U.S. patent application number 15/154446 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-16 for modular shelter.
The applicant listed for this patent is Brain S. Bakken. Invention is credited to Brain S. Bakken.
Application Number | 20170328054 15/154446 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60296948 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170328054 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bakken; Brain S. |
November 16, 2017 |
MODULAR SHELTER
Abstract
A modular storm shelter is provided. The shelter has a central
node with individual modules attached to the node and extending
outwardly from the node. Any number of additional modules may be
attached to other modules to extend the modules farther from the
node and increase the capacity of the shelter. The outwardly
extending modules function as stabilizing extension arms that
prevent the shelter from overturning during extreme wind events,
such as tornados and hurricanes. Each of the modules can be
individually transported to an installation site so that the
shelter can be assembled on site. Once assembled, the storm shelter
rests on the ground and does not require attachment to a concrete
slab or similar foundation.
Inventors: |
Bakken; Brain S.; (Creola,
AL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bakken; Brain S. |
Creola |
AL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60296948 |
Appl. No.: |
15/154446 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02A 50/00 20180101;
Y02A 50/14 20180101; E04H 9/14 20130101; E04B 1/3483 20130101; E04H
1/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/343 20060101
E04B001/343; E04H 1/00 20060101 E04H001/00; E04B 1/343 20060101
E04B001/343; E04H 9/14 20060101 E04H009/14; E04B 1/343 20060101
E04B001/343 |
Claims
1. A modular building, comprising: a central node, and a plurality
of modules attached to the node and extending outwardly from the
node, wherein the building rests on the ground and is of sufficient
weight to withstand winds of at least 250 miles per hour without
overturning.
2. The modular building of claim 1, wherein each module has two
opposing ends, wherein each end is configured for attaching the
module to the node or to an additional module.
3. The modular building of claim 2, wherein each end of each module
has a flange.
4. The modular building of claim 2, further comprising one or more
additional modules attached to one or more of the plurality of
modules attached to the node.
5. The modular building of claim 1, wherein one of the modules
forms an angle of less than 180 degrees with a second module.
6. The modular building of claim 5, wherein each module has two
opposing ends, wherein each end is configured for attaching the
module to the node or to an additional module.
7. The modular building of claim 6, wherein each end has a
flange.
8. The modular building of claim 6, further comprising one or more
additional modules attached to one or more of the plurality of
modules attached to the node.
9. The modular building of claim 1, wherein the central node has
four sides, wherein each side is configured for attaching a module
thereto.
10. The modular building of claim 9, comprising four modules
attached to each side of the node, respectively, such that each of
the four modules forms an angle of 90 degrees with each adjacent
module.
11. (canceled)
12. The modular building of claim 1, wherein the node has an
internal space through which each of the plurality of modules can
be accessed.
13. A method of constructing a modular building, comprising the
steps of: providing a central node configured for attaching a
plurality of modules to the node, providing a plurality of modules,
wherein each module has two opposing ends, wherein each end is
configured for attaching the module to the node or to an additional
module, and attaching one end of each of the plurality of modules
to the central node such that each module extends outwardly from
the node, wherein the constructed building rests on the ground and
is of sufficient weight to withstand winds of at least 250 miles
per hour without overturning.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of
attaching an end of one or more additional modules to the opposing
end of one or more of the plurality of modules attached to the
node.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein each end of each module has a
flange.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein one of the modules forms an
angle of less than 180 degrees with a second module.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of
attaching an end of one or more additional modules to the opposing
end of one or more of the plurality of modules attached to the
node.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein each end of each module has a
flange.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein the central node has four sides
each configured for attaching a module thereto, and wherein four
modules are attached to each side of the node, respectively, such
that each of the four modules forms an angle of 90 degrees with
each adjacent module.
20. (canceled)
21. The modular building of claim 1, wherein the central node and
each of the plurality of modules is constructed of a unitary piece
of material comprising steel, and wherein each module is at least
20 feet long and has a floor, a roof, and walls, wherein the floor
is at least 1.5 inches thick and the roof and walls are at least
1/2 inch thick.
