Modular Emergency Shelter

Abstract

A modular shelter and anchoring system for anchoring to an immovable object such as the ground, a concrete slab or a wall. The container includes a steel reinforced container body and door, and a connection structure for anchoring the container body on the immovable object.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, currently co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/180,474 filed 16 Jun. 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Application No. 201620307404 filed on 13 Apr. 2016 at the Patent Office of the People's Republic of China, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present disclosure relates to storm shelters and other survival habitats. More particularly, the invention disclosed herein relates to modular storm shelters and methods of installing and anchoring them to a substrate, such as the ground and/or a concrete slab and/or a bracket embedded in the ground.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a shelter/container which is stable and immobile when an external force is applied thereon.

[0006] The present invention provides a shelter/container including a container body and a connection structure for affixing the container body onto an immovable object. Optionally, the connection structure affixes the container body onto the immovable object via a bracket, wherein the bracket is affixed to the immovable object. More specifically, the connection structure may be adapted for connecting with the bracket by way of threaded connection or buckled connection. More particularly, the connection structure may include a first wing-plate and an adjoining second wing-plate, the first wing-plate being adapted for attachment to the container body, and the second wing-plate being adapted for anchoring to the bracket.

[0007] Optionally, the container body may include a mounting block, and with the first wing-plate of the connection structure being adapted for attachment to the mounting block rather than directly to the container body. More particularly, the first wing-plate and the second wing-plate may be essentially adjoining perpendicular plates.

[0008] The connection structure may include a connecting rod moveably yoked to the container body, so that it can be moved between a first position and a second position. In one embodiment, when in the first position, the connecting rod is accepted within a connecting-rod sleeve on the bracket so as to prevent lateral displacement of the container body from the immovable object to which the bracket is anchored. And for the second position, the connecting rod is withdrawn from the connecting-rod sleeve to remove such connection. The connection structure may further include a position-limit mechanism for keeping the connecting rod at the first position or the second position. The connection structure may alternatively include a block extending outwardly from the container body; the block may include one or more mounting holes thereon, each accepting a threaded element so as to engage with a connecting-rod sleeve on the bracket.

[0009] Optionally, the bracket may be adapted for anchoring containers having different sized "footprints".

[0010] The connection structure may include a plurality of connection structures or sub-structures. Those may be periodically spaced or arranged on the container body.

[0011] The container may further include a reinforcement structure. For example, the reinforcement structure may include a plurality of reinforcing ribs; moreover, at least one of the reinforcing ribs may be configured to bridge opposite or adjacent walls of the container body.

[0012] The container may further include a container-door retaining structure for maintaining the container door at a closed position. Optionally, the container-door retaining structure may include a locking pin and a locking groove or other passageway, the locking pin being adapted for inserting into the locking groove so as to lock closed the container door. Or the container-door retaining structure may further include a stopping block, standing against the locking pin when the locking pin is inserted into the locking groove.

[0013] In comparison with the prior art, the technology and solutions provided by the present invention provide a number of advantages. For example, the disclosed container includes a connection structure for anchoring the container body onto an immovable object (e.g., the ground, wall of a building or a construction such as a concrete slab); when an external force is applied to the container (such as during server weather like a tornado, typhoon or tsunami), the container remains in an anchored position, so that the potential hazard to persons or property can be prevented or minimized.

[0014] The immovable object to which the container is anchored may be the ground or an immovable object anchored thereon. Accordingly, since the container disclosed herein is able to be anchored onto the immovable object, the container has good stability when an external force is applied thereon.

[0015] Further, the container disclosed herein may include a reinforcement structure configured inside the container body. For example, neighboring walls of the container body may be bridged by one or more reinforcing ribs; or a wall of the container body may be formed with one or more reinforcing ribs which intersect or overlap with each other. Therefore, the force-resistance performance of the container can be enhanced. When an external object crashes into the container, the container body which has good force-resistance performance is not easy to deform. Even if a small degree of deformation occurs, it is too little to cause damage to person or property inside the container.

[0016] Further, the shelter provided by the container disclosed herein is configured with a container door having a container-door retaining structure. For example, one or more locking pins may be disposed where the container door is located, for enhancing the locking of the container door. In comparison with an existing container door which is locked only with a conventional lockset, the container door of the disclosed container is further locked by a container-door retaining structure, which is not easily opened by external force. Accordingly, the container disclosed herein provides enhanced safety and reliable shelter for person or property.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of a container according to one embodiment of the disclosed shelter/container, including the container body (with connection structure).

