , third cell  550  and fourth cell  555  (best shown in  FIG. 2B ). First cell  540  comprises first section fill cap  541  and first section drain cap  542 , second cell  545  comprises second section fill cap  546  and second section drain cap  547 , third cell  550  comprises third section fill cap  551  and third section drain cap  552 , and fourth cell  555  comprises fourth section fill cap  556  and fourth section drain cap  557 . 
     Returning now to  FIG. 1A , inside wall  205  is disposed within outside wall  210 , and chamber  215  is disposed between inside wall  205  and outside wall  210 . Exterior surface  211  is disposed on outside wall  210  opposite from chamber  215 , and interior surface  206  is disposed on inside wall  205  opposite from chamber  215 . Enclosed area  150  is disposed within inside wall  205  of conical top  200 . 
     Wire  230  is electrically insulated and is in electrical communication with lightning rod  225  and grounding stake  235 , wherein lightning rod  225 , wire  230  and grounding stake  235  transfer electricity from a lightning strike to ground G. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that wire  230  may be disposed in any position that will allow electricity to be safely conducted from lightning rod  225  to grounding stake  235 , and ultimately to ground G. 
     Skirt  240  is disposed at bottom  201  of conical top  200 , wherein skirt  240  extends radially outward from outside wall  210 . In a preferred embodiment, twelve skirt bolt holes  243  are located around skirt  240  equidistant from each other and twelve skirt stake holes  245  are located around skirt  240  equidistant from each other, wherein fifteen degrees of arc separate each skirt bolt hole  243  from nearest skirt stake holes  245 . Alternately, there may be any number of skirt bolt holes  243  and skirt stake holes  245 , wherein skirt bolt holes  243  and skirt stake holes  245  are disposed around skirt  240 . 
     Conical top  200  and base  500  preferably comprise a polymeric material, such as, for exemplary purposes only, polyethylene. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that conical top  200  and base  500  may comprise any material of sufficient strength that is not porous to water. 
     In a preferred embodiment, upper terminus  220  is approximately eight feet above bottom surface  520  of base  500 , duplex spikes  244  are approximately three feet in length, inside wall  205  is disposed approximately six inches from outside wall  210 , conical diameter  315  and base bottom diameter  530  are approximately eight feet long, platform  515  of base  500  is approximately three feet above bottom surface  520  of base  500 , skirt  240  extends approximately three inches radially outward from bottom  201  of conical top  200 , and fringe  505  extends approximately nine inches radially outward from base bottom  501  of base  500 . It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the dimensions referenced herein may be adjusted as required. 
     Turning now more particularly to  FIGS. 1A and 3A , in a preferred embodiment first sub-chamber  260  of conical top  200  comprises ninety degrees of arc. Similarly, second sub-chamber  265 , third sub-chamber  270  and fourth sub-chamber  275  preferably also comprise ninety degrees of arc. 
     First sub-chamber  260  is disposed between inside wall  205  and outside wall  210 . First sub-chamber fill cap  262  is in fluid communication with first sub-chamber  260 , wherein first sub-chamber fill cap  262  is disposed on exterior surface  211  proximate to upper terminus  220 . First sub-chamber drain cap  263  is in fluid communication with first sub-chamber  260 , wherein first sub-chamber drain cap  263  is disposed on outer surface  211  proximate to skirt  240 . 
     Second sub-chamber  265  is disposed between inside wall  205  and outside wall  210 . Second sub-chamber fill cap  267  is in fluid communication with second sub-chamber  265 , wherein second sub-chamber fill cap  267  is disposed on outer surface  211  proximate to upper terminus  220 . Second sub-chamber drain cap  268  is in fluid communication with second sub-chamber  265 , wherein second sub-chamber drain cap  268  is disposed on outer surface  211  proximate to skirt  240 . 