22. The method of claim 13, wherein the central node and each of
the plurality of modules is constructed of a unitary piece of
material comprising steel, and wherein each module is at least 20
feet long and has a floor, a roof, and walls, wherein the floor is
at least 1.5 inches thick and the roof and walls are at least 1/2
inch thick.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] A preferred embodiment of the present invention refers to a
modular shelter for protecting occupants during bad weather
events.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Storm shelters, also called safe houses, are buildings used
to house people temporarily during extreme weather events, such as
tornados or hurricanes. Storm shelters are designed to withstand
extremely strong winds while maintaining structural integrity to
prevent injury to the occupants of the shelter. Many different
types of storm shelters are known in the art. Some known storm
shelters, particularly those designed as tornado shelters, are
partially or fully buried beneath the ground in order to protect
the shelter and its occupants from the extremely high winds
associated with tornados. However, building a storm shelter below
ground adds substantial costs to the construction of the
shelter.
[0003] Other types of storm shelters are built above ground as
opposed to being fully or partially buried. Above ground shelters
typically require the shelter to be attached to a concrete slab or
similar type of foundation in order to withstand the high winds of
a tornado or hurricane, which may exceed 250 miles per hour.
However, installation of a concrete slab adds substantial costs to
the construction of a storm shelter. In addition, in some instances
storm shelters may be installed as temporary installations, such as
in remote work sites such as oil drilling sites or remote
construction sites. For temporary installations, a concrete slab
may require removal after the storm shelter has been removed from
the slab, thereby adding further costs for providing storm shelter
protection.
[0004] Accordingly, a need exists in the art for a storm shelter
that can withstand extremely high winds without the need for
burying the shelter and without the need for attaching the shelter
to a slab or similar foundation. Additionally, a need exists in the
art for a storm shelter that can be easily installed as a temporary
installation and easily removed and transported to a new location.
Furthermore, a need exists in the art for a storm shelter that can
accommodate a large number of occupants, such as employees at a
remote work site.
SUMMARY
[0005] In accordance with the present invention, a modular storm
shelter is provided. The shelter comprises a central node and a
plurality of modules attached to the node and extending outwardly
from the node. Each of the modules can be individually transported
to the installation site on a standard semi-trailer hauled by a
tractor unit. Thus, the modules can be transported to a remote
location and assembled on site to form the modular shelter. Once
assembled, the storm shelter rests on the ground and does not
require attachment to a concrete slab or similar foundation.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the central node has four sides,
and one module is attached directly to each of the four sides of
the central node, respectively. In this configuration, the angle
formed between each module attached to the node is approximately 90
degrees so that the assembled storm shelter generally has the shape
of a cross with modules extending outwardly from the node. The
outwardly extending modules function as stabilizing extension arms
that prevent the shelter from overturning during high wind events,
such as tornados and hurricanes. The shelter of the present
invention is capable of withstanding extreme winds, which may
exceed 250 miles per hour, without overturning.
[0007] In order to withstand high winds in extreme weather events,
the assembled storm shelter should be of sufficient weight so as to
prevent the assembled shelter from lifting off the ground. However,
the configuration of outwardly extending modules allows the overall
weight of the assembled shelter to be minimized due to the
stabilizing effect of the modules. In a preferred embodiment, the
central node and the individual modules are constructed of steel or
a similar high strength, heavy construction material. The steel
construction material provides protection from flying debris and
provides sufficient weight to the assembled shelter so that the
shelter does not lift or move along the ground an appreciable
distance during extreme weather events. When lifting forces are
exerted upon the shelter by high winds, the modules extending
outward from the central node of the shelter stabilize the shelter
and prevent overturning.
[0008] Additional modules can be attached to the end of any of the
modules attached to the node in order to increase the overall size
and capacity of the storm shelter. Each module has two opposing
ends, and each end is configured for attaching the module to the
central node or to an additional module. Thus, any number of
modules may be added on to the shelter to accommodate a given
number of occupants. Adding additional modules also increases the
overall weight of the assembled shelter and provides greater
stability for the shelter as additional modules are installed
extending farther away from the central node. Each module may be
transported individually to the site of the storm shelter so that
additional modules may be added onto the shelter on site at the
time of initial installation or at a later time.
