US0069383811 United States Patent (20) Patent No: US 6,938,381 BL Villa (65) Date of Patent: Sep. 6, 2005 (51) CATASTROPHIC EVENT SURVIVAL 5306328 A+ 7/1994 Rotnwon arse 'RUCTURE AND METHOD OF S316315 A 121904 Fricke MANUFACTURE Peas eines cares SS2208 A 1/1958 Townley $860,202 8 "1/1990 Johan (76) Inventor: Jorge Enrique Villa, 15195 SW. 108 Ter, Miami, FL (US) 33196 Seana ae Gem cneae sama (+) Notice; Subjectio any dcaimerthe eof his SPSIAGE A O1BE) Pale pate exter ajned under 35, S07712) AAU erin US. 1540) by 18 days chars «a Renter (21) Ap. Nox 10484690 Heras 12a Rope ta ka: Feb. 27,20m2 camais a "yann See ra Gi) mer ou 900; Eosn 1/32 6.260808 BL 72001 Spee et a (3) Usa Sarma s27M4, 827908, Se B= ae Moy sms Sato; seste —eoeare Bt ame Nr | (9) eo Sesh Sams, SARIS BLS Sa My nnn BIE S21798, 79.12, 80.1, 86,1696, 70.11, Ge = Na Rommel a S200 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 69) References Cited wo. ‘WO 88105888 * 7/1988 US. PATENT DOCUMENTS ee sanrs A+ 909 i sya : aamsrmt A= ions Ne 8s Primary Examiner—esnete Chaan Borner A+ loot Roll BN'S Gd) Attorney, Aga or Fran S,Skinberger, Law Bove AS At to ‘Siiot Ome of ran 8 Setnerge, PA Botan A> Yin Ln ms : postiae ape ets me GD) ABSTRACT Sanne A+ Set Gonos ‘oan Sagas Asa Vee SaReNS Acatastopic oven survival sir and method of man 31900992 A * 10/1975 Stachiw 52/215 facture such that the catastrophic event survival structure Soratoo A+ "note Sena "oi32_lnclura monlhc ower shel forme fom a single pour mone A alin sien SS of core an enclosing» sonic nner space teen {Gite A totoay cr izsas? Tae mowliic one sel ofthe eatastophic cen avira 4,299,065 A * LU/S81. Thompson 823816 structure is configured to withsland substantial wind and ees) Ss het 20452 projectile impact forces and includes a door to permit 4672779 A * 6/1987 Boyd S2™4 resealable access to the confined inner space. 4843.78 A * 7/1989 Gavin et al 52/205 : ™ Sime A om Ramet as 19 Claims, 6 Drawing SheetsU.S. Patent Sep. 6, 2005 Sheet 1 of 6 US 6,938,381 B1US 6,938,381 BL Sheet 2 of 6 Sep. 6, 2005 U.S. PatentU.S. Patent Sep. 6, 2005 Sheet 3 of 6 US 6,938,381 B1 8 & N\ & 5 8 ] 2 g 8 ae . 2 = fe x Ry Ni 8 8 g A 164US 6,938,381 BL Sheet 4 of 6 Sep. 6, 2005 U.S. Patent of cs ZAAZ IAN VSS ZFT TSS Py ZZTITANY D\U.S. Patent Sep. 6, 2005 Sheet 5 of 6 US 6,938,381 B1U.S. Patent Sep. 6, 2005 Sheet 6 of 6 US 6,938,381 B1US 6,938,381 BL 1 CATASTROPHIC EVENT SURVIVAL ‘STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1, Field ofthe Invention ‘Te present invention relates generally to safety structures and more particularly 40 a eatastrophie event survival srve- ture configured to withstand substantial Wind aad projectile Jmpact forces in order to ensure the safety of occupants and/or contents located therein 2. Description of the Prior Art [Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tomadoes, and ‘earthquakes, for example, are well known t0 cause tragic, fand many times, preventable loss of life as well as devas” tating, damage to property and valuables. In addition 0 severe weather-related events such as these, however, & myriad of man-made catastrophes regularly lead to severe injury and even death, Such man-made catastrophes range from organized military actions such as artillery fre and bombing activities, o civilian riots, and accidental events including auto and aviation disasters to name a few ilus- trative examples. ‘Many man-made and natural catastrophes sive wind loading, lift, shear, and projectile impact forces and are easly capable of completely destooying all but the ‘most durable habitable sirctures that fll within the zane of| ‘danger. Hurricanes and tornadoes, to focus on two natural disasters, are known to generate wind forces of up to 200) miles per hour and can url heavy debris and projectiles, such as an automobile, for example, ino a structure such as a residential, commercial, or military building with devas- lating and tragic consequences, In the past, a number of shelters have been developed in an effort to protect against personal injury and damage to property and valuables resulting from the effects of natural disasters such as tornadoes. Unfortunately, however, exist- lng solutions have generally focused upon permanently Jocated structures requiring substantial ground clearing and ‘eonsiruction to be done on location, Existing. shelters, ‘unfortunately, lac the requisite strctural integrity to with- ‘stand a severe calamity and compensate for weak structural form by requiring underground instalation, Along these lines, many existing shelters are celatively lightweight and require that a complex andl burdensome anchoring system be implemented to sally secute them ia place. Such anchoring systems have proven very difficult and time-consuming (0 ‘construct and often require anchoring to virgin bedrock in ‘onder fo prevent movement, In an elfort to overcome these deficiencies, a aumber of structures have