Modular room fortification system for storm protection

Abstract

The invention is of a modular storm and earthquake shelter system and method fabrication thereof, which invention depends from the assembly of a metal sheet clad cage-like structure made from prefabricated panels and ancillary components which are selected to contribute to a structure which essentially becomes a lining of the interior surfaces of an existing room of an existing structure (a closet in most instances).

I claim:  
     
         1 . A modular shelter comprising: 
 a plurality of panels, each said panel having attachment means for attachment to other said panels for assembly of said plurality of said panels as an enclosure, each said panel being configured as a grid of structural members;    each said panel having a cladding material affixed thereto to provide a substantially solid outer surface;    at least one of said panels having an orifice defined in the structure thereof for admitting persons or objects therethrough after said assebly.    
     
     
         2 . The modular shelter of  claim 1  wherein said attachment means comprise: 
 a plurality of bolt holes passing said structural members of each said panel, and being positioned in each said panel whereby a bolt may pass from one said panel to another said panel when said panels are aligned for said assembly;  
 a plurality of bolts sized and shaped for passage through said bolt holes;  
 a plurality of nuts secured to said structural members adjacent to one of said bolt holes for each pairing of two adjacent bolt holes of two adjacent said panels when positioned for said assembly, said nuts positioned for threadingly receiving one of said bolts as said one of said bolts passes through said bolts holes for joining two said panels.  
 
     
     
         3 . The modular shelter of  claim 1  wherein each said panel is configured as a substantially parallel array of metallic bars secured in position by a frame member, each said frame member of each said panel having bolt holes positioned for alignment with said bolt holes of said frame member of an adjacent said panel for receiving bolts therethrough for securing said panels in an assembled configuration of said panels.