[0009] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to
provide a modular storm shelter comprising a central node with a
plurality of modules extending outwardly from the node.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
modular storm shelter that can be transported to a remote site and
assembled on site.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
modular storm shelter comprising modules that can be individually
transported on a standard semi-trailer.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
modular storm shelter that does not require attachment to a
concrete slab or similar type of foundation.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
modular storm shelter capable of withstanding extreme winds without
overturning.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] 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:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a modular shelter
embodying features of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a partial perspective view of a unit of a
modular shelter embodying features of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a unit of a modular
shelter embodying features of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows an elevational view of a component of a modular
shelter embodying features of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 shows a partial perspective view of a modular shelter
embodying features of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 shows a partial perspective view of a modular shelter
embodying features of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a modular shelter
embodying features of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 shows a partial perspective view of a unit of a
modular shelter embodying features of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and
the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is
made to particular features, including method steps, of the
invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the
invention in this specification includes all possible combinations
of such particular features. For example, where a particular
feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or
embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature
can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with/or in
the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments of the
invention, and in the invention generally.
[0024] The term "comprises" and grammatical equivalents thereof are
used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc.
are optionally present. For example, an article "comprising"
components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or
can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more
other components.
[0025] Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or
more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any
order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that
possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps
which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two
of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where
the context excludes that possibility).
[0026] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a modular
storm shelter in accordance with the present invention. The shelter
10 provides effective protection for occupants from extreme weather
events, such as tornados or hurricanes. The shelter 10 comprises a
central node 12 and a plurality of modules 14 attached to the node
12 and extending outwardly from the node 12. FIG. 3 illustrates an
individual module 14 detached from the modular shelter 10 shown in
FIG. 1. As used herein, element number 14 refers generally to any
of the modules illustrated, and element numbers 14a-14h refer to
specific modules as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0027] One advantage of the shelter 10 of the present invention is
that the shelter 10 can be installed on site in almost any
location, including remote locations such as an oil field drilling
site or a construction site, for the protection of employees in the
case of extreme weather events. Each of the modules 14 can be
individually transported to the installation site on a standard
semi-trailer hauled by a tractor unit. The modules 14 may then be
assembled on site to form a modular shelter 10, as shown in FIG. 1.
Once assembled, the storm shelter rests on the ground and does not
require attachment to a concrete slab or similar foundation.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of a storm shelter
10 assembled in accordance with the present invention. In this
embodiment, the shelter 10 comprises four modules 14 attached to
the central node 12. FIGS. 2 and 3 show illustrative examples of a
central node 12 and of a single module 14 which can be attached to
the node 12, respectively.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the central
node 12 has four sides. Each side of the node 12 is configured for
attaching a module 14 thereto. Each side preferably has an internal
flange 16 corresponding to a flange 16 on a module 14 for attaching
a module 14 to the side of the node 12, as shown in FIG. 1. Each
internal flange 16 surrounds an entryway that provides a passageway
from the interior of the node 12 into each of the modules 14
attached to the node 12. The central node 12 is shown in FIG. 2
without a roof for ease of illustrating each of the four internal
flanges 16 and entryways. The floor 26 of the node 12 can be seen
in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows an illustrative example of a single module 14
configured for attachment to the central node 12. The module 14 has
two opposing ends, and each end is configured for attaching the
module 14 to the central node 12 or to another module 14. In a
preferred embodiment, each end of the module 14 has an internal
flange 16 (only the flange 16 at one end of the module 14 is
visible in FIG. 3) for attaching the module 14 to the node 12 or to
another module 14. To attach the module 14 to the node 12 or to
another module 14, the module 14 is positioned such that the
internal flanges 16 to be attached are aligned with each other. The
two flanges 16 are then bolted together to complete the attachment.
In a preferred embodiment, a gasket (not shown) is placed between
the flanges 16 to form a sealed attachment between the flanges 16.
