Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Provisional Patent Application filed Jun. 22, 1998; Ser. No. 60/090,120. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a portable temporary shelter that is a complete enclosure, which protects human beings and animals from flying and falling debris and from severe weather conditions such as tornadoes and hurricanes. More particularly, the invention relates to a shelter that can be used by all individuals, including those who live in mobile homes and recreational vehicles, and those with limited space and real estate. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is clear statistically that most deaths and injuries occurring as a result of catastrophic storms are caused by flying debris. Such storms frequently occur at night when people are sleeping. In addition, many storms often are not identified by radar and approach without much advance warning. 
     Prior to the present invention, individuals seeking to provide shelter for themselves their families, their pets and their valuable possessions during a severe storm had few and costly alternatives. To date, there are large box-like and spherically shaped shelters that are either installed completely underground in an excavated hole or partially buried in the ground. There are also shelters which are built above or in connection with a bed to protect individuals while they sleep. These prior sheltering devices typically contain many parts and are heavy, large and permanent. In addition, the fabrication and installation of these shelters requires drilling, welding, bolting and excavation, which may be impossible or too costly for individuals with limited real estate or those living in a mobile home or recreational vehicle. Thus, to date, individuals with these types of living arrangements are particularly vulnerable to severe weather. 
     Consequentially, there is a need for an inexpensive shelter that can be used by all individuals, including those with limited space and real estate and those who live in mobile homes and recreational vehicles most commonly in the southern United States. There is a further need for a shelter that is lightweight and portable, yet a complete enclosure that is strong enough to withstand flying and falling objects and projectiles during a tornado or earthquake. There is a further need for a shelter that requires minimal and easy assembly. There is a further need for a shelter that is versatile and can be used for purposes other than as an emergency shelter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention, accordingly, provides a shelter that overcomes the disadvantages and limitations associated with prior shelters. The invention consists of a rectangular or square six sided enclosure with a top having a door or entry/exit means with a continuous hinge along one edge which has ventilation and peep holes spaced around its periphery and around the periphery of each side of the Enclosure. The door has a handle on the exterior. There are door latch assemblies on the inside to secure the door. The panels which make up the Enclosure are removable easily from the inside or in the case of the door panel assembly from the outside with the use of a tool. The strength of the panels is increased by metal stiffeners placed within the panels. The Enclosure may be manufactured of any size sufficient to enclose one individual or many individuals. The maximum feasible size to meet all other required features of the invention is seven feet long by seven feet wide by seven feet high. 
     The invention is constructed to be a relatively lightweight portable shelter suitable for indoor installation. The invention is multi-purpose because when installed in a living area, the invention might, for example, be used as a table or base for a bed. The invention may also be located within a closet or mounted with anchor bolts vertically and used as a closet in a small living area. Individuals might purchase the invention and locate it in the garage area or inside the home. 
     The invention consists of a six sided polycarbonate thermoplastic enclosure and will be referred as “Enclosure” herein. To provide added strength, the polycarbonate Enclosure may be supported by a metal frame and or stiffener channels built within the panels of the Enclosure. Polycarbonate is a tough, dimensionally stable, transparent thermoplastic that has many applications which demand high performance properties. This versatile thermoplastic maintains its properties over a wide range of temperatures, from 40° F. to 280° F. Unnotched polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable, making it extremely safe in areas where it may be exposed to impact. When exposed to repeated heavy blows, the material tends to cold form rather than shatter. The polycarbonate thermoplastic is also impenetrable by sharp objects. 
     The Enclosure is fabricated of polycarbonate and has a metal frame. It is capable of withstanding winds of 250 miles per hour. More than 99 percent of all reported tornadoes have winds of up to 250 miles per hour and such wind speed is the cause of 99 percent of all reported tornado injuries to persons. The Enclosure is capable of withstanding a 2 inch by 4 inch wooden board weighing approximately 15 pounds, traveling at 100 mph, striking on end perpendicular to the enclosure surface (the so-called timber test). The standard test for a hurricane structure is a 9 pound object traveling at 34 miles per hour. The Enclosure passed the timber test at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Tex. 
     In the event of a storm, a person would enter the Enclosure, most likely in a reclined position, although one would enter in a standing position if the Enclosure was installed in an upright position. There are means for the person to then securely close and fasten the Enclosure from the inside. There are means within the Enclosure to provide adequate ventilation for one or more people. There are means through which a person may peer outside the Enclosure and through which light may enter the Enclosure. The Enclosure is transparent allowing light to enter the Enclosure through the panels. 
     A person would stay within the Enclosure until rescued by emergency workers or until the person is able to safely exit the Enclosure independently once the severe weather condition is over. In the event that an emergency worker rescues a person in the Enclosure, there are means to open the fastened Enclosure from outside the Enclosure. The panels are removable from the inside and from the outside to facilitate easy exit. 
