GB525119A - Improvements in air-raid and like shelters - Google Patents

Abstract

525,119. Blast-proof shelters and buildings. BARTLETT, B. G. W. Nov. 17, 1938, No. 33456. [Class 20 (i)] A building for use as an air-raid shelter or to withstand earthquake shocks is formed with a convex undersurface and a low centre of gravity so as to roll or rock freely on a supporting surface. In one form, as shown in Fig. 1, the building 20 is formed of metal of spherical shape and is loaded at its bottom portion with concrete 22. A central cylindrical chamber 23 is formed internally for use, as a storage space to hold living and supply means and airconditioning apparatus, and this chamber is surrounded by tiers of seats 24 on which the occupants dispose themselves during air-raids. The structure is supported in concave recess 28 of larger radius of curvature than the structure or may be placed upon a specially prepared hardened surface of steel and concrete. A platform 25 to support a gun and crew may be provided near the top of the shelter. In a modification, the sides may be covered with concrete or enclosed sand-bags and bulges may be disposed at the lower portions of these sides in which bushes may be planted to camouflage the building. In a further modification, Fig. 4, the structure is of conical formation formed of concrete 62 and lined inside and outside with steel 63 and 56, respectively. Entrances 60 are also provided and the interior is provided with ventilation apertures 61 and may be subdivided. The outer surface of the shelter may be covered with a resilient skin of rubber and the upper portion formed as a water storage chamber so that if the skin is perforated the water will operate to extinguish fires in the vicinity.