U.S. patent application number 11/415615 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-01 for portable survival shelter.
Invention is credited to Michael P. Wagner.
Application Number | 20070251159 11/415615 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38646981 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070251159 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wagner; Michael P. |
November 1, 2007 |
Portable survival shelter
Abstract
A portable survival shelter that includes a body having a
generally elongated shape and a protective outer shell structure, a
sealable entrance on the top of the body, and a base upon which the
body is formed. The body defines a sealable survival chamber that
is large enough to hold one or more persons and strong enough to
withstand the impact of falling tree limbs, flying debris, or the
like. The shelter is preferably configured with ballast to float in
water in an upright orientation and constructed with an exterior
surface substantially free from protruding snags. The shelter is
preferably of a size that fits within a conventional automobile
garage, and preferably incorporates forklift pockets for moving the
shelter from place to place with a forklift or recessed pad eyes
for lifting the shelter with a crane or helicopter.
Inventors: |
Wagner; Michael P.;
(Newberg, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHERNOFF, VILHAUER, MCCLUNG & STENZEL
1600 ODS TOWER
601 SW SECOND AVENUE
PORTLAND
OR
97204-3157
US
|
Family ID: |
38646981 |
Appl. No.: |
11/415615 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02A 10/30 20180101;
E04H 9/145 20130101; Y02A 50/14 20180101; Y02A 10/39 20180101; Y02A
50/00 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/019 |
International
Class: |
E02D 29/14 20060101
E02D029/14 |
Claims
1. An escape and survival shelter, comprising: (a) a body having a
length, a lesser width, a height, a top, a pair of opposite ends,
and a base, said body including a protective outer shell structure
and defining a sealable survival chamber capable of protectably
sheltering a plurality of persons for a limited time; (b) a
sealable entrance communicating with said survival chamber and
located on said top of said body; and (c) seating for said
plurality of persons within said survival chamber, said outer shell
structure being constructed to be resistant to damage from falling
debris, and said base being constructed to support said survival
chamber stably on a substantially flat and horizontal surface with
said body in an upright orientation.
2. The shelter of claim 1, wherein said body is of a size that fits
within a conventional residential garage stall for an automobile
and can be moved into said stall through a conventional residential
garage doorway.
3. The shelter of claim 1, including at least one pair of forklift
pockets in said base, both of said at least one pair of forklift
pockets being oriented along one of said length and said lesser
width and sized to receive the load handling tines of a
conventional forklift truck.
4. The shelter of claim 3, said base having a pair of opposite
sides and a pair of opposite ends and including at least one pair
of said forklift pockets accessible from each of said sides of said
base and at least one pair of said forklift pockets accessible from
each of said ends of said base.
5. The shelter of claim 1, wherein said body is configured to float
in water in an upright orientation whether unoccupied or occupied
by not more than a predetermined number of persons.
6. The shelter of claim 5, including a quantity of ballast located
in said base to stabilize said survival chamber in a floating
condition.
7. The shelter of claim 1, wherein said body has an outer surface
substantially free of protruding snags.
8. The shelter of claim 1, wherein said body has convex end
portions.
9. The shelter of claim 1, wherein said body has an outer surface
equipped with a plurality of recessed pad eyes.
10. The shelter of claim 1, including a first row of seats arranged
side by side within said survival chamber, said first row of seats
extending lengthwise with respect to said body.
11. The shelter of claim 10, including a second row of seats within
said survival chamber, the seats of said second row facing the
seats of said first row and each seat of said first and second rows
being oriented with its back proximate a respective side of said
survival chamber.
12. The shelter of claim 10, including a seat belt associated with
at least one of said seats.
13. The shelter of claim 10, including a plurality of hand holds
fixedly mounted within said survival chamber for use by an occupant
thereof.
14. The shelter of claim 10, wherein each of said seats of said
first row has a releasably fastened, forwardly moveable backrest
portion, and wherein said survival chamber includes a stowage
compartment located behind said moveable backrest.
15. The shelter of claim 10, wherein at least one of said seats has
a seat bottom portion hingedly mounted and releasably fastened in a
seating position, said survival chamber including a storage
compartment below said seat bottom portion and accessible by
releasing and raising said seat bottom portion.