     The inside of the Enclosure may be outfitted with padding as requested by the owner. Padding may be included to prevent injury and provide comfort to the user. The outside of the Enclosure may be detailed with reflective tape and a battery operated strobe light may be located either inside or outside of the Enclosure to assist emergency rescue workers in locating the Enclosure. The Enclosure is constructed in a modular fashion of panels which may be removed from the inside or the outside with the use of one simple tool Removal of panels provides a method of egress from the Enclosure. In the event that the Enclosure is installed in a vertical or upright position, it may be used as a closet or located inside a closet. Individual(s) would enter the Enclosure and close the door behind them. The latch would then be secured from the inside. The latch may be opened from the inside as well to allow for egress. The door or entry/exit means may be outfitted with gas filled lift assists when installed in the horizontal position to help lift the door. 
     Thus, it is a primary objective of the invention to provide individuals with a portable temporary shelter to protect them from injury due to falling or flying objects as a result of a severe weather condition. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an affordable versatile shelter for individuals who own limited real estate and individuals in small living spaces. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a shelter that may be stored within a small living space and may be used in the small living space by an owner for other purposes such as for a closet, a table or a bed base. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a shelter which will be recognizable to emergency response crews so that victims of severe weather conditions might be located without unreasonable delay. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Tornado Protective Enclosure in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of the Enclosure with the top panel removed 
     FIG. 3 is a top view of the Enclosure with the top panel installed. 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of expanded Enclosure with the top panel removed. 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of expanded Enclosure with the top panel installed. 
     FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view showing top panel installation to side panel. 
     FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view showing panel corner splice and butt splice. 
     FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of door panel installation. 
     FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of anchoring means to a concrete sub floor. 
     FIG. 10 is a top view of door panel assembly. 
     FIG. 11 is a front view of door panel assembly. 
     FIG. 12 is a top view of panel assembly. 
     FIG. 13 is a front view of panel assembly. 
     FIG. 14 a  is a side view of a door latch assembly in unlatched position. 
     FIG. 14 b  is a side view of a door latch assembly in latched position. 
     FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view showing door closed and in latched position. 
     FIG. 16 is a front view of the Tornado Protective Enclosure used as a base for a bed. 
     FIG. 17 is a front view of the Tornado Protective Enclosure used as a table. 
     FIG. 18 a  is a perspective view of the Tornado Protective Enclosure showing padding, gas filled lift assists and strobe light. 
     FIG  18   b  is a side view showing gas filled lift assists battery operated strobe light and reflective tape. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In the various figures, there is disclosed a Tornado Protective Enclosure (“Enclosure”) comprised mainly of an Enclosure  19  that is fabricated of high quality polycarbonate thermoplastic which has a good balance of toughness, clarity, high heat deflection, dimensional stability and excellent electrical properties. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, is the Enclosure  19  is in a closed position. Preferably, the Enclosure  19  has an overall rectangular shape sized to completely enclose at least one person. The person may enter and exit the Enclosure  19  through a typical door panel assembly  20  and may exit through any typical panel assembly  30  located on any side of the Enclosure  19 . 
     A typical panel assembly  30  is constructed as shown in FIG.  12  and FIG.  13  and referring to those figures, consist of a frame weldment  48  a polycarbonate panel  22  two clamp bars  34  a stiffener channel  40  and several hex headbolts, plain washers and lock washers  32  also air holes, peepholes  23 . 
     Referring back to FIG. 1, the Enclosure  19  having a typical door panel assembly  20  having a handle  42  and comprised of door panel assembly as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 consisting of a frame weldment  46  a plurality of door latch assemblies  38  a continuous hinge  36  two polycarbonate panels  22  two clamp bars  34  and several hex headbolts, plain washers, lock washers  32 . Referring to FIG. 11 is the door panel assembly once installed. Also shown are airholes, peepholes  23 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 2,  3 ,  4  and  5 ; FIG. 2 is the top view of the Enclosure with the top typical panel assembly  30  removed showing the typical panel assembly  30  on all four sides of the Enclosure the continuous hinge  36  at the typical door panel assembly  20  and the door latch assembly  38  to secure the door at a closed position. Floor anchor angles  24  are shown in FIG.  2  and FIG.  4 . FIG. 3 shows a top view of the Enclosure with the top typical panel assembly  30  installed. FIG. 4 is a top view of the expanded Enclosure with the top typical panel assembly  30  removed. The expanded Enclosure is a larger size of the same Enclosure shown in FIG.  1 . Vertical splice plates  26  are located at the midpoint of each of the typical panel assemblies  30  which connect the panels together for the expanded Enclosure. FIG. 5 shows a top view of the expanded Enclosure with the top typical panel assemblies  30  installed. 
     FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view showing the top typical panel assembly  30  installation to the side typical panel assembly  30  showing the vertical splice plate  26  at the corner and several hex headbolts, plain washers and lockwashers  32 . 
     FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view showing panel corner splice and butt splice consisting again of vertical splice plates  26  and hex headbolts, plain washers, lockwashers  32  at the corner where typical panel assemblies  30  meet and midway through the expanded Enclosure side panel. 