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of the shelter/container of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cross-section view of a representative sample of a connection structure including a mounting block (1031), a dual-wing-plate connection structure (201 and 202), and threaded elements (402).

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of the connection structure of FIG. 3.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial elevation view of another representative sample of a connection structure, wherein the connection structure includes a connecting rod (201a) held by a holding structure (202a) in a first (locked) position maintained by a position-limit mechanism (203a).

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates the connection structure of FIG. 5 when in a second position.

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section view of another representative sample of a connection structure including another mounting block (200b) accepting another threaded element (402b).

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a top plan view of a representative sample of a bracket for anchoring a container.

[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates the internal structure of a representative sample of a container according to one embodiment of the disclosed shelter/container.

[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates a door of a container according to one embodiment of the disclosed shelter/container.

[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed shelter/container, having side vents lowered to the lower mid section of the door wall.

[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section view of the shelter/container at plane 12-12 of FIG. 11.

[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates a side elevation view of the shelter/container of FIG. 11.

[0030] FIG. 14 illustrates a top plan view of the shelter/container of FIG. 11, after removal of the roof and the connectors.

[0031] FIG. 15 illustrates a cross section view of the shelter/container of FIG. 11, at plane 15-15 of FIG. 11, after removal of the connectors.

[0032] FIG. 16 illustrates a top plan view of the foundational slab of the shelter/container of FIG. 11, with interior re-bar appearing in phantom, and with the "footprint" of the container walls overlaid.

[0033] FIG. 17 illustrates a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed shelter/container.

[0034] FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-section view of the shelter/container of FIG. 17, at plane 12-12 of FIG. 11, after removal of the connectors.

[0035] FIG. 19 illustrates a top plan view of the shelter/container of FIG. 17, after removal of the roof and the connectors.

[0036] FIG. 20 illustrates a cross section view of the shelter/container of FIG. 17, at plane 12-12 of FIG. 11, after removal of the roof and connectors.

[0037] FIG. 21 illustrates a top plan view of the foundational slab of the shelter/container of FIG. 17, with interior re-bar appearing in phantom, and with the "footprint" of the container walls overlaid.

[0038] FIG. 22 illustrates a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed shelter/container.

[0039] FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-section view of the shelter/container of FIG. 22, at plane 12-12 of FIG. 11, after removal of the connectors.

[0040] FIG. 24 illustrates a top plan view of the shelter/container of FIG. 22, after removal of the roof and the connectors.

[0041] FIG. 25 illustrates a cross section view of the shelter/container of FIG. 22, at plane 25-25 of FIG. 22, after removal of connectors.

[0042] FIG. 26 illustrates a top plan view of the foundational slab of the shelter/container of FIG. 22, with interior re-bar appearing in phantom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" or "includes" and/or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0044] For the sake of simplicity and to give the claims of this patent application the broadest interpretation and construction possible, the conjunctive "and" may also be taken to include the disjunctive "or," and vice versa, whenever necessary to give the claims of this patent application the broadest interpretation and construction possible. Likewise, when the plural form is used, it may be taken to include the singular form, and vice versa.

[0045] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element.

[0046] The disclosure herein is not limited by construction materials to the extent that such materials satisfy the structural and/or functional requirements. For example, any material may be used so long as it satisfies the rigid structural and functional requirements for which it is being used. In one embodiment, the device and/or system is steel or a similar metal or alloy; however, polymeric material of sufficient strength and rigidity will suffice as well.

[0047] In order to clarify the objects, characteristics and advantages of the disclosed shelter/container, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0048] In one embodiment, the invention may be fabricated starting with a Flex-Box 1 trip, standard ISO shipping container. Such containers are typically eight (8) feet wide, approximately eight and one-half (81/2) feet tall, and about twenty (20) to forty (40) feet long. The container has many enhancements such as:

[0049] (a) steel reinforcing, added at the walls and roof to withstand forces of an EF-5 tornado;

[0050] (b) R-9 insulation added to the walls and ceiling;

[0051] (c) 11 gauge interior metal paneling at the walls and ceiling;

[0052] (d) 90 minute back-up lights at both the interior and exterior;

[0053] (e) duplex electrical receptacles in the interior;

[0054] (f) convection ventilation provided at both end-walls;

[0055] (g) slip-resistant epoxy floor paint;

[0056] (h) an anchor bolt system including six (6) inch epoxy embeds;

[0057] (i) anchoring to a sixteen (16) inch thick steel reinforced concrete slab; and

[0058] (j) rated StormPro361 door frame and hardware system, installed at both ends of the container.

