Protective shelter

Abstract

Protective shelters for enclosing one or more persons and/or animals are described. A capsule can be a spherical or substantially spherical, water-tight shell surrounding a frame and forming an interior portion which accommodates the one or more persons and/or animal; and at least one sealable entry door configured to seal at least one opening formed in the shell.

1 . A capsule for enclosing one or more persons, comprising:
 a frame;   a substantially spherical, substantially water-tight shell surrounding the frame and forming an interior portion which accommodates the one or more persons, the shell is formed to include at least one opening; and   at least one sealable door configured over the at least one opening in the shell, the door is configured to be opened and closed.   
     
     
         2 . The capsule of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more ballasts positioned in a floor area of the interior portion. 
     
     
         3 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the frame includes a plurality of rollers which movingly contacts an inner surface of the shell to provide for movement of the frame and interior portion relative to the shell. 
     
     
         4 . The capsule of  claim 1 , further comprising a central support post connecting opposite sections of the frame from the floor area to a ceiling area. 
     
     
         5 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein the interior portion includes one or more seating areas for the one or more persons. 
     
     
         6 . The capsule of  claim 5 , wherein the seating areas comprise restraints for securing the one or more persons to the seating areas. 
     
     
         7 . The capsule of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one attachment point formed on an outer surface of the shell, the at least one attachment point is configured to receive a hook, a connector, a restraining device, a tether, or an anchor. 
     
     
         8 . The capsule of  claim 7 , wherein the attachment point receives a cable secured to the ground which acts as a tether. 
     
     
         9 . The capsule of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more light beacons on the outer surface of the shell. 
     
     
         10 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is a substantially spherical frame which comprises a plurality of beams. 
     
     
         11 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein the interior portion includes a pressurized air supply which provides breathable air to the one or more persons. 
     
     
         12 . The capsule of  claim 1 , further comprising a one-way valve formed in the shell to allow discharging air or liquid. 
     
     
         13 . The capsule of  claim 1 , further comprising a viewing window mounted in the shell. 
     
     
         14 . The capsule of  claim 1 , further comprising a base structure upon which the capsule rests in an upright position. 
     
     
         15 . The capsule of  claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises an outer layer and at least one other layer. 
     
     
         16 . A protective shelter, comprising:
 a substantially spherical shell coupled to a frame to form an enclosure for enclosing one or more persons; and   one or more doors providing access to the enclosure through one or more openings formed in the spherical shell.   
     
     
         17 . The protective shelter of  claim 16 , wherein the frame is an exterior frame with respect to the shell. 
     
     
         18 . The protective shelter of  claim 16 , wherein the shell and the one or more doors substantially form a water-tight protection. 
     
     
         19 . The protective shelter of  claim 18 , further comprising at least one one-way valve formed through the shell for expelling air or water. 
     
     
         20 . The protective shelter of  claim 19 , further comprising a water pump for expelling water through the at least one one-way valve.