Secure storm container

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatus and methods for protecting valuables during a storm or other natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado by securing such valuables in a containment unit that an owner leaves behind in the wake of the oncoming storm. In one aspect of the present invention, the containment unit is designed to withstand the impact of the storm via a heavily constructed containment unit that includes multiple layers of waterproofing. In another aspect of the present invention, the containment unit is designed to be bolted deeply into the floor or foundation of a home or business for the purpose of keeping the containment unit in place during the ravages of the storm.

1 . An apparatus for protecting articles comprising:
 a case for containing said articles;   a lid coupled to said case; and   at least one extension including at least one extension aperture, said extension coupled to said case to facilitate securing of said apparatus to a slab.   
   
   
       2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 at least one bolt for securing said apparatus to said slab, wherein said at least one bolt passes through said at least one extension aperture.   
   
   
       3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one bolt is a stainless steel cement bolt. 
   
   
       4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said extension is a wing. 
   
   
       5 . A method for protecting articles from a storm or other natural disaster and the byproducts thereof comprising the steps of:
 securing at least one containment unit to at least one slab;   placing said articles in said at least one containment unit; and   closing said at least one containment unit.   
   
   
       6 . A method according to  claim 5 , wherein said securing includes:
 passing at least one bolt through at least one aperture in said containment unit into said at least one slab; and   securing said at least one bolt to said slab.   
   
   
       7 . A method according to  claim 6 , wherein said at least one bolt is a stainless steel cement bolt. 
   
   
       8 . An apparatus for protecting articles comprising:
 a case for containing said articles; and   a lid coupled to said case;   wherein said apparatus protects said articles from a storm or other natural disaster and the byproducts thereof.   
   
   
       9 . An apparatus according to  claim 8  further comprising:
 at least one waterproof hinge for coupling said lid to said case.   
   
   
       10 . An apparatus according to  claim 8  further comprising:
 at least one latching mechanism.   
   
   
       11 . An apparatus according to  claim 10 , said latching mechanism further comprising:
 at least one latch; and   a sliding security bar;   wherein said sliding security bar passes through at least one latch aperture for the purpose of holding said lid adjacent said case to prevent opening of said lid with respect to said case.   
   
   
       12 . An apparatus according to  claim 8  further comprising:
 at least one lock for locking said lid in a closed position relative to said case.   
   
   
       13 . An apparatus according to  claim 8  further comprising:
 at least one gasket located adjacent an external surface of said case and surrounding a perimeter of said external surface;   wherein said gasket forms a watertight seal between said case and said lid.   
   
   
       14 . An apparatus according to  claim 8  further comprising:
 at least one first lip coupled to said lid; and   at least one gasket located adjacent an external surface of said case and surrounding a perimeter of said external surface;   wherein said at least one first lip forms a watertight seal with said at least one gasket.   
   
   
       15 . An apparatus according to  claim 8 , further comprising:
 at least one second lip coupled to said lid; and   at least one groove within said case;   wherein said at least one second lip rests within said at least one groove when said lid is in a closed position relative to said case.   
   
   
       16 . An apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein said at least one groove is at least partially filled with at least one foam. 
   
   
       17 . An apparatus according to  claim 8  further comprising:
 at least one liner.   
   
   
       18 . An apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of at least one wall of at least one of the group consisting of said lid, said case, and combinations thereof is a double wall. 
   
   
       19 . An apparatus according to  claim 18 , wherein said double wall is a double steel wall. 
   
   
       20 . An apparatus according to  claim 18 , wherein at least a portion of said double wall is at least partially filled with foam. 
   
   
       21 . An apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of said lid, said case, and combinations thereof is constructed from at least one of the group consisting of heavy gauge steel, aluminum, high impact plastic, and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       22 . An apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of at least one of the group consisting of said lid, said case, and combinations thereof is constructed from at least one rust-resistant material.