     FIG. 8 shows a partial sectional view of a typical door panel assembly  20  installation showing the continuous hinge  36  the typical door panel assembly  20  the door latch assembly  38  the vertical splice plates  26  the hex headbolts, plain washers and lockwashers  32 . 
     FIG. 9 shows a partial sectional view of the anchoring means to a concrete subfloor showing the concrete subfloor  44  into which is engaged the floor anchor angle  24  and the anchor bolts  28  securing the hex headbolts, plain washers and lockwashers  32  to the base of a typical panel assembly  30 . 
     FIG. 14 a  shows a side view of a door latch assembly in the unlatched position showing latch lock pivot pin  50 , latch lock pivot  52  on latch lock plate  54  having shoulder bolt  57  and swing C washer  56  to engage within large stud with flange nut  58 . 
     FIG. 14 b  is a side view of a door latch assembly in latched position showing latch lock pivot pin  50  latch lock pivot  52  on latch lock plate  54  shoulder bolt  57  connecting swing C washer  56  engaged around large stud with flange nut  58 . 
     FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view showing the typical door panel assembly  20  closed and the door latch assembly  38  in a latched position and showing the components of the door latch; the latch lock pivot pin  50  the latch pivot  52  the latch lock plate  54  the shoulder bolt  57  the large stud with flange nut  58  and the swing C washer  56  engaged around the large stud with flange nut  58 . 
     FIG. 16 shows the Enclosure  19  having typical panel assemblies  30  installed at the base of a bed showing the mattress  62  and the headboard  60 . 
     Referring to FIG. 17, shown is the Enclosure  19  the typical door panel assembly  20  the airholes and peepholes  23  and the polycarbonate panels  22  used as the base of a table which may be used to locate a television  64  and speakers  66 . 
     FIG. 18 a  shows a prospective view of the Enclosure  19  having padding  68  on the inner surface and a gas filled lift apparatus  72  which raises the door and a battery operated strobe light  70 . 
     FIG. 18 b  is a side view showing gas filled lift assists  72  batter operated strobe light  70  and reflective tape  74 . 
     While the present invention has been described in detail in relation to a preferred embodiment, it will be readily appreciated to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations in addition to those mentioned above may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims. 
     Information Disclosure Statement 
     The following patents are known to the Inventor and are disclosed: 
     1. Larsen U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,132 
     2. Nakata U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,424 
     3. You U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,024 
     4. Epshetsky et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,543 
     5. Tuchman U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,541 
     6. Wicker, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,864 
     7. Silen U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,972 
     8. Qualline et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,166 
     9. Thornton U.S. Pat. No. 9,615,158 
     10. Minks, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,837 
     Larsen describes a protective structure that is a partial enclosure, similar in shape to a batting cage. The structure is used around and above beds, office chairs, or anywhere else a person may be sitting, standing or reclining. 
     Nakata describes an earthquake proof bed, A bed is surrounded by a strong, house-like enclosure having a solid ceiling and sides with openings. Tool boxes are formed in the base of the bed to hold necessities in the event of an emergency. 
     You describes a bed having a lid-like headboard portion and a box-like portion under the mattress. Upon the motion of an earthquake, the mattress automatically lowers down into the box-like portion and the lid-like portion automatically collapses to cover the mattress, providing an enclosure for a person or people lying on the mattress. 
     Epshetsky et al. describes a bed with a foldable earthquake protective cover. The cover is basically a high-strength canopy or shell above the bed that shields a person from falling objects. 
     Tuchman describes an earthquake protective bed that includes a canopy to protect individuals from falling objects. The bed also includes a padded rail around the bed to prevent individuals from being thrown out of the bed during an earthquake. 
     Wicker describes a type of a shelter in the form of a bed anchored to a floor. The bed has a drawer-like compartment beneath the mattress that a person would climb into during a tornado or hurricane. 
     Silen describes a tornado shelter that is a permanent fixture of a home. Basically, one room of the home serves as a shelter, by being adapted with reinforces walls and including a concrete slab that serves as part of the room&#39;s foundation. 
     Qualline et al. describes a large underground shelter anchored to the earth. The shelter is inserted into an excavated hole in the ground, and includes steps built into the structure to provide access into the shelter from ground level. 
     Thornton describes a large underground shelter positioned within a concrete foundation and anchored to the ground. A retractable ladder extends into the shelter to provide access into the shelter. 
     Minks describes a large, heavy shelter having thick concrete walls. The shelter is at least partially underground. 
     The above-mentioned references basically include either underground shelters and sheltering structures built into beds. The underground shelters are all large, permanent fixtures. The structures built into beds are either integral parts of the beds or are in the form of shields which cover the beds. 
     None of the above-mentioned references is lightweight and portable. None addresses the need for such a shelter that can be anchored within a building or outdoors and can be easily moved from one location to the other. None is a stand-alone enclosure which, in and of itself, protects the occupants from injury during a storm, and which can be easily utilized within a limited living space by the user(s) for other purposes.

Technology Category: e