     Third sub-chamber  270  is disposed between inside wall  205  and outside wall  210 . Third sub-chamber fill cap  272  is in fluid communication with third sub-chamber  270 , wherein third sub-chamber fill cap  272  is disposed on outer surface  211  proximate to upper terminus  220 . Third sub-chamber drain cap  273  is in fluid communication with third sub-chamber  270 , wherein third sub-chamber drain cap  273  is disposed on outer surface  211  proximate to skirt  240 . 
     Fourth sub-chamber  275  is disposed between inside wall  205  and outside wall  210 . Fourth sub-chamber fill cap  277  is in fluid communication with fourth sub-chamber  275 , wherein fourth sub-chamber fill cap  277  is disposed on outer surface  211  proximate to upper terminus  220 . Fourth sub-chamber drain cap  278  is in fluid communication with fourth sub-chamber  275 , wherein fourth sub-chamber drain cap  278  is disposed on outer surface  211  proximate to skirt  240 . 
     It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that first sub-chamber drain cap  263 , second sub-chamber drain cap  268 , third sub-chamber drain cap  273  and fourth sub-chamber drain cap  278  may alternatively be disposed on any accessible portion of interior surface  206  proximate to skirt  240 . Similarly, first sub-chamber fill cap  262 , second sub-chamber fill cap  267 , third sub-chamber fill cap  272  and fourth sub-chamber fill cap  277  may alternatively be disposed anywhere on conical top  200  proximate to upper terminus  220 . 
     It will further be recognized by those skilled in the art that conical top  200  may comprise any number of chambers  215  other than the four chambers  215  described herein, wherein chambers  215  comprise degrees of arc other than ninety degrees. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in a preferred embodiment door  290  is disposed in conical top  200 , wherein door  290  is hingedly secured to inside wall  205  via hinge  300 , and wherein door edges  291  peripherally surround door  290 . Door exterior  292  is disposed on door  290  opposite from enclosed area  150 . When door  290  is closed, door exterior  292  and exterior surface  211  comprise smooth, flush surface  320 . In a preferred embodiment, door interior peripheral edge  293  is dimensioned larger than door exterior peripheral edge  294 , thereby preventing door  290  from opening outwardly from enclosed area  150 . 
     Window  295  is preferably hingedly secured to door  290  via window hinge  312 , wherein window  295  is disposed within door  290 , and wherein window edges  296  peripherally surround window  295 , and wherein window  295  is disposed within window frame edges  311  of window frame  310 . In a preferred embodiment, window interior peripheral edge  297  is dimensioned larger than window exterior peripheral edge  298 , thereby preventing window  295  from opening outwardly from enclosed area  150 . 
     Second door  340  is preferably hingedly secured to inside wall  205 , wherein second door edges  341  peripherally surround second door  340 . In a preferred embodiment, second door interior peripheral edge  342  is dimensioned larger than second door exterior peripheral edge  343 , thereby preventing second door  340  from opening away from enclosed area  150 . 
     Similar to door  290 , second door  340  could comprise a window. Moreover, any number of doors and windows, whether openable or not, could be disposed on exterior surface  211  of conical top  200 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2B , fringe  505  extends radially outward from base bottom  501  base  500 . Angled wall  525  extends between bottom surface  520  and platform  515 . In a preferred embodiment, twelve fringe bolt holes  506  are located around fringe  505  equidistant from each other and twelve fringe stake holes  507  are located around fringe  505  equidistant from each other, wherein approximately fifteen degrees of arc separate each fringe bolt hole  506  from nearby fringe stake holes  507 . Alternately, there may be any number of fringe bolt holes  506  and fringe stake holes  507 , wherein fringe bolt holes  506  and fringe stake holes  507  are arranged around fringe  505 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, first cell  540  of base  500  comprises approximately ninety degrees of arc. Similarly, second cell  545 , third cell  550  and fourth cell  555  also each comprise approximately ninety degrees of arc. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that base  500  could comprise any number of interior cells  535  other than the four described, and interior cells  535  could comprise degrees of arc other than ninety degrees. 