16. The shelter of claim 1, wherein said outer shell portion is of
welded plate metal construction.
17. The shelter of claim 16, wherein said body has a narrow
horizontal top and a pair of opposite sides, each of said opposite
sides having respective upper and lower side portions sloping
outwardly respectively from said top and said base toward a wider
middle portion of said body.
18. The shelter of claim 17, wherein each of said sides includes a
middle height portion extending longitudinally, each of said middle
height portions being oriented generally upright and extending from
the respective upper side portion to the respective lower side
portion of said body.
19. The shelter of claim 16, including a floor plate extending
horizontally above said base portion of said body and forming a
water-tight boundary of said survival chamber.
20. The shelter of claim 1, further comprising a securely closeable
protective storage compartment within said body and accessible from
within said survival chamber.
21. The shelter of claim 1, wherein at least one of said ends of
said body includes a truncated pyramidal portion protruding endwise
of said body and including a storage compartment therein that is
accessible by an occupant within said survival chamber.
22. The shelter of claim 1, further comprising at least one of
signal lights, a radio transceiver, a radio receiver, a television
receiver, a audible horn, and means for sending or receiving
messages from within said survival chamber.
23. The shelter of claim 1, further comprising at least one of an
air intake vent, an air exhaust vent, a compressed air tank, and
means for providing breathable air for a person within said
survival chamber.
24. The shelter of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a
periscope, a video camera system, electronic sensors, interior
lights, and means facilitating visual inspection from within said
survival chamber.
25. The shelter of claim 1, further comprising at least one of an
interior electrical receptacle, an exterior electrical receptacle,
interior batteries, an interior power supply, and means for
managing electrical power for said survival chamber.
26. The shelter of claim 1, further comprising at least one of an
electrically powered bilge pump, a manually powered bilge pump, a
one-way valve, and means for managing bilge water.
27. A protective shelter, comprising: (a) a body having a length, a
lesser width, a height, a top, a pair of opposite ends, and a base,
said body including a protective outer shell structure and defining
a sealable survival chamber capable of providing protection from
falling debris to a human occupant of said shelter, yet being light
enough that said shelter is buoyant in water; and (b) a quantity of
ballast within said base sufficient to keep the shelter in an
upright orientation when said shelter is floating in water.
28. The shelter of claim 27, further comprising a generally smooth
exterior surface substantially free from protruding snags.
29. The shelter of claim 27, further comprising forklift pockets
within said base and sized and positioned to receive the load
handling tines of a forklift truck for moving said shelter from
place to place.
30. The shelter of claim 27, wherein said body is of a size that
fits within a conventional residential garage stall for an
automobile and can be moved into said stall through a conventional
residential garage doorway.
31. The shelter of claim 27, further comprising seating for said
one or more persons within said survival chamber.
32. A protective shelter, comprising: (a) a body having a length, a
lesser width, a height, a top, a pair of opposite ends, and a base,
said body including a protective outer shell structure and defining
a sealable survival chamber capable of providing protection from
falling debris to said one or more persons within said shelter; (b)
a quantity of ballast within said base sufficient to keep said
shelter in an upright orientation when said shelter is occupied and
floating in water; (c) a generally smooth exterior surface
substantially free from protruding snags; and (d) forklift pockets
within said base and sized and positioned to receive the load
handling tines of a forklift truck for moving said shelter from
place to place, wherein said body is of a size that fits within a
conventional residential garage stall for an automobile and can be
moved into said stall through a conventional residential garage
doorway.
33. The shelter of claim 32, further comprising seating for said
one or more persons within said survival chamber.
34. The shelter of claim 32, wherein said outer shell includes a
plurality of recessed pad eyes.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a survival shelter. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a survival shelter
for providing one or more persons refuge from hazardous conditions
such as flooding, falling debris, and the like.
