Storm shelter with integrally formed seamless base

Abstract

An underground seamless storm shelter for use during severe weather. The storm shelter is comprised of a single piece base formed by a rotational molding process and an impervious, steel plate cover that is secured to the base by a method forming a watertight seal. The cover comprises a steel door that serves as the means of entrance into the shelter. In addition, a ladder is attached to the cover to facilitate entry and exit. The storm shelter has a ventilation system that provides fresh air to the inhabitants. The storm shelter is secured to the ground by a plurality of anchors that are attached to the cover.

1 . A storm shelter, comprising: 
 a seamless, integrally formed base positioned substantially below ground;    a cover secured to the base, the cover defining an entryway therein;    a door operatively connected to the cover and positioned to protect the entryway.    
   
   
       2 . The storm shelter of  claim 1  wherein the base is formed of molded plastic.  
   
   
       3 . The storm shelter of  claim 2  wherein the base is formed through a rotational molding process.  
   
   
       4 . The storm shelter of  claim 1  wherein the base is formed of fiberglass.  
   
   
       5 . The storm shelter of  claim 1  wherein the base is comprised of a single wall.  
   
   
       6 . The storm shelter of  claim 1  wherein the cover comprises an impervious material.  
   
   
       7 . The storm shelter of  claim 6  wherein the cover comprises a steel plate.  
   
   
       8 . The storm shelter of  claim 6  further comprising a flange connected to the cover around a perimeter of the entryway.  
   
   
       9 . The storm shelter of  claim 1  wherein the cover is secured to the base by adhesive material.  
   
   
       10 . The storm shelter of  claim 1  wherein the cover is secured to the base by a nut and bolt assembly.  
   
   
       11 . The storm shelter of  claim 1  wherein the door is operatively connected to the cover by a hinge mechanism so the door is movable between an open position and a closed position such that in the open position the door extends outward from the shelter and in the closed position the door covers the entryway.  
   
   
       12 . The storm shelter of  claim 11  wherein the door is supported by means of a gas spring assembly.  
   
   
       13 . The storm shelter of  claim 1  wherein the door is operatively connected to the cover by a track and roller system.  
   
   
       14 . The storm shelter of  claim 1  further comprising a ventilation system adapted to supply fresh air to the storm shelter.  
   
   
       15 . The storm shelter of  claim 15  wherein the ventilation system comprises a covered roof louver.  
   
   
       16 . The storm shelter of  claim 1  further comprising a ladder.  
   
   
       17 . The storm shelter of  claim 17  wherein the ladder is rigidly affixed to the cover and connected to the cover by two chains so that it suspends downward at an angle relative to the cover into the storm shelter.  
   
   
       18 . The storm shelter of  claim 1  further comprising an anchor system operatively connected to the cover.  
   
   
       19 . The storm shelter of  claim 19  wherein the anchor system comprises a plurality of anchors embedded into the ground around a perimeter of the shelter.  
   
   
       20 . The storm shelter of  claim 20  wherein each anchor comprises an auger.  
   
   
       21 . The storm shelter of  claim 20  wherein each anchor is connected to the cover by a steel band.