Safety Shelter

Abstract

The present invention comprises a modular safety shelter including one or more ceiling panels connected to one or sidewall panels which are installed in an existing closet or enclosed space in the interior of a home or other structure. The modular safety shelter includes a safety flange coupled to a door of the shelter. The safety flange allows a user positioned within the shelter to grasp the safety flange and safely close the door without injuring their fingers. The modular safety shelter further includes one or more air vents, locking devices, and a light source for providing light to the occupants within the shelter when the shelter is in use. The modular safety structure is configured and built to withstand severe storm winds, impacts from flying debris and provides a safe enclosure for occupants during a home invasion or burglary event.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A shelter positioned within an enclosure, the shelter comprising:
 at least two sidepanels and a ceiling panel secured together;   a door detachably secured to a sidepanel;   a safety flange secured to the door; the safety flange including an extension portion extending outwardly from the door and a handle portion coupled to the extension portion, the handle portion separated from the door by a gap and extending beyond the edge of the door by a distance.   
     
     
         2 . The shelter of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a lock attached to the door. 
 
     
     
         3 . The shelter of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a fan attached to an interior surface of the shelter. 
 
     
     
         4 . The shelter of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a latch bolt attached to the door. 
 
     
     
         5 . The shelter of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a safe attached to a sidepanel of the shelter. 
 
     
     
         6 . The shelter of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a light attached to an interior surface of the shelter. 
 
     
     
         7 . The shelter of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a door latch/handle guard attached to the door. 
 
     
     
         8 . The shelter of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a vent provided in the door. 
 
     
     
         9 . The shelter of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a vent shield attached to the interior of the door. 
 
     
     
         10 . The shelter of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a flange cover positioned over at least one flange of the shelter. 
 
     
     
         11 . The shelter of  claim 1  further comprising:
 an impact channel attached to the door. 
 
     
     
         12 . The shelter of  claim 1  wherein at least one sidepanel is secured to the existing floor of the enclosure. 
     
     
         13 . The shelter of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a hinge gap plate. 
 
     
     
         14 . The shelter of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a door stop plate.