[0002] Notorious natural disasters have underscored the need for
improved sheltering. For example, the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake,
also known as the Asian Tsunami or Boxing Day Tsunami, was an
undersea earthquake measuring between 9.1 and 9.3 (Richter scale)
that occurred on Dec. 26, 2004. The resulting tsunami devastated
the shores of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South India, Thailand, and
other countries with waves up to 100 feet, claiming over 180,000
lives and leaving another 42,000 missing. Also, Hurricanes Katrina
and Rita struck the U.S. Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005, and Sep. 24,
2005, respectively, causing severe damage from flooding due to a
two-story storm surge, powerful winds, and heavy rains. More than
200,000 people were displaced by the hurricanes and dispersed to
shelters in 18 states.
[0003] Taking shelter is critical in times of disaster. Sheltering
is needed when conditions require that the person seek protection
in a home, place of employment, or other nearby location when
disaster strikes. However, different kinds of shelters are
recommended depending upon the particular hazard. For a tornado,
shelter in a lower level or basement room or an interior room away
from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls is recommended. In
contrast, for flash floods or flooding, movement to higher ground
is necessary. In the event of a hurricane, shelter from high winds,
flying or falling debris, and flooding is needed.
[0004] Some consider building a safe room to provide a space for
surviving a tornado or hurricane. The recommended safe room
includes structural members anchored securely to the ground and
strong enough to remain intact during the strongest winds.
Moreover, the structure must resist penetration by high velocity
airborne debris. However, a safe room is a structure built in a
fixed location and is typically designed only for those hazardous
conditions deemed likely to occur in the particular geographic
area.
[0005] Easily moveable survival shelters designed for residential
use are needed. A portable survival shelter should be designed to
protect a sheltered occupant from a variety of hazardous conditions
such as high winds, flying or falling debris, severe flooding,
contaminated or unbreathable air, etc. However, existing shelter
designs need considerable adaptation and redesign for such use.
That is, prior shelter designs do not provide adequate portability
or sufficient capabilities to provide effective shelter in a wide
variety of situations.
[0006] What is needed, therefore, is a survival shelter with
improved portability and capabilities for use in a wide variety of
hazardous situations such as, for example, hurricanes, tornadoes,
floods, tsunamis, fires, and bio-chemical accidents.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of prior
art disaster and survival shelters by providing a shelter with
improved portability and capabilities for use in a wide variety of
hazardous situations such as, for example, hurricanes, tornadoes,
floods, tsunamis, fires, and bio-chemical accidents instead of
prior art shelters which are generally designed for only a
particular type of hazardous situation. The shelter disclosed
herein provides several features alone or in combination that are
unavailable in prior designs, as defined by the appended
claims.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a portable
survival shelter includes a body having a generally elongated shape
and a protective outer shell structure, a sealable entrance on the
top of the body, and a base upon which the body is formed. The body
defines a sealable survival chamber that is large enough to hold
one or more persons and is strong enough to withstand the impact of
falling tree limbs, flying debris, or the like. The survival
shelter is particularly well suited for protecting one or more
occupants from life threatening flood waters that may be associated
with, for example, a storm surge or a tsunami.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the shelter is configured with
ballast to float in water in an upright orientation and is
constructed with an exterior surface substantially free from
protruding snags so that the shelter more easily avoids becoming
caught up in, for example, storm debris, and so that the shelter
may be retrieved more easily by search and rescue personnel.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the shelter is of a size that
fits within a conventional automobile garage.
[0011] In another embodiment, the shelter includes at least a pair
of forklift pockets for moving the shelter from place to place with
a forklift.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the shelter includes recessed pad
eyes for lifting the shelter with a crane or helicopter.
[0013] In various other embodiments, the shelter includes many
other features such as communications devices, seating with
restraints, various storage compartments, a safe, extra compressed
oxygen, batteries and inverter devices, air vents, and other
equipment and supplies.
[0014] The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages
of the invention will be more readily understood upon consideration
of the following detailed description of the invention taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
the drawings herein illustrate examples of the invention. The
drawings, however, do not limit the scope of the invention. Similar
references in the drawings indicate similar elements.
