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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the present invention refers to a modular shelter for protecting occupants during bad weather events.

BACKGROUND

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular storm shelter capable of withstanding extreme winds without overturning.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a modular shelter embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a partial perspective view of a unit of a modular shelter embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a unit of a modular shelter embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an elevational view of a component of a modular shelter embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a partial perspective view of a modular shelter embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a partial perspective view of a modular shelter embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a modular shelter embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a partial perspective view of a unit of a modular shelter embodying features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ½ inch to about 1½ inches in thickness, and the floor of each module 14 is at least about 1½ 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 1½ inches in thickness. Preferably, the roof of the node 12 is about ½ inch to about 1½ inches in thickness, and the floor 26 of the node 12 is at least about 1½ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ½ 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 ½ inch thick.