[0059] Alternatively, the container body may be manufactured without starting with any pre-existing container. The aforementioned enhancement (and others) may then be incorporated into the original structural rather than added later.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a container according to one embodiment of the disclosed shelter/container is illustrated. The container includes a container body 100 and a connection structure 200 for anchoring the container body 100 onto an immovable object. The connection structure 200 is adapted for affixing the container body 100 onto the immovable object by way of an anchor base such as a bracket 300, with or without an embedded concrete slab.

[0061] The container body 100 is formed by a plurality of walls 101, preferably four walls upstanding from a floor and connecting to a roof. The multiple walls 101 are combined together and reinforced through a frame structure 102, thus forming a reinforced container. The container body 100 has an enclosed interior volume, used for providing shelter for persons and/or property.

[0062] The connection structure 200 is affixed onto the container body 100 and is adapted for affixing the container body 100 onto the immovable object via the bracket 300. The immovable object herein refers to the ground, or an object that cannot move or be moved with respect to the ground, such as a wall, a floor of a building or a construction such as a concrete slab embedded in the ground.

[0063] The bracket 300 is affixed to the immovable object. As shown in FIG. 2, the bracket 300 is affixed to the immovable object through an anchor bolt or pin 301.

[0064] Accordingly, when the connection structure 200 (affixed on the container body 100) connects with the bracket 300 affixed on the immovable object, the container body 100 is anchored onto the immovable object. In this circumstance, the container can be maintained immobile even when a strong external force is applied thereon. Therefore, damage caused to person and property inside the container can be avoided.

[0065] In some embodiments, the connection structure 200 is affixed to the frame structure 102 of the container body 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the connection structure 200 is affixed to a bottom frame 1021 of the frame structure 102. It should be noted that, in this embodiment the connection structure 200 is affixed to the bottom frame 1021 of the frame structure 102, which is just for illustration and should not be taken as a limitation to the disclosed shelter/container. In some embodiments, the connection structure 200 may be affixed elsewhere on the frame structure 102. In some embodiments, the connection structure 200 may be affixed to any one of the walls 101 of the container body 100.

[0066] In some embodiments, the connection structure 200 may be two or more structures or sub-structures. The two or more connection structures 200 are arranged on the bottom frame 1021 of the container body 100. Further, the two or more structures 200 may be evenly spaced or unevenly spaced. The arrangement and spacing of connection structures may be dictated by the dimensions of the container body, the characteristics of the substratum, the amount of external force anticipated to be encountered, and the level of safety and security being planned for.

[0067] In combination with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the connection structure 200 includes a winged connector including a first wing-plate 201 and a second wing-plate 202. The first wing-plate 201 and the second wing-plate 202 are joined. For example, the first wing-plate 201 and the second wing-plate 202 may be an integral structure. The first wing-plate 201 is adapted for connecting with the container body (e.g., the wall 101 or the frame structure 102 of the container body 100). The second wing-plate 202 is adapted for anchoring to the bracket 300.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first wing-plate 201 of the connection structure 200 is detachably connected to the container body 100. Specifically, the first wing-plate 201 is detachedly affixed onto the container body 100 via a threaded element 401. The threaded element 401 may be a bolt, a screw, a rivet or any other threaded connection. In addition, the first wing-plate 201 of the connection structure 200 may be detachably connected to the container body 100 by way of buckle connection or any other connection method.

[0069] In some embodiments, the frame structure 102 of the container body 100 may be a hollow structure, or the wall 101 of the container body 100 is too thin to provide sufficient structural support for anchoring the container body. In order to improve the strength and structural sufficiency of the connection between the first wing-plate 201 and the container body 100, in some embodiments, the container body 100 includes a mounting block 1031. The mounting block 1031 extends outwardly from the container body at a position corresponding to or aligned with the connection structure 200. The first wing-plate 201 of the connection structure 200 is connected to the mounting block 1031 on the container body 100, rather being directly connected to the container body 100, so as to improve the strength and structural sufficiency of the connection between the connection structure 200 and the container body 100.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first wing-plate 201 of the connection structure 200 is permanently connected to the container body 100. Specifically, the first wing-plate 201 may be connected to the container body by way of welding.