[0016] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a survival shelter according
to one embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional end view of the survival shelter
shown in FIG. 1, taken along line 2-2.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the survival
shelter shown in FIG. 1, taken along line 3-3.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the hatch area of a
survival shelter according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will
understand that the present invention may be practiced without
these specific details, that the present invention is not limited
to the depicted embodiments, and that the present invention may be
practiced in a variety of alternative embodiments. In other
instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and systems
have not been described in detail.
[0021] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an isometric view of
a survival shelter 100 according to one embodiment of the
invention. The survival shelter 100, as shown, includes a body 105
having a generally elongated shape and a protective outer shell
structure, a sealable entrance (or hatch) 110 on the top of the
body 105, and a base 115 upon which the body 105 is formed. The
body 105 defines a sealable survival chamber that is both large
enough to hold one or more persons and strong enough to withstand
the impact of falling tree limbs, flying debris, or the like.
Further, because the survival chamber is sealable, the survival
shelter 100 is particularly well suited for protecting one or more
occupants from life threatening flood waters which may be
associated with, for example, a storm surge or a tsunami.
[0022] The survival shelter 100 is preferably designed for quick
and easy access, and, in particular, to accommodate between one and
twenty people for short term survival of disasters or emergency
situations such as tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, typhoons,
earthquakes, bio-chemical accidents (or terrorist attacks),
intruders or other breaches in security, fires, tornadoes, and so
on. In a preferred embodiment, the survival shelter 100 may provide
shelter for up to several hours or, depending upon supplies and
provisions, up to two days or longer. In one embodiment, an optimal
maximum number of occupants for rapid closure of the hatch 110 may
be six. For example, the optimal maximum number of occupants may be
eight in a situation where the shelter 100 is located at a
particular home and is intended to be held available for the
residents of the particular home.
[0023] The survival shelter 100 is preferably between four feet and
twenty feet in length 117 (shown in FIG. 3), with a cross-sectional
width 118 (shown in FIG. 2) and height 119 (shown in FIG. 2) from
three to ten feet, and designed to rest substantially horizontally
on a substantially flat surface upon the base 115. As shown herein,
then the length 117 is about 15 feet, the width 118 is about five
feet, and the height 119 is about 61/2 feet. The survival shelter
100 preferably fits within a conventional residential garage stall
for an automobile and can be moved into the stall through a
conventional residential garage doorway. However, the survival
shelter 100 may also be placed in any location such as, but not
limited to, a carport, parking lot, or yard, or anywhere convenient
for rapid access in the event of an emergency.
[0024] To improve portability, a preferred embodiment of the
survival shelter 100 includes at least one pair of forklift pockets
120 formed within the base 115. The forklift pockets 120 are
capable of receiving the load handling tines of a lift truck so
that the lift truck is able to lift the survival shelter 100 for
moving it from place to place. The base 115 preferably includes at
least one pair of forklift pockets 120 oriented along each of the
two opposite sides 122 and at least another pair along each of the
two opposite ends 124 of the base 115 to allow access to the
forklift pockets 120 from each of the two sides 122 and two ends
124. Each of the forklift pockets 120 may include a hole 125 for
fastening the base 115 to a footing, for example, in earthquake or
tornado prone locations. Alternatively, the shelter 100 may be left
free-standing, for example, in locations which may be susceptible
to tsunamis, storm surge, or flooding, to permit it to float to
safety.
[0025] The water-tight and air-tight hatch 110 on the top of the
body 105, as shown, in FIG. 1, is preferably square shaped,
measuring between twenty-four and thirty-four inches on each side,
and may be opened from the inside of the survival chamber or from
the outside. The hatch 110 is preferably large enough for quick
entry to and exit from the survival shelter 100. A recessed wrench
fitting 130 may be used for unlocking the hatch 110 from the
outside. The hatch 110 preferably includes at least one handle 135,
which may be recessed, as shown, so as not to protrude outward
beyond the smooth surface of the body 105. The hatch 110 may
include a locking mechanism usable by a person from within the
survival shelter 100 so that the survival shelter 100 may be used
as a safe room for a building structure adjacent or immediately
proximate to the survival shelter 100. That is, the shelter 100 may
be used as a secure space into which a person may seek refuge. For
example, the shelter 100 may be used to provide protection from an
intruder.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the shelter 100 includes at least
one pad eye 140, which may be of the recessed hinged type as shown.