been formed of high-sitengih concrete. Although these structures are heavier than their Hberglass, ‘steel, and aluminum counterparts, they have not generally been successful in maximizing the design for improved aerodynamic shape, wind and lft force resistance, and projectile impact durability. Existing, concrete. structures have generally followed the building practices prevalent in the construction of ordinary residestial and commercial buildings such as homes, apartments, stores offices, and the like, As such, they ate typically formed with generally right angles atthe comers and edges and utilize a numberof joints formed within the concrete stricture during construction ‘These separately joined areas of conerete are typically the first points of Failie in the event of significant natural of ‘man-made catastrophe and are particularly susceptible to failure during impact. % 2 ‘Many existing concrete structures require that substan ‘ial amount of construction he done on-location and are not readily portable once bull As such, they cannot be deployed ‘quickly and elicently for use in emergency situations sch fs for example, during « military rid or other strategically timed operation where quick response and set-up time for the stricture is eiical Accordingly, there is an established need for a cata- sophie event survival sicture and metbod of manufacture solving the aforementioned problems and configured t0 Withstand substantial wind velocity and projectile impsct forces such as those commonly encountered, for example, during natural and man-made catastrophes s0 a5 to ensure the safely of occupants andi valuables located therein, SUMMARY OP THE INVENTION ‘The preset invention is directed to a catastrophic event survival structure configured to withstand substantial wind fand projectile impact forces such as those commonly encountered, for example, during natural and man-made catastrophes and events including tomadoes, hurricanes, ‘earthquakes, arilery fre, bombing activity, military action, fad allo and aviation accidents, ‘An object of the present invention is 1 provide a eata- srophic event survival structure having a substantially strong monolithic outer shel ‘A further object of the present invention isto provide a catastrophic event survival stecture formed from single ‘continuous pour of eonerete. ‘Yet another object of the preseat invention isto provide 3 catastrophic event survival structure that i aerodynamic in shape: ‘A luther object of the present invention is vo provide a catastrophic event survival sructure that is substantially portable in design and can be quickly and easily deployed ‘where nceded ‘Another object of the present invention is to provide a catastrophic event survival structure that can be configured either below the ground elevation, atthe ground elevation, above the ground elevation, and even submerged under water ‘An wlditional object of the present invention i to provide 4 calasirophie event survival stricture that is formed of feoncrete lacking any joints therein, nollie object of the present invention is to provide 3 catastrophic event suevival structure configured to Withstand {variety of high velocity wind and projectile impact forces, ‘An aldtional object of the present invention i o provide catastrophic event survival Sructure formed as a generally Spherical polyhedron for increased strength and impact usability, Tn accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a catastrophic event survival siructure is provided including 2 ‘monolithic outer shell formed from a single pour of eonezete and substantially enclosing a coafined ianer space therein The monolithic outer shell is formed as. generally spherical polyhedron structured to withstand substantial wind and projectile impact forces thereupon and having. a door to ravide resealable access tothe confined inner space These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from fhe altached drawings and the detailed description of the prefer embodiments, whieh follow. BRIEP DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING ‘The preferred embodiments ofthe invention will herein- ater be described ia conjunetion with the appended drawUS 6,938,381 BL 7 ings provided to illustrate and got to limit the inveatior ‘where like designations denote like elements, and in whick: FIG. 1 is 8 pempective view of the catastrophic eveat ‘survival structure in accordanee with an exemplary embod ‘ment of tbe present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the catastrophic event ‘survival structure in aconrdanee with an exemplary embod ‘ment of the present invention showing a partial eros-section thereof, FIG. 3 isa perspective view of an incomplete catastrophic ‘event survival structure showing the permanent ianer mole ‘surface with the electrical wite and outlet system and aie ‘conduits in place in accordance with an exemplary embod