[0071] The second wing-plate 202 of the connection structure 200 is adapted for affixedly connecting with the bracket 200. Specifically, when the container is placed on the immovable object or at a position close to the immovable object, the second wing-plate 202 of the connection structure 200 is adapted for connecting with the bracket 300. By such way, the container body 100 is affixed on the bracket 300. As the bracket 300 is affixed onto the immovable object, the container body 100 is affixed on the immovable object.

[0072] In some embodiments, connection between the second wing-plate 202 and the bracket 300 is realized by a threaded element 402 and a connecting-rod sleeve 302 (as shown in FIG. 1) formed on the bracket 300. In some embodiments, the connection between the second wing-plate 202 and the bracket 300 may be realized by way of buckle connection.

[0073] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the first wing-plate 201 and the second wing-plate 202 are perpendicular to each other. In some embodiments, the first wing-plate and the second wing-plate may be configured coplanar. When the first wing-plate and the second wing-plate are coplanar, it means that, a mounting surface of the first wing-plate and a mounting surface of the second wing-plate form an angle of 180 degree or are parallel with each other. The mounting surface of the first wing-plate refers to a surface of the first wing-plate in contact with the container body when being affixed on the container body. Similarly, the mounting surface of the second wing-plate refers to a surface of the second wing-plate in contact with the bracket when being affixed on the bracket.

[0074] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the first wing-plate 201 and the second wing-plate 202 are disposed with a rib plate therebetween, for strengthening the connection between the first wing-plate 201 and the second wing-plate 202. As such, cracking or breaking at a portion between the first wing-plate 201 and the second wing-plate 202 due to stress concentration can be prevented.

[0075] In addition, the first wing-plate may be configured into a regular shape such as rectangle, arch and so on, or be configured into an irregular shape. The first wing-plate may be configured into a solid structure or a hollow structure with holes or grooves. Similarly, the second wing-plate may be configured into a regular shape such as rectangle, arch and so on, or an irregular shape, and be configured into a solid structure or a hollow structure with holes or grooves.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a connection structure 200a according to another embodiment of the disclosed shelter/container is illustrated. The connection structure 200a includes a connecting rod 201a, a holding structure 202a (such as a support cylinder) and a position-limit mechanism 203a (such as a stop or eyelet outstanding from the container body).

[0077] The holding structure 202a is adapted for yoking the connecting rod 201a on the container body 100, allowing it to move as needed while maintaining its necessary alignment with other structural elements. When being yoked to the container body 100 via the holding structure 202a, the connecting rod 201a is able to rotate around its own axis and move along its axis. Through such movement, the connecting rod 201a can be moved between a first position and a second position. When the connecting rod 201a is moved to the first position, as shown in FIG. 5, the connecting rod 201a engages with the connecting-rod sleeve 302 (as shown in FIG. 1) formed on the bracket 300, so as to prevent lateral displacement of the container 100 on the bracket 300. When the connecting rod 201a is switched to the second position, as shown in FIG. 6, the connecting rod 201a withdraws from the connecting-rod sleeve 302 on the bracket 300, thus the container can be moved according to practical demand.

[0078] The position-limit mechanism 203a is adapted for maintaining the connecting rod 201a at the first position or at the second position.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 7, a connection structure 200b according to another embodiment of the disclosed shelter/container is illustrated. The connection structure 200b is a block extending outwardly from the container body 100, and includes a bore allowing a pin or threaded element to pass through the block to engage with the connecting-rod sleeve 302 (as shown in FIG. 1) on the bracket 300, thus connecting the connection structure 200b with the bracket 300. Accordingly, the container body 100 is affixed on the bracket 300.

[0080] In addition, in some embodiments, as shown FIG. 8, the bracket 300 is formed with a plurality of the connecting-rod sleeves 302. The multiple connecting-rod sleeves 302 allow the bracket 300 to anchor different containers having different sized bases or "footprints". In other words, containers having different base dimensions can be anchored onto the immovable object through one common bracket 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the connecting-rod sleeves 302 within the dotted frame are able to connect with a connection structure of a container with a relative small size, while connecting-rod sleeves 302 outside the dotted frame are able to connect with a connection structure of a container with a relative large size. By such way, adaptability of the bracket 300 is improved.

