Prefabricated sealed room assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a prefabricated sealed room, which may comprise a plurality of prefabricated sealed rooms to form prefabricated sealed room assembly, stacked one above another or as a stand alone. The prefabricated sealed room is made of reinforced concrete and synchronized corners. The usage of reinforced concrete protects the prefabricated sealed room from shocks caused by blasts or natural calamities. The prefabricated sealed room can also be integrated into the production process of a building. Each prefabricated sealed room can be substantially sealed from the external environment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to provisional application No. 60/837,102 filed on Aug. 11, 2007.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to prefabricated rooms and the construction thereof. More particularly, this invention relates to prefabricated sealed rooms that serve as a room for daily use and protects from weapons of mass destructions such as nuclear fallout, biological or chemical weapons, and natural disasters. Additionally, this invention provides a means for stacking the prefabricated sealed room such that an entire complex of sealed room may be constructed to provide protection for all occupants in the building.

Prefabricated rooms and rooms used for protection against weapons of mass destruction are widely known in the construction industry. However, prefabricated rooms that provides protection from weapons of mass destruction and also serve as daily living space have not been created.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,596,417 to Zachry discloses concrete rooms, each having an integrally cast top segment, consisting of a top panel and three sidewalls, and a precast floor segment secured to the top segment during its integral casting, are stacked on top of one another to form a rigid structure of multiple floors. While Zachry discloses precast rooms that are stackable, the precast rooms disclosed in Zachry fails to provide the protection necessary in the event of an attack by weapons of mass destruction.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,899 to Janitzky discloses an underground protective shelter installation with several protective cells connected to one another, the cells being assembled of prefinished steel reinforced concrete components which are hermetically sealed to one another and braced by clamping. Unlike the present invention, the invention in Janitzky does not provide the ability for the room to be used for every day purposes as the underground protective shelter are built underground without the components of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,233 to Fukutomi et al. discloses a concrete prefabricated basement having a number of underground units, each of which includes a bottom plate portion having a generally rectangular shape and a side plate portion, to form a rectangular box structure with an open top. The differences in Fukutomi as compared to the present invention is that Fukutomi does not provide protection against weapons of mass destruction, is limited to underground usage, and cannot be stacked.

US 20010037615 to Reich a prefabricatable enclosure which includes a unitary solid enclosure having entry means and an open bottom, the enclosure made of material having sufficient strength to withstand tornado and hurricane forced winds. The shortcomings of the following prior art is that it does not provide protection against weapons of mass destruction and cannot be stacked.

FR 255881 to Klein is a French patent that disclosed a device for protecting the occupant from nuclear, biological, and chemical fallout. It consists of a sealed casing with access doors, an armored shutter, and a filtration and ventilation system. However, like the other inventions above, Klein has several shortcomings, namely, Klein cannot be used as a dual purpose room on a daily basis because of the manner of construction.

Therefore, the present invention provides both a prefabricated sealed room that provides protection from weapons of mass destruction and natural disasters, and also a room that could be utilized as an additional room that could be lived in on a daily basis. By providing a dual purpose prefabricated sealed room, the present invention provides a room that protects the occupants and also an inexpensive, usable addition to a dwelling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a prefabricated sealed room and the construction thereof. A plurality of prefabricated sealed rooms may be used to construct prefabricated sealed room assemblies—stacked one above another, side-by-side or as a stand alone. The prefabricated sealed room is made of reinforced concrete and synchronized corners. The usage of reinforced concrete protects the prefabricated sealed room from shocks caused by blasts or natural calamities and infiltration of unwanted contaminates. The prefabricated sealed room can also be integrated into the production process of a building. Each prefabricated sealed room can be substantially sealed from the external environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the prefabricated sealed room assembly in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 2 through 5 are different perspective views of the prefabricated sealed room in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top sectional view of the prefabricated sealed room.

FIG. 7 is a sectional side view of the prefabricated sealed room along A-A.

FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of the prefabricated sealed room along B-B.

FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of the prefabricated sealed room along C-C.

FIG. 10 is a top sectional view of different alternate embodiments of the prefabricated sealed room.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the fastening means for stacking the prefabricated sealed room.