     First section fill cap  541  is in fluid communication with first cell  540 , wherein first section fill cap  541  is disposed on upper surface  510 . Alternatively, first section fill cap  541  could be disposed on angled wall  525 . First section drain cap  542  is in fluid communication with first cell  540 , wherein first section drain cap  542  is disposed on angled wall  525  proximate to fringe  505 . 
     Second section fill cap  546  is in fluid communication with second cell  545 , wherein second section fill cap  546  is disposed on upper surface  510 . Alternatively, second section fill cap  546  could be disposed on angled wall  525 . Second section drain cap  547  is in fluid communication with second cell  545 , wherein second section drain cap  547  is disposed on angled wall  525  proximate to fringe  505 . 
     Third section fill cap  551  is in fluid communication with third cell  550 , wherein third section fill cap  551  is disposed on upper surface  510 . Alternatively, third section fill cap  551  could be disposed on angled wall  525 . Third section drain cap  552  is in fluid communication with third cell  550 , wherein third section drain cap  552  is disposed on angled wall  525  proximate to fringe  505 . 
     Fourth section fill cap  556  is in fluid communication with fourth cell  555 , wherein fourth section fill cap  556  is disposed on upper surface  510 . Alternatively, fourth section fill cap  556  could be disposed on angled wall  525 . Fourth section drain cap  557  is in fluid communication with fourth cell  555 , wherein fourth section drain cap  557  is disposed on angled wall  525  proximate to fringe  505 . 
     In use, referring to  FIGS. 1A ,  2 A and  2 B, base  500  is placed on ground G or another surface. Occupant P fills first cell  540  via first section fill cap  541 , second cell  545  via second section fill cap  546 , third cell  550  via third section fill cap  551  and fourth cell  555  via fourth section fill cap  556 . First cell  540 , second cell  545 , third cell  550  and fourth cell  555  are preferably filled with liquid L such as, for exemplary purposes only, water, wherein liquid L may include chemicals, such as, for exemplary purposes only, calcium chloride or other chemicals as are known in the art to decrease the freezing temperature of water. 
     Conical top  200  is subsequently placed over base  500 , wherein inside wall  205  of conical top  200  is disposed proximate to angled wall  525  of base  500 . In a preferred embodiment, base bottom diameter  530  (including wall thickness) of base  500  is dimensioned slightly less than, but close to, conical diameter  315  of conical top  200 . Alternately, base bottom diameter  530  of base  500  is dimensioned proximate to conical diameter  315  of conical top  200 . 
     After conical top  200  is placed over base  500 , conical top  200  is adjusted so that skirt bolt holes  243  align with fringe bolt holes  506  and skirt stake holes  245  align with fringe stake holes  507 . Conical top  200  is preferably selectively secured to base  500  via inserting bolts  241  through skirt bolt holes  243  and fringe bolt holes  506 , wherein nuts  242  are subsequently secured to bolts  241 . Preferably, occupant P drills holes H into ground G, wherein stake diameter  246  is dimensioned slightly greater than the diameter of holes H. Storm shelter  100  is preferably selectively secured to the ground via placing duplex spikes  244  through skirt stake holes  245  and fringe stake holes  507 , wherein duplex spikes  244  preferably are secured into holes H. 
     Occupant P fills first sub-chamber  260  via first sub-chamber fill cap  262 , second sub-chamber  265  via second sub-chamber fill cap  267 , third sub-chamber  270  via third sub-chamber fill cap  272  and fourth sub-chamber  275  via fourth sub-chamber fill cap  277 . First sub-chamber  260 , second sub-chamber  265 , third sub-chamber  270  and fourth sub-chamber  275  are preferably filled with liquid L, such as, for exemplary purposes, water. 
     Occupant P opens door  290  to enter enclosed area  150  of storm shelter  100 , wherein subsequent to entering enclosed area  150 , occupant P stands or sits on platform  515  of base  500  before closing door  290  (best shown  FIG. 1A ). Occupant P secures door  290  and can view the conditions outside via window  295  or second door  340  from the safety of enclosed area  150 . Door  290 , window  295  and second door  340  are securable, for exemplary purposes only, via a latch or other securing mechanisms as are known in the art. 