iment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the eatastrophic event survival stricture with the monolithic outer shell partially ‘cutaway to show underlying details in accordance with ab ‘exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG, § isan exploded perspective view of an incomplete sstraphic event survival structure showing the top portion, spacing element, and bottom portion of the remov- thle our mold before it i secured about the permanent finner mold surface in accordance with an exemplary ‘embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a perspective view shoving the top portion, spacing clement, and bottom portion ofthe removable outer ‘mold in place about the permanent inner mok surise. Like reference numerals reer to like pars throughout the several views of the drawings DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Shovwn throughout the figures, the preseat invention is enerally directed towards a eatasteophie event survival structure configured to withstand substantial wind velocity and projectile impact forces such as those commonly ‘encountered during. natural and man-made catastrophes. Such natural and man-made catasizophic events may include, for example, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, meteorite showers, armillary fire, bombing activity, military ‘ction, rots, explosions, an! auto and aviation accidents, to fname a few ilsteative examples, ‘The preferred embostiment of the catastrophic event sur- vival siruture 100 of the present invention is shown in perspective view in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 illustrates the ‘alsstrophie event survival steeture 100 with the door 108, Jn an open position. FIG, 2 isa partial cross-sectional view showing the catastrophic event survival strveture 100 occu pied by users with the door 10S ia a fully closed position, The catastrophic event survival structure 100 includes a ‘monolithic outer shell 150 as showa, The monolithic outer ‘hell may be shaped in any of a wide varetyof shapes and sizes without depasting from the present invention. In the ‘exemplary configuration illustrated inthe figures the mono- lithic outer shell 180 of the catastrophic event survival ‘sirvcure 100 is shaped as a generally spherical polyhedron, 1 will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the generally spherieal polytedson configuration ofthe mono- Iithie outer shell 180 assis in minimizing the total area of ‘each planar surface of the catastrophic event survival strc- ture 100 for increased structural stcngth and impact dura- bility. In the preferred embodiment, the monolithic outer shell 150 will have a generally aerodynamic outer configuration, as shown, 1o minimize the effect of high velocity wind forces diring severe weather conditions. % o 4 Additionally, the generally spherical polyedron configura- ‘ion results in substantially gradual angles between adjoin- ing sides and thereby avoids the typical degree corner tnd right angle edge configuration often associated with susceptible failure regions in conventional stactures, Tn a most preferred embodiment, the monolithic out shell 180 will include a relatively horizontal top panel 110 and a relatively horizootal bottom panel 120 28 shown. A. ‘numberof generally vertical sidewalls 130 wil be included as shown. In-2 most prefered embodiment, total of eight generally vertical sidewalls 130 willbe utilized. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that any ‘umber of generally vertical sidewalls 130 can be included ‘without departing from the present invention. As shown the ‘monolithic outer shell 150 will aso include a number of ‘gencrlly inclined upper panels 112 extending from the lop pane! 110 to the sidewalls 130, Although any number of {encrlly inclined upper pancls 112 may he wllized without ‘parting from the present invention, in a most preferred embodiment, the monalithic outer shell 180 of the eat Sophie event survival structure 180 will include eight generally inclined upper panels 112 ‘As shown, the monolithic outer shell 180 will slso include 4 number of generally inclined lower panels 122 extending from the bottom panel 120 tothe sidewalls 130. Although any oumber of generally inclined lower panels 112 may be uulized without departing from the present inveation, in a ‘most preferred embodiment, the monolithic outer shell 180 of the catastrophic event survival structure 100 will include tight gencrally inclined lower panels 112 Tn the prefered embodiment of the catastrophic event survival structure 100, 2 door 108 will be provided for easy ‘eves into and out of the monolithic outer shell 150, wide variety of different configurations may be utilized for the oor 105. In a most prefered embodiment, one of the generally inclined lower panels 122 ofthe monolithic outer shell 150 may be configured as a door 108 as depicted FIGS. 1 and 2. Altematvely, the door 108 may be