FIGURES—REFERENCE NUMERALS

• 10 . . . Prefabricated Sealed Room Assembly
• 12 . . . Prefabricated Sealed Room
• 14 . . . Ceiling
• 16 . . . Front Wall
• 18 . . . Rear Wall
• 20 . . . First Sidewall
• 22 . . . Second Sidewall
• 24 . . . First Partition Wall
• 26 . . . Second Partition Wall
• 28 . . . Passageway
• 30 . . . Door
• 32 . . . Protective Window
• 34 . . . Sealing Window
• 36 . . . Anchor Bolt
• 38 . . . Nut

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 11. The present invention is a prefabricated sealed room 12 which may be used to construct structures with a plurality of prefabricated sealed rooms 12 to form prefabricated sealed room assembly 10. Prefabricated sealed room 12 can be stacked one above another, side-by-side, or as a stand alone. The prefabricated sealed room 12 is made of reinforced concrete and synchronized corners. The usage of reinforced concrete protects the prefabricated sealed room 12 from shocks caused by blasts or natural calamities and also prevents the infiltration of unwanted contaminates. The prefabricated sealed room 12 can also be integrated into the production process of a building. Each prefabricated sealed room 12 can be substantially sealed from the external environment.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 6, each prefabricated sealed room 12 comprises a floor slab, a plurality of load-bearing walls extending from the four edges of the floor slab, and a ceiling 14 supported over the four load-bearing walls. The plurality of load bearing walls are classified into a front wall 16, a rear wall 18, a first sidewall 20, and a second sidewall 22, the front wall 16 being shorter lengthwise than the oppositely located rear wall 18 as seen in FIG. 6. One end of the front wall 16 is connected to a first partition wall 24, which is parallel to the first and second sidewalls 20 and 22, as the other end is connected to the second sidewall 22. The first partition wall 24 is connected to a second partition wall 26, which in turn is perpendicularly connected to the first sidewall 20. Thus, a passageway 28 is formed, defined by a part of first sidewall 20, floor slab, and the ceiling 14, and the first and second partition walls 24 and 26. A first entrance is provided through the passageway 28, and the second entrance through a door 30 in the first partition wall 24. The door 30 is preferably lightweight but constructed in such a manner that it provides protection from blasts but also seals the prefabricated sealed room 12 from the infiltration of unwanted contaminates. Because the walls are of reinforced concrete the entrance is protected by shock proof walls that protect the entrance to the prefabricated sealed room 12. The different components of the prefabricated sealed room 12 should also be synchronized, meaning that the components are put together so well that unwanted contaminates cannot penetrate the room even if sealing materials are not used.

Referring to FIG. 2 through 9, the second sidewall 22 comprises a protective window 32, which is preferably made of steel, and protects sealing window 34 of prefabricated sealed room 12. The sealing window 34 is preferably made of blast proof materials but can be utilized like an ordinary window. The protective window 32 can be included in any of four load-bearing walls, and that portion of the second sidewall 22 defining the passageway 28. The sealing window 34 can be located on the same walls as the protective window 32 such that when the protective window 32 is closed, it further protects the sealing window 34 and prefabricated sealed room 12. Further, the windows 32 and 34 may serve as an emergency exit.

The sealing window 34 and the door 30 include outer frames along their edges. The frames further comprises sealing materials such that when the sealing window 34 or door 30 are closed on the frames, a tight seal that prevents the penetration of unwanted contaminates is created. The outer frame preferably has rubber or other suitable material that will aid in the airtight sealing of door 30. The outer frame aids in the airtight sealing of the prefabricated sealed room 12 when the door 30 and/or the sealing window 34 are shut.

The prefabricated sealed room 12 is accompanied by an air ventilation and filtration system for permitting clean air through filtration and for preventing the circulation of toxic chemical, biological agents or other contaminants. Power, electrical systems and fixtures, and communication systems are concealed in the walls of the prefabricated sealed room 12 and connected to fixtures and systems on the interior of the prefabricated sealed room 12. Sealants may be used around the power, electrical systems and fixtures, and communications systems to further seal the room from contaminants. The prefabricated sealed room 12 is also provided with lift assembly (not shown) so as to add a portability feature to it. However, various designs are also possible with the prefabricated sealed room 12 as seen in FIG. 10.

In an alternative embodiment of the prefabricated sealed room 12 of the present invention, the prefabricated sealed room 12 is built and divided in sections for ease of transportation to the construction site. Once at the construction site, the sections of the prefabricated sealed room 10 are reassembled and the connecting joints are sealed with sealing materials.