[0081] In embodiments recited above, the container body is affixed onto the immovable object by: connecting the connection structure affixed on the container body with the bracket affixed on the immovable object. In other words, the connection structure affixes the container body onto the immovable object through the bracket. In some embodiments, the connection structure may affix the container body onto the immovable object by directly connecting with the immovable object. Specifically, the immovable object is formed with one or more connecting-rod sleeves thereon. The connecting-rod sleeve is adapted to connect with the threaded element 402 (as shown in FIG. 3), or the connecting rod 201a (as shown in FIG. 5), or the threaded element 402b (as shown in FIG. 7), so as to affix to the container body onto the immovable object directly.

[0082] Accordingly, the container of the disclosed shelter/container is configured with a connection structure thereon for affixing the container body onto an immovable object. As such, the container possesses good stability when an external force is applied thereon.

[0083] In order to improve safety and reliability of the container, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the container further includes a reinforcement structure 500. The reinforcement structure 500 is disposed inside the container body 100, for improving stability of the container body 100 and enhancing force-resistance of the container body 100.

[0084] The reinforcement structure 500 includes one or more reinforcing ribs. Part of the plurality of reinforcing ribs may be configured bridging two neighboring walls 101 of the container body 100. Such as reinforcing ribs 501 as shown in FIG. 9, wherein the reinforcing ribs 501 bridge a top wall and a side wall of the container body 100. The reinforcing rib also can be configured bridging two neighboring side walls of the container body 100.

[0085] Part of the plurality of reinforcing ribs may be configured on a same wall. Such as reinforcing ribs 502 as shown in FIG. 9, wherein the reinforcing ribs 502 are arranged on a same wall of the container body 100 and are intersected with each other.

[0086] Accordingly, when an external object crashes against the container body 100, the reinforcement structures 500 inside the container body 100 are able to prevent deformation of the container body 100. In other words, the configuration of the reinforcement structure 500 is able to improve the force-resistance of the container body 100. As such, the container body 100 is not easy to deform when a strong external force is imposed thereon. Or, even if there may be a small degree of deformation, the deformation is too small to cause any damage to person or property in the container body 100.

[0087] It can be understood that, the container is usually configured with a container door 103 (as shown in FIG. 2) for allowing person or property accessing or leaving the interior volume of the container body 100. When property is placed inside the container body 100, the container door 103 is closed to safeguard the property inside the container body 100. Usually, the container door 103 is closed via a conventional lockset. However, the force the conventional lockset is capable of enduring is relatively small. When an external force is imposed on the container door 103, the lockset is easy to be damaged. As a result, the container door 103 may be opened, and thus may allow damage to person or property inside the container 100.

[0088] In order to solve problems as recited above, in some embodiments of the disclosed shelter/container, as shown in FIG. 10, the container further includes a container-door retaining structure 600 for maintaining the container door 103 closed. The container-door retaining structure 600 is inside the container body 100.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 10, the container-door retaining structure 600 includes a locking pin 601 and locking slot (not shown in FIG. 10). The locking pin 601 is rotatably engaged to the container door 103, and the locking slot is formed on the door frame 104. The locking pin 601 is adapted for inserting into the locking slot, so as to maintain the container door 103 closed.

[0090] The container-door retaining structure 600 further includes a stopping block 602. When the locking pin 601 is inserted into the locking slot, the stopping block 602 stands against the locking pin 601 for stopping movement of the locking pin 601 along a direction of departing from the locking slot, thus preventing the locking pin 601 from getting out of the locking slot.

[0091] In addition, the locking slot may be a hole formed on the door frame 104, or a groove formed on the door frame 104. The hole may be a through hole or a blind hole. The locking slot may be in a shape of square or circle. The shape of the locking slot should not be taken as a limitation to the disclosed shelter/container, as long as the locking slot can allow the locking pin 601 being inserted into, and when the locking pin 601 is inserted in the locking slot, the container door 103 is kept at the closed status.

[0092] In addition, the container door 103 may be configured with two or more of the container-door retaining structures 600, or just configured with one container-door retaining structure 600.