formed elsewhere, such as inthe generally horizontal top panel 10 fr bottom panel 120, for example, of the monolithic outer shell 150, Having the door 105 configured i the top panel 110 of the monolithic outer shell 180 may be desirable in instances where placement ia a generally ‘inclined lower ppancl 122 is impractical such as, for example, when the eatasrophic event survival siuctuce 100 is placed substan- tilly underground. The door 108 of the etasteophie event survival structure 100 may be formed from any of @ wide variety of materials without departing from the. present invention. In he preferred embodiment, the door 108 will be ccnsucted from a high strength meta, such as sec, 50 that it is able to resist substantial wind and projectile impact orces. As shown in FIG. 1, the door 103 may be configied {o open via a hinge and be provided with a number of steps 106 on an inside surface to facilitate easier enlty and exit. Additionally, window 108 may be included for use by ‘occupants of the eaastrophic event survival structure 100.1 a window 108 is included inthe door 10S, i will preferably be contigured of a clear yet substantially srong bullelpoot material ‘The monolithic ovter shell 180 ofthe catastrophic event survival structure 100 of the present invention will be Tormed of a substantially strong eonerele mixture to enable itto withstand a varity of high-velocity wind and projectile ‘impact forces without failure. Furthermore, in a most pre- erred embodiment, the outer shell 180 of the catastrophic vent survival stricture 100 will be configured as a single fontinious monolith, As such, ia the most-preferredUS 6,938,381 BL 5 nboviment, there will not be aay joints within the mono= lithic outer shell 150 that ean weaken is siuctuel integrity. Likewise, the monolithic outer shell 150 of the present ‘vention will preferably be formed from one continvous pour of concrete as will be descried in more detail herein. Ina most preferred embodiment, the monolithic outer shell 150 will be generally around a foot in thickness. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, of course, that the thickness of the monolithic outer shell 150 ean vacy con- siderably without departing from the present invention. “The monolithic outer shell 150 ofthe caast survival sructure will preferably bein co Permanent inner mold surface 190 as shown in the figures ‘The permanent inner mold surface 190 will be configured along an inside surface ofthe monolithic outer shell 180 and 's prelerably formed ofa fiberglass material. The permanent inner mold surface 190 plays. an important role in the ‘manofacturing of the eatastrophie event survival structure 100 and willbe described in mote detail herein, As willbe appreciated by those skilled i te art the outer shell 180 ofthe catastrophic event survival structure ofthe present invention may include reinforcing material selec- lively embedded within the concrete mixture for added tensile trea. For example, a quantity of Bberglass rein- forcing material may be added tothe conerete mix in order to increase its tensile strength. Additionally, in the preferred ‘emibadiment, the monolithic outer shell 180 will be rein= forced by steel char 152 evenly dlstributed throughout the catastrophic event survival structure 100 as best showin in FIG, 4. A wide varity of different types of steel rebar 182 may be wllized without departing frm the present iaven- tion, In a most preferred embodiment, the thickness of the steel rebar will ary between "sto % inches throught the catastrophic event survival structure 100. The catasteophie event survival structure 100 of the present invention will preferably include ventilation means ‘configured to provide adequate air circulation in the con- fined space within the monolithic outer sbell 180. In the prefered embodiment, the ventilation meaas will include a ‘conduits 160 extending from inside the catastrophic event survival siructure 100, all the way through the monolithic ‘outer shell, nd opening to the outside environment, In the prefered embodiment, two air conduits 160 will be ullized 4s best shown ia FIG. 3, FIG, 3 is a perspective view of a ‘catastrophic event survival structure before addition of con= ‘role and illustrates one way of placing the air conduits 160, AAs shown, the air conduits 160 permit ai to freely travel from an inner vent 162 to aa outer vent 164 as desiced, The ‘outer vent 164 preferably extends completely outside the ‘monolithic outer shell 180 ofthe eatasteophic event survival structure as depicted in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 isa perspective view ‘of the catastrophic event survival structure 100 with the ‘monolithic outer shell 180 partially cutaway to show details therein suet as placement of the air conduit 160. If desired, the air conduits 160 may be configured for use with 2 ‘conventional blower unit 166, as shown ia HIG. 2, 10 facilitate