Internal flanges 16 are preferred rather than external flanges so
that extreme winds do not exert added drag or lifting forces on
flanges extending outward from the shelter.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, each module 14 has two walls, a floor, a
roof, and an entryway at each end. The roof of the module 14 is
preferably arched. In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of
each individual module 14 are approximately 8 feet wide and 20 feet
long with a height from floor to roof of about 8 feet, and the
dimensions of the central node 12 are about 8 feet by 8 feet by 8
feet. These dimensions allow each module 14 to be individually
transported on a standard semi-trailer hauled by a tractor unit,
which allows modules to be transported to an installation site
without specialized trucking requirements for extra heavy or extra
wide loads. In alternative embodiments, the dimensions may be
expanded to increase the capacity of the shelter. In one
embodiment, the node 12 and modules 14 are about 10 feet wide and
10 feet high. In another embodiment, the node 12 may have a greater
height than the modules 14 to provide space to accommodate vents
built in to the node.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the walls, floor, and roof of
each module 14 are constructed of steel or a similar high strength,
heavy construction material. Steel construction material is of
sufficient strength to provide protection from flying debris that
may strike the exterior of the shelter 10 during an extreme weather
event such as a tornado or hurricane. In a preferred embodiment,
the walls and the roof of each module 14 are about 1/2 inch to
about 11/2 inches in thickness, and the floor of each module 14 is
at least about 11/2 inches in thickness. In addition, the flanges
16 at each end of each module 14 and the flanges 16 of the central
node 12 are preferably at least about 11/2 inches in thickness.
Preferably, the roof of the node 12 is about 1/2 inch to about 11/2
inches in thickness, and the floor 26 of the node 12 is at least
about 11/2 inches in thickness. The amount of steel contained in
this illustrative embodiment provides sufficient weight to an
assembled shelter 10 comprising a plurality of modules 14, such as
the shelter 10 shown in FIG. 1, so that the shelter 10 does not
lift or move along the ground an appreciable distance during
extreme weather events. However, the amount of steel contained in
each individual module 14 provides a module 14 that is generally
less than about 20 tons, which allows each module 14 to be
transported on a single semi-trailer. The added thickness of the
steel in the floors of the modules 14 and the node 12 provides a
more stable shelter 10 with a heavier base, and the added thickness
of the steel in the flanges 16 provides stronger module-to-module
and module-to-node attachment points to reduce stress on the
shelter at the attachment points.
[0033] It should be understood that embodiments having specific
node or module dimensions or material thickness are illustrative
only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, each module 14 preferably further
comprises eyelets 20 welded onto the module 14 at each corner of
the module 14. The eyelets 20 serve multiple purposes. First,
cables can be connected to the eyelets 20 for lifting the module 14
using a crane or similar lifting apparatus. The module 14 can be
lifted onto a semi-trailer or other vehicle for transporting the
module 14 to the installation site. Once at the installation site,
the eyelets 20 can be used for offloading the module 14 and for
positioning the module 14 for attaching the module 14 to the
central node 12 or to another module 14. In addition, once the
shelter 10 is assembled, the eyelets 20 may optionally be used to
connect the module 14 to one or more auger anchors drilled into the
ground or to a similar support device. Although, the use of auger
anchors is not required, the use of anchors may provide additional
stabilization for the assembled storm shelter 10.
[0035] Once the plurality of modules 14 have been attached to the
central node 12, the storm shelter 10 will have four locations
where a flanged end 16 is exposed. A doorframe 30 is installed at
each of the four locations to form an enclosed shelter 10. FIG. 4
shows an illustrative example of a doorframe 30 with a door 32
installed thereon which may be used for this purpose. The doorframe
30 has a plurality of holes corresponding to the holes in the
flanges 16 of the central node 12 and each end of the modules 14.
Thus, a doorframe 30 may be installed by bolting the doorframe 30
to a flange 16 at one end of a module 14, or alternatively to a
flange 16 on the central node 12. A gasket is preferably placed
between the doorframe 30 and the flange 16 to form a sealed
attachment between the doorframe 30 and the flange 16.