As shown in FIG. 11, the prefabricated sealed room 12 of the present invention may further comprise anchoring assemblies such that the prefabricated sealed room 12 can be stacked on top of each other. The anchoring assemblies comprise anchor bolts 36 that are preinstalled during the prefabrication process. Nut 38 are provided to secure the anchor bolts 36 that protrude through a prefabricated sealed room once one prefabricated sealed room 12 is connected to another prefabricated sealed room 12. A steel plate may be used to act as a washer when the nut 38 is used. Holes corresponding to the location of where the anchor bolts 36 would go through are either included during the prefabrication process or made prior to installation.

To install the prefabricated sealed room 12 on-site, initially, the soil of the ground is tested so as to determine the height of the prefabricated sealed room assembly 10 or the number of prefabricated sealed rooms 12 that can be stacked. When done, a first prefabricated sealed room 12 needs to be placed on an onsite poured foundation in the ground followed by placing the other prefabricated sealed rooms 12 one above another as aided by the lift assembly. The prefabricated sealed rooms 12 may be held fast one above another by anchor bolts 36, nut 38, and steel plate 40 as seen in FIG. 11. Epoxy or other sealants may be placed around the anchoring assemblies to prevent the penetration of unwanted contaminates. Sealants may also be used between the prefabricated sealed rooms 12. Other means for stacking the prefabricated sealed room 12 and fastening the prefabricated sealed room 12 in place may also be possible. Further, the windows 32 and 34, the door 30, the filtration system, and etc, may be installed into the prefabricated sealed room 12 during the prefabrication process or after installation of the prefabricated sealed room 12 at the installation site. Finally, the interior of the prefabricated sealed room 12 may be painted, floored, and so on, thereby completing the installation of the prefabricated sealed room 12 onsite. These finishing touches may be completed during the prefabrication process or after the prefabricated sealed room 12 is onsite.

Additionally, while the prefabricated sealed room 12 is shown in an assembly 10 format, the prefabricated sealed room 12 can also be a stand alone building, attached to a building or placed underneath a building. The prefabricated sealed room 12 can also be constructed in various shapes or configuration without deviating from the present.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

While specific systems and methods have been disclosed in the preceding description, it should be understood that these specifics have been given for the purpose of disclosing the principles of the present invention and that many variations thereof will become apparent to those who are versed in the art.

Claims

1. A prefabricated sealed room defined by a floor slab, four load bearing walls, namely, a front wall, a rear wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a ceiling; the room comprising:

a sealing window;

a frame surrounding the sealing window such that when the sealing window is closed, the sealing window and frame forms an impenetrable seal;

a sealing door surrounded by a frame such that when the door is closed, the sealing door and frame forms an impenetrable seal.

2. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, further comprising an anchoring assembly for securing one prefabricated sealed room to another.

3. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, wherein corners of the prefabricated sealed room are synchronized.

4. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, wherein the sealing window is made of blast proof materials.

5. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, wherein the sealing door is made of blast proof materials and surrounded by an outer frame that has sealant materials.

6. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, further comprising a protective window that closes over the sealing window.

7. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 6, wherein the sealing window is surrounded by an outer frame that has sealant materials.

8. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, wherein power and electrical systems and fixtures are concealed in the walls of the prefabricated sealed room.

9. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, wherein the prefabricated sealed room is made of reinforced concrete.

10. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, further comprising a ventilation and filtration system.

11. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 10, wherein the filtration system is capable of filtering toxic chemicals, biological agents, and environmental contaminants.

12. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, further comprising:

(a) a passageway leading into a sealed portion of the room through the sealing door;

(b) a protective window included in any of the load bearing walls, the protective window also serving as an emergency exit.

13. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, wherein communication systems are concealed the walls.

14. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, wherein the prefabricated sealed room is built in sectional pieces.

15. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, further comprising insulation materials.

16. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, further comprising an anchor.

17. The prefabricated sealed room of claim 1, further comprising an entrance protected by shock proof walls that protects the entrance to the prefabricated sealed room.

18. A method for using a prefabricated sealed room of the present invention, comprising:

Placing the prefabricated sealed room on a prepared foundation and securing the prefabricated sealed room to the foundation.

19. The method for using the prefabricated sealed room of claim 18, further comprising stacking additional prefabricated sealed rooms on top of the prefabricated previously placed prefabricated sealed room.

20. The method for using the prefabricated sealed room of claim 19, further comprising:

The installation of windows, doors, filtration and ventilation systems, electrical systems, and communication systems;

Painting the prefabricated sealed room; and

Flooring the floor of the prefabricated sealed room.