movement of ar into and out ofthe confined space within the catastophic event survival structure 100, The blower unit 166 may be provided with a fan Tor each a ‘conduit 160, if desited, to. maximize sir citcultion, Of ‘cours, it will he appreciated by those skilled in the act that the air conduits 160 and the blower unit 166 shown are for iustrative purposes only and any of a wide variety of known blower unit 166 and air conduit 160 configurations may be ullized without departing from the present iaven- ‘The catastrophic event survival structure 100 of the present invention may include electrical power means 10 % o 6 provide a ready supply of electrical power, As will be Appreciated by those skied in the art, a wide variety of electrical power means may be utilized for this purpose ‘without departing from the present invention, In the Pre- {erred embodiment, the electrical power means will be an electrical wiring and outlet system including electrical wire 170 and outlets 172 distributed throughout the eatasiophic ‘event survival siucture 100 as best shown in FIG. 3. The cutlets 172 may be conventional outlets having a housing and plug receiving openings therein and sbould be config- lied for easy access Irom within the catastrophic event survival structure 100, In the preferred embodiment, the Cleciriesl power means will he Configured to reoxive poster from an extemal source, such as through a conventional power cord, for example, or through underground or over- Fhead utility power lines. As shown in FIG. 2, a conventional power cord 174 may be ullized to supply external power to the catastrophic event survival structure. Additional, the clecirial power means may also include « back-up battery 176 for use in instances where the primary power supply is interrupted during a catastrophic event such 4s, for example, an earthquake, torado, hurricane, military stike, of other power-interrpting eveat. The catasicophie event survival structure 100 of the present invention ean be configured 1 be portable and ea be utilized in a wide variety of configurations ineluding below ground, atthe ground surface, and in an above-ground elevation without departing from the present invention. ‘Additionally it wil be appreciated by those skilled in the at ‘thatthe catastrophic event survival structure 100 can be easily configured, using koown methods, for use ina variety ‘of applications requiring the structure 100 to be completely submerged under Water. This may be desirable where the catastrophic event survival siecture 100 is utilized, for example, in military naval operations or for marine or ‘ceanoutaphic esearch purposes. In order to assist in trans porting the catastrophic event survival steuetuee 100, bande ‘means may’ be provided. In the preferred embodiment, the Dbandle means wil comprise a umber of rods 138 embedded into the conerete structure ofthe monolithic outer shell 180 as shown in the figures, The rods 138 preferably extend from §& point outside the catastrophe event survival sirature 180 allthe way through fo the permanent inner mold surface 190 0 that they form an integral part of the monolithic outer shell 150. As such, it will be appreciated thatthe rods 138 act as substantially stong handles and ean be utilized to lit te catastrophic event survival Sructure 100 for tansport purposes. Lifting and moving the catastrophic event survival structure 100 can be accomplished in a number of different ‘ways through use of the rods 138 including, for example, utilizing a crane to lift the catastrophic event survival structure 100 through chains secured tothe rods 135.1 will be appreciated by those skilled in the ar that he eaastophi vent survival structure 100 can be quickly and conveniently ‘wansperte, 38 needed, so that itis substantially portable and easy to deploy in emergency situations, such as during 2 public rot, for example, where time is of the essence. Io ‘order to provide a more pleasing aesetie appearance, the rods 138 of the eatastrophic event survival structure 100 may be fited with a decorative cap 136 as shown in the figures. Alternatively, as shown io FIG. 6, an eyelet 138 may be provided to make lifting and iranspoat convenient In the proferred embodiment, elevating. means can be utilized if it is desirable to position the eatasitophie event survival siructure at an elevation above the ground surface. Such an elevation will preferably be sulicient to prevent ‘Water from entering the catastrophe event survival stuctureUS 6,938,381 BL 1 100 in the event ofa significant rise in the water table sue a8 that commonly encountered during s hurricane In the preferred embodiment, the elevating means will ‘comprise 1 number of legs 180 configured to suppor the catastrophic event survival structure 100 as shown in the figures, la most preferred embostiment, four legs 180 will be provided although it will be yppreciated that any number ‘of eer