     After bad weather has passed, occupant P opens door  290  to exit storm shelter  100 . To disassemble storm shelter  100 , occupant P opens first sub-chamber drain cap  263 , second sub-chamber drain cap  268 , third sub-chamber drain cap  273  and fourth sub-chamber drain cap  278 , thereby allowing liquid L to drain from first sub-chamber  260 , second sub-chamber  265 , third sub-chamber  270  and fourth sub-chamber  275 , respectively. Occupant P removes duplex spikes  244  and bolts  241  from storm shelter  100 . Occupant P removes conical top  200  from base  500 , and then opens first section drain cap  542 , second section drain cap  547 , third section drain cap  552  and fourth section drain cap  557 , thereby allowing liquid L to drain from first cell  540 , second cell  545 , third cell  550  and fourth cell  555 , respectively. 
     In an alternate embodiment, storm shelter  100  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed above except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, skirt  240  of conical top  200  does not comprise skirt bolt holes  243 , and fringe  505  of base  500  does not comprise fringe bolt holes  507 . In use, conical top  200  and base  500  are selectively secured together via duplex spikes  244 , wherein duplex spikes  244  also secure storm shelter  100  to ground G. 
     In another alternate embodiment, storm shelter  100  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed above except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, skirt  240  of conical top  200  does not comprise skirt stake holes  245 , and fringe  505  of base  500  does not comprise fringe stake holes  507 . In use, conical top  200  and base  500  are secured together via bolts  241  and nuts  242 , relying upon the weight of liquid L and storm shelter  100  to secure storm shelter  100  to ground G. 
     In still another alternate embodiment, storm shelter  100  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed above except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, storm shelter  100  does not comprise base  500 . In use, conical top  200  is selectively secured to the ground via duplex spikes  244  or without duplex spikes  244 ; in the latter case relying upon the weight of liquid L and storm shelter  100  to secure storm shelter  100  to ground G. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 4-6 , in yet another embodiment, storm shelter  100  comprises dome top  600 , footing  700 , and flange  800 . Dome top  600  is dome-shaped and comprises dome skirt  640 , wherein dome skirt  640  comprises skirt holes  645  and skirt opening  648 . Footing  700  comprises footing holes  708 , footing interior cell  735 , and footing notch  760 . Dome top  600  and footing  700  preferably comprise a weighted filler substance, such as, for exemplary purposes only and without limitation, foam, wood, and/or metal. Flange  800  comprises flange holes  810 . 
     Turning more particularly to  FIG. 6 , in use, dome top  600  is placed onto footing  700 , wherein skirt holes  645  are aligned with footing holes  708 , and wherein footing notch  760  is disposed within skirt opening  648 . Flange  800  is placed on dome skirt  640 , wherein flange holes  810  are aligned with skirt holes  645 . Bolts  241  and nuts  242  (not shown but similar to bolts and nuts shown in  FIG. 1A ) are affixed through flange holes  810 , skirt holes  645 , and footing holes  708 . Alternatively, stakes  244  (not shown but similar to stakes shown in  FIG. 1A ) are affixed through flange holes  810 , skirt holes  645 , and footing holes  708 . 
     It will be recognized that various components described above may be mixed and matched. For exemplary purposes only and without limitation, conical top  200  could be paired with footing  700 , dome top  600  could be paired with base  500 , and stakes  244  could be used in place of bolt  241  and nut  242 . Further, flange  800  could be enlarged to comprise more flange holes  810  than shown in  FIG. 6 , or flange  600  could be reduced in size to comprise less flange holes  810 . 
     Footing interior cell  735  comprises a foam material that is preferably sufficiently strong to support a person, and sufficiently heavy to hold storm shelter  100  in place, but yet sufficiently light to allow footing  700  to be moved. It will be recognized that footing interior cell  735  may comprise any material that preferably exhibits one of the above-discussed qualities. 
     The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Technology Category: 4