Alternatively, a blind flange that does not include a door may be
installed to form an enclosed shelter.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates doorframes 30 installed (without doors
32) on the end of each module 14 opposite the central node 12 of
the shelter 10. Thus, in this embodiment, the assembled storm
shelter 10 has four entry points located around the periphery of
the shelter 10 at four points approximately equidistant from each
adjacent entry point. Because the assembled shelter 10 may have a
width of about 50 feet or more, multiple entry points located
around the periphery of the shelter can provide faster access to
the shelter from various locations surrounding the shelter. The
location of multiple entry points may be beneficial during
emergency events that occur without a significant warning period,
such as an approaching tornado.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the door 32 may be installed on the
doorframe 30 by attaching the door 32 via hinges 34. Locking pins
36 may be used to secure the door 32 in a closed position when the
shelter 10 is in use. The doorframe 30 preferably comprises at
least one vent 38 for equalizing the pressure inside and outside
the storm shelter 10. The doorframe 30 further comprises vent
covers 40 for covering the vents 38 in order to protect the vents
38 from flying debris and to prevent debris from entering the
shelter 10 through the vents 38. Vents may alternatively be located
in other locations of the shelter, including vents built into the
modules or the central node.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial view of a preferred embodiment
of the shelter 10 without a roof on each of the modules 14 or a
roof on the central node 12. Individual modules 14 may optionally
be constructed with benches 22 installed in the module 14 for
seating occupants. Preferably, each module 14 further comprises a
support arch 18 welded into the interior of the module 14 at
approximately the halfway point between the ends of the module 14
for additional support, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In alternative
embodiments, each module may comprise additional support
arches.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, four
individual modules 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, are attached directly to
each of the four sides of the central node 12, respectively. An
angle of less than 180 degrees is formed between each module 14a,
14b, 14c, 14d attached to the node 12 and an adjacent module. In a
preferred embodiment, the angle between each module 14a, 14b, 14c,
14d and each adjacent module is approximately 90 degrees so that
the assembled storm shelter 10 generally has the shape of a cross
with modules 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d extending outwardly from the node
12. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5, the angle 24 between modules
14a and 14b, in which the angle 24 has a vertex generally
positioned near the center of the central node 12, is about 90
degrees.
[0040] The outwardly extending modules 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d function
as stabilizing extension arms that prevent the shelter 10 from
overturning during high wind events, such as tornados and
hurricanes. For instance, during a tornado, extreme winds will
exert lifting forces at different points of the shelter 10. When
lifting forces are exerted on one side of the shelter, one or more
modules extending outwardly on the opposite side of the shelter
will resist uplift by exerting a downward force on the shelter. The
downward force, combined with the overall weight of the assembled
shelter 10, prevents significant uplifting of the shelter and also
prevents the shelter from moving along the ground an appreciable
distance during extreme weather events. An assembled shelter 10
resting on the ground is capable of withstanding extreme winds of
at least about 250 miles per hour without overturning, and
preferably is able to withstand winds in excess of 250 miles per
hour. In addition, the configuration of outwardly extending modules
14 allows the overall weight of the assembled shelter 10 to be
minimized as much as possible without requiring the shelter to be
attached to a slab or similar foundation. The weight of the shelter
can be minimized due to the stabilizing effect of the modules 14
extending outwardly from the node 12. Minimizing the weight and
utilizing modular components allows the shelter 10 to be installed
in a cost effective manner on a temporary or permanent basis in
almost any location.
[0041] In alternative embodiments, a module 14 may be removed from
the shelter 10 shown in FIG. 5. Removal of a module may be
necessary based on considerations such as the available amount of
space and the layout of space available for installing the shelter.