Alternatively, the pad eye 140 is a recessed but fixed type (not
shown), recessed inward deeply enough so as not to protrude outward
beyond the smooth surface of the body 105. In other embodiments,
the pad eye 140 may be of a standard non-recessed type. However, in
a preferred embodiment, the shelter 100 includes a plurality of
recessed pad eyes 140, each one capable of being used for hoisting
or pulling the shelter 100 as needed. Also in a preferred
embodiment, at least two pad eyes 140 are located on the top of the
body 105 and capable of being used to lift the survival shelter 100
by crane or helicopter.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the protective outer shell of the
body 105 is made of welded plate metal and engineered to survive
expected risks. In one embodiment, the protective outer shell of
the body 105 is made of welded plate metal and engineered to
withstand exterior forces of at least 500 psi. The outer shell may
be constructed of 1/4 inch plate steel, a suitable thickness of
plate aluminum, or a suitable thickness of another material capable
of providing enough strength to withstand, for example, falling
building debris from the collapse of a residential or other
building structure or flying debris as would arise in a tornado or
hurricane. Even though the survival shelter 100 may weigh between
3000 and 4000 pounds, it is preferably buoyant in water and will
float in an upright orientation whether unoccupied or occupied by
not more than a predetermined number of persons. Preferably, no
more than 85% and no less than 60% of the shelter's 100 volume is
submerged when floating in water.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the body 105 of the survival
shelter 100 has a generally smooth exterior surface substantially
free from protruding snags to reduce the likelihood of getting
caught when floating. As shown in FIG. 1, the survival shelter 100
includes recessed pad eyes 140, recessed handles 135, rounded
convex ends such as convex end 145, and other flush or low profile
features. The smooth exterior surfaces and generally tapered or
sloped shape of the survival shelter 100 reduce the frictional
forces exerted upon the exterior surfaces in the event the survival
shelter 100 floats into a jam or becomes stuck. If the survival
shelter becomes trapped, the smooth exterior surfaces and generally
tapered shape will improve the likelihood that rescue or other
emergency relief personnel are able to pull the survival shelter
free.
[0029] The exterior surface of the survival shelter 100 may be a
very bright fluorescent color such as bright orange or yellow, or
another color that is highly visible so as to be easily spotted
from an aircraft flying above the survival shelter 100. In
addition, the exterior surface of the survival shelter 100 may be
stamped with the names, blood types, and other important medical or
pertinent information of the planned or expected occupants of the
survival shelter 100.
[0030] Still referring to FIG. 1, access steps 150 may be used for
convenient and rapid access to the hatch 110. The access steps 150
are shown hooked onto a recessed fixed type pad eye 155. However,
other methods of access may be used. For example, a ladder may be
used instead of the access steps 150, or the survival shelter 100
may be housed in auxiliary building or incorporated in or
retrofitted into a home so that there is easy access from above. In
such locations breakaway walls may be included in the building,
especially in areas in storm surge or tsunami threat zones.
[0031] Other features illustrated in simplified form in FIG. 1
include: one or more periscope or video cameras 160 (shown
retracted/inoperative) and 165 (shown deployed/operative) for
viewing outside the survival shelter 100 from within the survival
chamber; antenna structures 170 for radio receiver, radio
transmitter, GPS, television, or other electronic sensors or
devices for sending or receiving electronic communications; a
signaling light or audible horn 175 for visual or audible
communications; and air intake and exhaust vents 180, 185 for
providing fresh air to the interior of the survival shelter 100.
Each of the above features is preferably mounted to the generally
horizontal top surface 189 of the survival shelter 100.
Alternatively, any of these features may be mounted elsewhere. For
example, one or more of the antenna structures 170 may be located
on a sides 186 or an end 145 of the survival shelter body 105 or
one or more of the antenna structures 170 may be recessed or flush
with an exterior surface 188 of the survival shelter 100. Likewise,
any of the other protruding features shown on the top horizontal
surface 189 of the survival shelter 100 may be recessed or
repositioned elsewhere on the survival shelter 100.