coafigurations may also be wilized without depaet- ing from the present invention, Depending upon specie soil ‘conditions af the placement site, 2 foundation fboting 184 ‘may also be utilized, if deste, to support the Togs 180 as shown in FIGS. 1-2. In the prefered embodiment, the foundation footing, if needed, wll be formed of concrete. ‘The legs 180 of the eatasteophie event survival structure 100 may be formed of any of a wide variety of materials ‘without departing from the present invention. In the pro ferred embodiment, the legs wil be formed of high stent steel Preferably fleas wo ofthe legs will be foemed in & hollow configuration to permit access for electrical wie 170 and air conduits 160 therein, As shown, the ar conduits 160 and electrical wire 170 may be configured to extend outside the monolithic outer shell 180 of the ealasicophic event ‘survival structure 1003s best shown in FIG, 4, IF desired, the ‘condits 160 ancl clectrical wire 170 may extend from the ‘monolithic outer shell 150 and into one of the legs 180 as shown, In most preferred embodiment, the leg 180 wil be provided with a vent-covered opening 142 to permit air to freely enter the leg 180, Air conus 160 may be secured to the interior surface of the leg 180 ta postion adjoining the vent-covered opening s0 that air may freely enter and exit the sir conduits 160, Electrical wiee 170 may extend through the leg 180 to an outlet placed on an external wall of the leg 180 configured to receive electrical power from a coaven= tional power cord 174 as shown generally in FIG. 2 [Now thatthe catastrophic event survival structure 100 of the present invention has been descrived, an illustrative ‘method of manufacturing the structure will be explained. To ‘onder to consinict the catastrophic event survival siucture 100 of the present invention, a mold must first be con- structed that is eapable of receiving concrete sullicient form the monolithic outer shell 180 during one continuous pour of concrete. As discussed previously, itis important 10 ‘minimize joints within the monolithic outer shell 180 that ‘may weaken is structural integriy. Initially, it will be necessary to construct a permanent Jinner moid surface 190 as best shown in FIG. 3. The innet ‘mold surface 190 may be formed of any of a wide variety of known materials and configurations without departing from the present invention. I is important, however, that the permanent inner mold surface 190 isof sufficient strength to ‘withstand tho force of concrete comprising the monolithic ‘outer shell 180 while the concrete is curing, In a most preferred embodiment, the inner mold surface 190 will be formed of fiberglass pancls as best shown in FIG. 3. Once the inner mold surface 190 has been coosteuctd, see rebar 182 can be installed in an evenly distributed manner about the inner mold surface 190 as illustated ia FIGS, 4 and 5. AL this point, te air conduits 160, eleeeical wire 170, and ‘lecrial outlets 172 can be installed as best shown in FIG. 3. As sbown, an inner vent 162 can be provided on the inner ‘mold surface 190 in communication With each of the aie ‘conduits 160 to permit air to enter and exit the confined ‘pace within the éatastrophic event survival structure 100, If desired, an opening for the door 108 may now be cut into the Jinner mold suriace 190, At this point, a removable outer mold surface 200 can be ‘constructed, The removable outer mold surface 200 should % o 8 be positionable a spaced-apart distance around the perma- ‘ent inner mold 19089 as leave a conctete-receiving void therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, the removable ‘outer mold surface 200 includes a separable top portion 210, 4 spacing clement 220, and a separable bottom portion 230 fsbest sown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 5. la FIG. §, the separable top portion 210, spacing element 220, and separable bottom portion 230 ace showa before they are Secured about the permanent inner mold surface 190 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the separable top portion 210, spacing element 220, and separable bottom portion 230 secured about the permanent inner mold surfice 190. As showa in FIGS, 5-6, the separable top portion 210, spacing clement 220, and separable bottom portion 230 may be held ‘ogether by securing means. Although a wide variety of securing means may be wilized, in the preferred ‘embodiment, the securing means includes a bolt 240 and nut 242 extending through openings in the removable outer ‘mold surface 200, The removable outer mold surface 200 ‘may be consiucte from a wide warily of materials without ‘departing from the present iavention. Ta the. preferred embodiment, the removable outer mold surface 200 will be ormed of a high strength metallic material such as steel or sluminum, As shown in FIG. 5, number of rods 138 ean be positioned inthe spacing element as show Inthe prefered