For instance, module 14a may be removed so that the shelter 10 is
T-shaped. In this case, a doorframe 30 is attached directly to the
central node 12 to seal the shelter enclosure. In another
alternative embodiment, two modules 14 may be removed. For
instance, modules 14a and 14b may be removed so that the shelter 10
is L-shaped. It should be understood that either of these
embodiments fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0042] In other alternative embodiments, the central node 12 may
not have four sides. For example, in some embodiments, the node 12
may have three sides or five sides. In both cases, a module 14
extending outwardly from the node 12 would form an angle of less
than 180 degrees with an adjacent module. For instance, modules
extending outwardly from a three-sided node would form angles of
about 120 degrees with each adjacent module. In yet another
alternative embodiment, the central node 12 may be circular with
portions of the exterior of the node configured for attaching
modules thereto. In this embodiment, some modules may have one
curved end configured such that the curved end of the module can be
attached to the circular node. It should be understood by one
skilled in the art that any modular building having a central node
with a plurality of outwardly extending modules would fall within
the scope of the present invention.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, once the shelter 10 is assembled,
occupants located inside any of the modules 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d may
access the central node 12 and any of the other modules 14a, 14b,
14c, 14d via the passageways between the node 12 and each of the
attached modules 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 6, additional modules 14e, 14f, 14g,
14h may be attached to the end of any of the modules 14a, 14b, 14c,
14d attached to the node 12 in order to increase the overall size
and capacity of the storm shelter 10. All of the modules 14a, 14b,
14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h shown in FIG. 6 have substantially
similar dimensions such that each module can be attached to the
central node 12 or to another module 14. Thus, any number of
modules 14 may be added on to the shelter 10 to accommodate a given
number of occupants. In some embodiments, the storm shelter 10 may
accommodate as many as 130-160 individual occupants. Adding
additional modules also increases the overall weight of the
assembled shelter 10 and may provide greater stability for the
shelter as additional modules extend farther away from the central
node 12. Each module 14 may be transported individually to the site
of the storm shelter 10 so that additional modules may be added
onto the shelter on site at the time of initial installation or at
a later time to increase capacity.
[0045] In alternative embodiments, one or more of the additional
modules 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h shown in FIG. 6 may be omitted from the
shelter 10 depending on the desired occupant capacity or based on
other considerations such as the available amount of space and the
layout of space available for installing the shelter.
[0046] In some embodiments, one or more add-on modules 50 may be
installed on the storm shelter 10, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. An
illustrative add-on module 50 is shown in FIG. 8 without a roof for
ease of illustration. Each add-on module 50 serves a specific
purpose. The module 50 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 functions as a
restroom module. The module 50 has a dividing wall 52 for privacy
and has a toilet installed with a holding tank. Because this module
50 serves a specific purpose, it is preferred that the add-on
module 50 is smaller than the other modules 14. In a preferred
embodiment, add-on modules 50 are about half the length of the
other modules 14. Otherwise, the add-on modules 50 have
substantially similar dimensions as other modules 14 and are
configured in the same manner as other modules 14 for attachment to
the central node 12 or to other modules 14. Other types of add-on
modules 50 may include, but are not limited to, a kitchen, a
shower, a generator, or an air conditioner and/or heating unit.
[0047] In addition, a variety of optional equipment may be
installed inside the modular components of the storm shelter 10.
For instance, in a preferred embodiment, lighting is installed
inside each module 14 and in the central node 12 with light
switches. Power outlets may also be installed for powering
electronics via a generator. One or more televisions may also be
installed inside the shelter. In one embodiment, a protected camera
is installed on the exterior of the shelter and connected to a
television inside the shelter so that occupants can view video feed
of events outside the shelter. Alternatively, the shelter may have
a port for direct viewing. Other optional equipment may include,
but are not limited to, computer terminals and telephones.
[0048] When the assembled modular building is not being used
specifically as a storm shelter, the building may serve other
purposes. For instance, at sites such as oil drilling sites,
construction sites, or similar work sites, the building may be
utilized as a command center for workplace supervisors to organize
employee activities or for similar purposes. Thus, the shelter may
serve additional purposes, which may be particularly advantageous
when used in remote locations lacking an existing structure that
can be used for such purposes. If the shelter is installed in a
remote site on a temporary basis, it may be disassembled and moved
to a new work site when necessary.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the assembled storm shelter 10 is
compliant with FEMA P-361 and ICC-500 standards for the design and
construction of storm shelters.
[0050] It is understood that versions of the invention may come in
different forms and embodiments. Additionally, it is understood
that one of skill in the art would appreciate these various forms
and embodiments as falling within the scope of the invention as
disclosed herein.
* * * * *