[0032] Finally, with respect to FIG. 1, an exterior electrical
receptacle 190 may be included for providing electrical power to
the survival shelter 100 when the shelter is on standby or is in a
charging or external power mode of operation.
[0033] Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the survival shelter 100 includes
seating for a plurality of persons within the survival chamber. For
example, the survival shelter 100 preferably includes a first row
of seats 205 arranged with each seat situated adjacent to the next
in a side-by-side manner and with the row of seats extending
lengthwise with respect to the body of the survival shelter 100, as
may be seen in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment, the survival
shelter 100 includes a second row of seats 210 with the seats 210
of the second row facing the seats 205 of the first row and each
seat of the first and second rows being oriented with its back
proximate a respective side 186 or 215 of the survival shelter 100.
The first row of seats 205 are shown oriented with their backs
proximate to the left side 215 of the survival shelter 100, and the
second row of seats 210 are shown oriented with their backs
proximate to the right side 186 of the survival shelter 100. Each
seat preferably includes padding on the seat back 221 and seat
bottom 222, a seat belt 223, and hand holds 224 on the seat bottom
222 of the seat. The hand holds 224 may be situated just below the
top surface of the seat bottom cushions so that an occupant of the
shelter 100 can recline lengthwise across more than one seat bottom
cushion. Each seat belt 223 may be a combination lap belt with
shoulder belt, similar to the configuration available in
automobiles, as shown in FIG. 2. Each seat may also include neck
brace structures (not shown) for improved protection of the seated
occupant.
[0034] In FIG. 2, the bottom 222 of the seat 205 is shown in a
partially raised position, exposing an opening or storage area 225
below the seat 205. Each of the seats 205 and 210 in the survival
shelter 100 preferably includes a similar storage compartment, and
when there are adjacent seats aligned in a side-by-side manner, the
storage compartment 225 under those seats may be a contiguous
storage compartment, or there may be a separate (partitioned)
storage compartment under each separate seat. As shown, the bottom
222 of the seat 210 is in a normal lowered position, closing over
the storage area below in which there is a compressed air tank 230
for providing breathing air for occupants within the survival
shelter 100 (for use when, for example, outside air is
unbreathable).
[0035] Just as each seat bottom 222 may be folded up, as shown with
one of the seats 205, each seat back 221 folds forward as shown in
broken line to expose storage space 235 between each seat back 221
and the respective side 215 or 186. That is, each of the seats
preferably includes a releasably fastened, forwardly moveable
backrest portion 221, and the survival shelter 100 preferably
includes a stowage compartment located behind the moveable
backrest.
[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
ballast 240 is included in the lower portion or base 115 of the
survival shelter 100, below a floor plate 245 extending
horizontally above the base 115 of the survival shelter 100 and
forming a water-tight boundary for the survival chamber or sealable
occupant space within the survival shelter 100. The ballast 240
located in the base 115 is for stabilizing the survival chamber in
a floating condition and is preferably of sufficient mass to keep
the shelter 100 in an upright orientation when the shelter 100 is
floating in water. In a preferred embodiment, no more than 85% and
no less than 60% of the shelter's 100 volume is submerged when
floating in water. The ballast 240 may comprise cast lead or iron,
cast concrete, or another suitably dense material.
[0037] The survival shelter 100 may include a plurality of hand
holds 250 fixedly mounted within the survival chamber. A safe or
securely closeable protective storage compartment 255 may be
included in the survival shelter 100. The safe 255 may comprise a
lockable compartment in one of the end portions of the survival
shelter 100, where the end portion includes a truncated pyramidal
portion protruding endwise.
[0038] The generally tapered or sloped shape of the survival
shelter 100 preferably has a narrow horizontal top 189 and a pair
of opposite sides (left side 215 and right side 186), each of the
opposite sides having respective upper and lower side portions
(upper left side 265, lower left side 270, upper right side 275,
and lower right side 280) sloping outwardly respectively from the
top 189 and the base 115 toward a wider middle portion of the
survival shelter 100. Each of the opposite sides 215 and 186 of the
survival shelter 100 preferably includes a respective middle height
portion 282, 284 extending longitudinally, each of the middle
height portions being oriented generally upright and extending from
the respective upper side portion to the respective lower side
portion of the survival shelter 100.