tembodiment, the outer surface of the rods 138 will be threaded so as to engage in an opening in the spacing clement 220. Assuch, i will be appreciated thatthe depth of insertion of the rod 138 within the spacing element 220 can be adjusted by selectively tuning the rod within the spacing clement 220. Each ofthe rods 138 will preferably extend inwards from the removable outer mold surface 200 all the ‘way through to the ouside surface ofthe permanent inner ‘mold surface 190. As such, it will be appreciated by those stalled inthe rt tat the cods 138 can be tured, as deste, {o strategically position the permanent inner mold surface 190 within the removable outer mold surface 200. Ia the preferred embeiment,the depth ofeach ofthe rods 135 will be adjusted to generally center the permanent inner mold surface 190 within the semovable outer mold surface 200 so f5 0 leave a generally symmetrical conerete-receiving void {or forming the monolithic outer shell 180 of the cat sophie event survival sirtare 100. nce the permanent inet mold surface 190 and the removable outer mold surface 200 are in place and posi- tioned a spaced-apart distance from each other, the mono- Iie outer shell 180 is ready (© be east. At this point, concrete cin be poured into a top end of the concre receiving void between the inaer mold surface 190 and the fouter mold surface 200. The concrete i then cured for 2 ‘number of days, preferably seven to tea, until the monolithic ‘outer shell 180 structurally sound without the removable ‘ter mold 200 in place. At This point, the removable outer ‘mold 200 is carefully removed and the monolithic ov shell 180 of the eulastrphie event survival steucture is permitted to cure for another 20 days or so, Once the ‘concrete is suliciently cured, the monolithic over shell 150 fay be grinded down, primed, and painted as desired. The Jegs 180 ofthe catastrophic event survival structure 100 may ‘now be secured to the monolithic outer shell 150, as shown in FIG. 1, by utilizing a numberof bolts 186 extending into the monolithic outer shell 180 as illustrated. OF eourse, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any of @ ‘wide variety of other methods may be used to secure te legs 180 of the catastrophic event survival stractare 100 to the ‘monolithic outer shell 150 without departing feom theUS 6,938,381 BL 7 present invention, At this point, the electrical wise 170, ae ‘conduit 160, and oller optional connections within the legs 180 of the catastrophic event survival stucture 100 can be ‘completed and the interior finishing, seating, lighting, and ‘door 105 can sl e sssembled and installed as desited. Any fof a variety of other known accessories may alsa be provided, a6 desired, for added safety, convenience, and ‘comfort with departing from the present invention. Since many modifications, variations, and changes in ‘detail ean be made tothe described prefered embodiments, ‘of the iavention, itis intended hat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying draw= ngs be interpreted as llustrative and notin limiting sense. “Tis, the scope ofthe invention shouldbe determinedly the appended claims and their legal equivalence Telaim 1, A catastrophic event survival siricture, comprising: ‘monolithic concrete outer shell comprising a unitary jintless body having a generally spherically polyhe- dron geometry, said monolithic concrete outer shell further comprising reinforcement members embedded therein and having at least one open section extending therethrough, but olherwise defining «substantially enclosed interior space; ‘at surfaced panels substantially forming the inner shell ‘whieh is used as « mold surface for the outer shell at least one entryway door in sealing engagement swith sid at least one open section t0 provide resealable focess Io ssid substantially enclosed interior space; and Support stand engaging said survival siucture and Configured to maintain said monolithic conerete outer Shella distance above 8 survival steuture-supporting surface. 2. Accatastophic event survival structure as recited in ‘claim 1, further comprising handle means fixedly secured to ‘tid monolithic eonerete outer shell. ‘3A catasrophic event survival structure a8 recited in ‘tsim 2, wherein suid handle means further comprises 3 plurality of horizontally-disposed rods in spaced-apart rela- tion to each other and extending through said monolithic ‘conerote outer shell, ‘4A catastrophic event survival structure a8 recited in plurality of leys secured to said monolithic concrete outer shell. 