Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Preassembled subenclosure or substructure section of unit or... – Collapsible for ease of transport
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-21
2001-10-30
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Preassembled subenclosure or substructure section of unit or...
Collapsible for ease of transport
C052S127100, C052S079100, C052S169600, C052S284000, C052S285200, C052S285300, C052S285400, C052S582200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308466
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a portable temporary shelter that is a complete enclosure, which protects human beings and animals from flying and falling debris and from severe weather conditions such as tornadoes and hurricanes. More particularly, the invention relates to a shelter that can be used by all individuals, including those who live in mobile homes and recreational vehicles, and those with limited space and real estate.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is clear statistically that most deaths and injuries occurring as a result of catastrophic storms are caused by flying debris. Such storms frequently occur at night when people are sleeping. In addition, many storms often are not identified by radar and approach without much advance warning.
Prior to the present invention, individuals seeking to provide shelter for themselves their families, their pets and their valuable possessions during a severe storm had few and costly alternatives. To date, there are large box-like and spherically shaped shelters that are either installed completely underground in an excavated hole or partially buried in the ground. There are also shelters which are built above or in connection with a bed to protect individuals while they sleep. These prior sheltering devices typically contain many parts and are heavy, large and permanent. In addition, the fabrication and installation of these shelters requires drilling, welding, bolting and excavation, which may be impossible or too costly for individuals with limited real estate or those living in a mobile home or recreational vehicle. Thus, to date, individuals with these types of living arrangements are particularly vulnerable to severe weather.
Consequentially, there is a need for an inexpensive shelter that can be used by all individuals, including those with limited space and real estate and those who live in mobile homes and recreational vehicles most commonly in the southern United States. There is a further need for a shelter that is lightweight and portable, yet a complete enclosure that is strong enough to withstand flying and falling objects and projectiles during a tornado or earthquake. There is a further need for a shelter that requires minimal and easy assembly. There is a further need for a shelter that is versatile and can be used for purposes other than as an emergency shelter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, accordingly, provides a shelter that overcomes the disadvantages and limitations associated with prior shelters. The invention consists of a rectangular or square six sided enclosure with a top having a door or entry/exit means with a continuous hinge along one edge which has ventilation and peep holes spaced around its periphery and around the periphery of each side of the Enclosure. The door has a handle on the exterior. There are door latch assemblies on the inside to secure the door. The panels which make up the Enclosure are removable easily from the inside or in the case of the door panel assembly from the outside with the use of a tool. The strength of the panels is increased by metal stiffeners placed within the panels. The Enclosure may be manufactured of any size sufficient to enclose one individual or many individuals. The maximum feasible size to meet all other required features of the invention is seven feet long by seven feet wide by seven feet high.
The invention is constructed to be a relatively lightweight portable shelter suitable for indoor installation. The invention is multi-purpose because when installed in a living area, the invention might, for example, be used as a table or base for a bed. The invention may also be located within a closet or mounted with anchor bolts vertically and used as a closet in a small living area. Individuals might purchase the invention and locate it in the garage area or inside the home.
The invention consists of a six sided polycarbonate thermoplastic enclosure and will be referred as “Enclosure” herein. To provide added strength, the polycarbonate Enclosure may be supported by a metal frame and or stiffener channels built within the panels of the Enclosure. Polycarbonate is a tough, dimensionally stable, transparent thermoplastic that has many applications which demand high performance properties. This versatile thermoplastic maintains its properties over a wide range of temperatures, from 40° F. to 280° F. Unnotched polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable, making it extremely safe in areas where it may be exposed to impact. When exposed to repeated heavy blows, the material tends to cold form rather than shatter. The polycarbonate thermoplastic is also impenetrable by sharp objects.
The Enclosure is fabricated of polycarbonate and has a metal frame. It is capable of withstanding winds of 250 miles per hour. More than 99 percent of all reported tornadoes have winds of up to 250 miles per hour and such wind speed is the cause of 99 percent of all reported tornado injuries to persons. The Enclosure is capable of withstanding a 2 inch by 4 inch wooden board weighing approximately 15 pounds, traveling at 100 mph, striking on end perpendicular to the enclosure surface (the so-called timber test). The standard test for a hurricane structure is a 9 pound object traveling at 34 miles per hour. The Enclosure passed the timber test at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Tex.
In the event of a storm, a person would enter the Enclosure, most likely in a reclined position, although one would enter in a standing position if the Enclosure was installed in an upright position. There are means for the person to then securely close and fasten the Enclosure from the inside. There are means within the Enclosure to provide adequate ventilation for one or more people. There are means through which a person may peer outside the Enclosure and through which light may enter the Enclosure. The Enclosure is transparent allowing light to enter the Enclosure through the panels.
A person would stay within the Enclosure until rescued by emergency workers or until the person is able to safely exit the Enclosure independently once the severe weather condition is over. In the event that an emergency worker rescues a person in the Enclosure, there are means to open the fastened Enclosure from outside the Enclosure. The panels are removable from the inside and from the outside to facilitate easy exit.
The inside of the Enclosure may be outfitted with padding as requested by the owner. Padding may be included to prevent injury and provide comfort to the user. The outside of the Enclosure may be detailed with reflective tape and a battery operated strobe light may be located either inside or outside of the Enclosure to assist emergency rescue workers in locating the Enclosure. The Enclosure is constructed in a modular fashion of panels which may be removed from the inside or the outside with the use of one simple tool Removal of panels provides a method of egress from the Enclosure. In the event that the Enclosure is installed in a vertical or upright position, it may be used as a closet or located inside a closet. Individual(s) would enter the Enclosure and close the door behind them. The latch would then be secured from the inside. The latch may be opened from the inside as well to allow for egress. The door or entry/exit means may be outfitted with gas filled lift assists when installed in the horizontal position to help lift the door.
Thus, it is a primary objective of the invention to provide individuals with a portable temporary shelter to protect them from injury due to falling or flying objects as a result of a severe weather condition.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an affordable versatile shelter for individuals who own limited real estate and individuals in small living spaces.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a shelter that may be stored within a small living space and may be used in the small living space by an owner for other purposes such as for a closet, a table or a bed base.
It is a f
Chavez Pat J.
Friedman Carl D.
LandOfFree
Tornado protective enclosure does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Tornado protective enclosure, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tornado protective enclosure will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2593246