[0039] The survival shelter 100 may include a television receiver
and radio communications station 285 (which may also include
monitors and controls for other equipment, such as video camera
160). The air intake vent 180 and air exhaust vent 185 are
positioned, according to one embodiment, where intake air is
brought into the survival shelter 100 using the lower positioned
air intake 180, and air is exhausted out through the higher
positioned exhaust vent 185. The periscope or video camera 160 may
be a push-up/pull-down type device. In addition, the survival
shelter 100 may include insulation and padding 290 throughout the
interior for resistance to heat (using the shelter 100 as a refuge
from fire) and protection from shock and vibration due to, for
example, falling building debris or trees. The shelter 100 may also
include a folding ladder 295 to facilitate safe entry into and exit
from the interior space of the survival shelter 100.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the survival shelter 100 includes two
truncated pyramidal end portions 145, 310 forming two storage
compartments, a storage compartment 305 at one end 310 and another
storage compartment 315 at the opposite end 145, accessible by an
occupant within the survival chamber 100. One or both of the
storage compartments 305 and 315 serve as closets for first aid
supplies, food and water supplies, a security safe for storing
valuables, life jackets, cell phones, and radio and television
devices. In one embodiment, below seat storage such as under seat
compartment 225 is used for survival suits, extra oxygen or
compressed air, and extra battery packs.
[0041] Lights 325 are preferably included within the survival
shelter 100, with electrical power supplied from one or the other
of a first set of batteries 330 with an associated first inverter
335 or a second set of batteries 340 with its associated second
inverter 345. Power consumption may be divided, for example, with
certain loads (such as a portion of the interior lights 325 and
television and radio equipment 285) being supplied electrical power
from the first set of batteries 330 and other loads being supplied
from the second set of batteries 340. One or switchably both of the
first and second inverters may be connected to the exterior
electrical receptacle 190, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0042] A bilge pump 350 may be incorporated within the base 115
below the floor plate 245 between any of the forklift pockets 120
or quantities of ballast 240 for removing water accumulated within
the base 115. The bilge pump 350 is preferably electrically
powered, but may be hand powered.
[0043] A modified seat bottom 360 that comprises a commode 365 with
a plastic bag waste collection system may be included in the
shelter 100. The commode 365 may comprise a chemical toilet similar
to portable toilets used with recreational vehicles.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 3 an electrically driven squirrel cage fan
370 may be provided for moving air through the air intake vent 180.
Also shown is a lever 375 for use by an occupant of the shelter 100
to open a snorkel inlet 380 at the external end of the vent 180.
Hatch 110 is shown in an open position with the folding ladder 295
in a deployed or extended position.
[0045] The shelter 100 may be equipped with an electronic homing
beacon for locating the shelter 100 in the event of a disaster.
Such device may be incorporated into the communications station
285, or an emergency personal beacon (as known as an EPERB) device
may be fastened near the communication station 285 for easy access
and activation.
[0046] Additional features which may be included in the survival
shelter 100 include a small window in addition to or instead of the
periscope or camera devices, satellite phone equipment, signal
flares and other safety devices, and pet kennel facilities.
[0047] Finally, as shown best in FIG. 3, and to provide the tapered
or sloped shape of the survival shelter 100 a pair of opposite
upper end portions 385 slope outwardly from the top horizontal
surface 189 toward the opposite ends 310 and 145 and a pair of
opposite lower end surfaces 390 slope upwardly from the base 115
toward the rounded opposite ends 310 and 145. The overall shape of
the shelter 100, as shown, allows the shelter to be more easily
pulled out of jams or conditions where the shelter has become
covered with debris or buried.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, the hatch 110, as shown, includes at a
seal 410 capable of providing an air-tight and water-tight seal.
Attached to the hatch 110 is a ladder holding bracket 415, to which
the folding ladder 295 is hingedly connected.
[0049] The terms and expressions which have been employed in the
foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description
and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such
terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features
shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that
the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the
claims which follow.
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