'S A catastrophic event survival stricture, comprising: janee shell havi geometry; reinforcement members arranged substantially about the inner shells 4 monolithie concrete outer shell sbout the reinforcement ‘members forming an exterior barrier tothe siueture, the inner shell being a mold surface forthe monolithic concrete outer shell, flat plate members substantially forming the inncr shell, ‘whecei the inner shells a mold surface forthe outer shell an opening section through the inne shel, the reinforee> ‘meal members and the outer shell for allowing entry imo the shelter; door for sealingly closing off the opening seeto portion; and Support stad for elevating the structure above a ground ‘surface that the siucture is nat prone toward flood ing. 4 generally spherical polyhedro % o 10 6. A catastrophic event survival structure of el ‘wherein the reinforcement members include: separate longitudinal bar members in arranged in a cage ‘configuration laying over the iver shell so thatthe bar members are imbedded substantially throughout the ‘monalthie eonerete outer shel, 7. A catastrophic event survival structure of claim $, ‘wherein the support stand includes: plurality of legs secured tothe monolithic concrete outer ‘shell foe elevating the structure above the ground ‘Surface so that the structure is nat prone to flooding. 8. A catastrophic event survival structure of elaim 7, further comprising: concrete footers on bottoms of each ofthe legs forming a fooling foundation for the slructure on the ground surface so thatthe legs elevate the structure above the ‘round surface 9.0 catastrophic event survival structure of claim 7, further comprising: 4 conduit within at least one of the legs for protecting and running an air supply and power supply that is con- nected tothe steuctre 10. A catastrophic event survival structure of elaim 1, ‘wherein the inne shell includes inclined upper lat surfaced panels; and inclined lower Mat sursced panels, TL. A catastrophic event survival stucture of claim 1, ‘wherein the outer shell includes: 4 perimeter sueface of fat surfaced shapes, 12, An aboveground catastrophic event survival structure assembly, comprising: ‘an inner permanent mold shell having a generally spheri= ‘al polyhedron geometry shape: «removable upper section substantially encompassing an ‘upper portion of the inner permanent mald shel 4 removable lower section substantially encompassing 8 lover portion of the inner permanent mold shel; «4 pouted conerete material layer loeated between the ianer mold surface and the removable upper and lower sections, the concrete material layer forming a mono- lithic jintless concrete shell shout the inner permanent mold shell; and reinforcement members embedded substantially throvgh= ‘out andl within the conerete material layer, wherein the Siueture assembly is used above a ground surface. 13. A catastrophic event survival structure assembly of claim 12, further comprising an opening section through the conerete material layer and tbe inner permanent mold shell forallowing human, ceniry into the structure; and 4 door for sealing closing off the opening section 14, A catastrophic event survival structure assembly of claim 12, wherein the reinforcement members includes separate longitudinal members forming a eage frame about the inner permanent mold shell 15, A catastrophic event survival strcture assembly of claim 12, further comprising a support stand for elevating the structure above a ground ‘surface so thatthe structure is not prone to flooding. 16, A catastrophic event survival structure assembly of claim 15, wherein the support stand includes: plurality of legs secured tothe monolithic concrete out ‘shell foe elevating the structure above the ground ‘Surface so thatthe structure is nat prode to flooding, 5.US 6,938,381 BL i 17. A catastrophic event survival scare of claim 16, farer comprising: ‘concrete footers on bottoms of each of the legs forming Tooting foundation for the structure on the ground surface so thatthe legs elevate the sructure above the ground surface 18. A catastrophic event survival sicture of claim 16, further comprising: ‘4 conduit within at Least one of the legs for protecting and ‘inning an aie supply and power supply that is con nected to the structure 19. catastrophic event survival structure, comprising: an inner shell hiving a generally sphcrical polyhedron ‘geometry; reinforcement members arranged substantially about the inner shells a monolithic conerete outer shell about the reinforcement members forming an exterior barrier to the stucture, 12 the inner sbell being a mold surface for the monolith ‘concrete outer shell: an opening section through the nner shell, the reinforce ment members and the outer shell for allowing entry into the shelter: door for sealingly closing off the opening section portion; 4 support stand for elevating the structure above a ground ‘surface so that the stavcture is not prone toward AHooding, the supper stand having a plurality of legs secured to the monolithic concrete outer shell for levating the structure above the ground surface so that the structare is not prone to loosing: and 4 conduit within at Teast one of the legs for protecting and running an air supply and power supply that is con- nected to the structure