[0093] Accordingly, in the container of the disclosed shelter/container, when the locking pin 601 is inserted into the locking slot, the connection between the container door 103 and the door frame 104 does not just rely on a conventional lockset, but also on the one or more container-door retaining structures 600. As such, the closed status of the container door 103 is more stable and reliable. Specifically, the container-door retaining structure 600 can resist an external force applied on the container door 103 more effectively, thus preventing the container door 103 from being opened or departing from the door frame 104.

[0094] One embodiment of the invention disclosed herein includes (comprises) a modular shelter for anchoring to an immovable object, wherein the shelter may include a steel reinforced container body having an interior volume defined by side walls extending upwardly from a floor and joining a roof, and a lockable door in one of the walls. The shelter may further include a connection structure including anchoring system for anchoring the container body to the immovable object.

[0095] The connection structure may include at least one mounting block affixed to the container body, the mounting block defining a vertical bore through which an elongate fastener extends for engagement with the immovable object. The connection structure may also include at least one mounting block affixed to the container body, and a connector defining at least one horizontal bore through which an elongate fastener extends for engagement with the mounting block and defining at least one vertical bore through which an elongate fastener extends for engagement with the immovable object.

[0096] The connector may comprise a first wing-plate and a second wing-plate affixed thereto essentially perpendicularly, the first wing-plate adapted for connecting with the container body, and the second wing-plate adapted for connecting with the immovable object.

[0097] The connection structure may include at least one holding structure outstanding from the container body, through which an elongate coupler extends to a first position for engagement with the immovable object, and through which the coupler is withdrawn to a second position for disengagement from the immovable object. The connection structure may further include at least one first-position stop outstanding from the container body, for maintaining the coupler in the first position. The connection structure may further include at least one second-position stop outstanding from the container body, for maintaining the coupler in the second position.

[0098] In another embodiment, the connection structure further comprises a bracket adjacent the immovable object.

[0099] In one particular embodiment for use when the immovable object is a concrete slab having a plurality of bores, the shelter comprises a container body including a plurality of external mounting blocks, each block including a plurality of threaded apertures. Also included is a corresponding plurality of connection structures, each including a vertical connection plate including a corresponding plurality of apertures aligned with the threaded apertures of an adjacent mounting block, for accepting a mounting bolt to connect the connection structure to the mounting block. The connection structure also includes a horizontal anchor plate including a plurality of apertures from which the slab bores were positioned, and an anchor rod having a slab insertion end adapted to prevent extraction from the slab bore into which it is inserted. The anchor rod also has an exterior threaded end accepting a nut for tightening.

[0100] The shelter may further include epoxy or adhesive filing for the slab bores for preventing extraction of the slab insertion end of the anchor rod.

[0101] Another preferred embodiment comprises a modular shelter and anchoring system for anchoring to an immovable object, the shelter comprising:

[0102] (a) a container body having an interior volume defined by side walls extending upwardly from a floor and joining a roof, and a lockable door in one of the walls, the container may further include a plurality of external mounting blocks, each block including a plurality of threaded apertures; and

[0103] (b) a corresponding plurality of connection structures, each including a vertical connection plate including a corresponding plurality of apertures aligned with the threaded apertures of an adjacent mounting block, for accepting a mounting bolt to connect the connection structure to the mounting block, the connection structure also including a horizontal anchor plate including a plurality of apertures.

[0104] The anchoring system may include a concrete slab including a corresponding plurality of bores aligned with the anchor plate apertures, the bores filled with epoxy before insertion of an anchor rod having a slab insertion end adapted to prevent extraction and an exterior threaded end accepting a nut for tightening.

[0105] The container body interior may include a plurality of steel ribs reinforcing each wall, and a plurality of steel ribs reinforcing the roof

[0106] The container body may further include insulation adjacent each wall and the roof, and metal paneling adjacent the insulation.

[0107] The container body may further include interior lighting and electrical receptacles.

[0108] The container body may further include a plurality ventilation ducts in opposite walls, especially convection ventilation ducts.

[0109] The container body may further include slip-resistant flooring, such as matting or slip-resistant paint.

[0110] The shelter may further include a container-door retaining structure for maintaining the container door closed. The container-door retaining structure may include a locking pin and a locking groove, the locking pin being adapted for inserting into the locking groove so as to lock closed the container door.

[0111] The container-door retaining structure may further include a stopping block standing against the locking pin when the locking pin is inserted into the locking groove.

[0112] The steel reinforced container body is rated to withstand forces of an EF-5 tornado.

[0113] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular shelter for anchoring to an immovable object, said shelter comprising a steel reinforced container body having an interior volume defined by side walls extending upwardly from a floor and joining a roof, and a lockable door in one of the walls, said shelter further comprising a connection structure including anchoring system for anchoring the container body to the immovable object.

2. The shelter according to claim 1, said connection structure comprising at least one mounting block affixed to the container body, said mounting block defining a vertical bore through which an elongate fastener extends for engagement with the immovable object.

3. The shelter according to claim 1, said connection structure comprising at least one mounting block affixed to the container body, and a connector defining at least one horizontal bore through which an elongate fastener extends for engagement with said mounting block and defining at least one vertical bore through which an elongate fastener extends for engagement with the immovable object.

4. The shelter according to claim 3, wherein the connector comprises a first wing-plate and a second wing-plate affixed thereto essentially perpendicularly, the first wing-plate adapted for connecting with the container body, and the second wing-plate adapted for connecting with the immovable object.

5. The shelter according to claim 1, said connection structure comprising at least one holding structure outstanding from the container body, through which an elongate coupler extends to a first position for engagement with the immovable object, and through which the coupler is withdrawn to a second position for disengagement from the immovable object.

6. The shelter according claim 5, said connection structure further comprising at least one first-position stop outstanding from the container body, for maintaining the coupler in said first position.

7. The shelter according to claim 5, said connection structure further comprising at least one second-position stop outstanding from the container body, for maintaining the coupler in said second position.

8. The shelter according to claim 1, said connection structure further comprises a bracket adjacent the immovable object.

9. The shelter according to claim 8 for use when the immovable object is a concrete slab having a plurality of bores, said anchoring system comprising: (a) a container body further comprising a plurality of external mounting blocks, each block including a plurality of threaded apertures; (b) a corresponding plurality of connection structures, each including a vertical connection plate including a corresponding plurality of apertures aligned with the threaded apertures of an adjacent mounting block for accepting a mounting bolt to connect said connection structure to the mounting block, said connection structure also including a horizontal anchor plate including a plurality of apertures from which the slab bores were positioned; and (c) an anchor rod having a slab insertion end adapted to prevent extraction from the slab bore into which it is inserted, and an exterior threaded end accepting a nut for tightening.

10. The shelter according to claim 9, further comprising adhesive filing for the slab bores for preventing extraction of the slab insertion end of the anchor rod.

11. A modular shelter and anchoring system for anchoring to an immovable object, said shelter comprising: (a) a container body having an interior volume defined by side walls extending upwardly from a floor and joining a roof, and a lockable door in one of the walls, said container further comprising a plurality of external mounting blocks, each block including a plurality of threaded apertures; and (b) a corresponding plurality of connection structures, each including a vertical connection plate including a corresponding plurality of apertures aligned with the threaded apertures of an adjacent mounting block, for accepting a mounting bolt to connect said connection structure to the mounting block, said connection structure also including a horizontal anchor plate including a plurality of apertures; (c) said anchoring system comprising a concrete slab including a corresponding plurality of bores aligned with the anchor plate apertures, said bores filled with epoxy before insertion of an anchor rod having a slab insertion end adapted to prevent extraction and an exterior threaded end accepting a nut for tightening.

12. A modular shelter according to claim 11, said container body interior comprising a plurality of steel ribs reinforcing each wall, and a plurality of steel ribs reinforcing the roof.

13. A modular shelter according to claim 11, said container body further comprising insulation adjacent each wall and the roof, and metal paneling adjacent said insulation.

14. A modular shelter according to claim 11, said container body further comprising interior lighting and electrical receptacles.

15. A modular shelter according to claim 11, said container body further comprising a plurality ventilation ducts in opposite walls.

16. A modular shelter according to claim 11, said container body further comprising slip-resistant flooring.

17. The shelter according to claim 11, further comprising a container-door retaining structure for maintaining the container door closed.

18. The shelter according to claim 17, wherein the container-door retaining structure comprises a locking pin and a locking groove, the locking pin being adapted for inserting into the locking groove so as to lock closed the container door.

19. The shelter according to claim 14, wherein the container-door retaining structure further comprises a stopping block standing against the locking pin when the locking pin is inserted into the locking groove.

20. The shelter according to claim 1, wherein said steel reinforced container body is rated to withstand forces of an EF-5 tornado.