US20140290555A1

US20140290555A1 - Individual Tsunami Pod

Info

Publication number: US20140290555A1
Application number: US13/851,973
Authority: US
Inventors: Muthu Chezhian
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-28
Filing date: 2013-03-28
Publication date: 2014-10-02
Also published as: JP2014193709A

Abstract

An improved tsunami pod is described herein. In one embodiment, the tsunami pod can comprise a body and a ring fender. The body can comprise a top portion, a middle portion, and a base. The base can be wider than the middle portion, and the middle portion can be wider than the top portion. The ring fender can extend out around the base. In addition, the disclosure discusses a method for offering protection from a tsunami. Specifically, the method can comprise placing a tsunami pod on a coast. The tsunami pod can comprise a body and a ring fender. The body can comprise a top portion, a middle portion, and a base. The base can be wider than the middle portion, and the middle portion can be wider than the top portion. The ring fender can extend out around the base.

Description

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a system and method for a tsunami pod.
Historically, tsunamis have caused many casualties spanning many countries. Since 2000, there have been two very deadly tsunamis recorded: the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami estimated to claims 230,000 and 310,000 of lives and the recent 2011 Pacific Ocean tsunami that caused around 20,000 deaths in Japan. A tsunami is a series of massive waves resulting from a large displacement of overlying water, often caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or underwater landslides.
Over the years experts have tried to determine when and where a tsunami will occur. There are some early warning systems being used to detect tsunamis in advance. One system uses seismic data to determine a possible threat, and sends a warning to the general public. However, within minutes of detection, a tsunami waves can reach a coastline, giving little time for a local community to prepare and to flee to a higher ground or find suitable shelter. Moreover, running to a higher ground or higher structures can be impossible as not every coastline would have sturdy buildings or mountains nearby. Additionally, the danger of tsunami can last for more than an hour and can even occur a few days following its first hit. Therefore, it is imperative that the locals have enough supply of food, water, and emergency kit (such as flashlights, battery, radio, etc.) that can sustain them for days. However, since tsunami can occur rapidly the affected locals may have no time to prepare essential supplies that can help them conveniently survive during and after a tsunami.
Tsunami deaths are mainly caused by direct impact of tsunami flow, drowning at the site of the tsunami, being washed away into the ocean, slamming of bodies onto objects, and collisions with floating debris. To help prevent such occurrences a tsunami pod has been developed. Presently an existing tsunami pod exists on the market. A tsunami pod is a pod that one or more person can enter during a tsunami. The tsunami pod prevents water from entering, thereby preserving life inside.
The spherical shape of existing pods allows for significant movement in all directions. As a consequence the person inside may be jostled significantly, causing sickness and injury. Additionally, existing pods do not provide proper mooring that could prevent a user from being swept out to sea. Further, present systems do not adequately absorb shock and minimize forces exerted on the user or users inside.
As such, it would be useful to have an improved tsunami pod.

SUMMARY

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an external view of a tsunami pod comprising a body, a hatch, a crater, and a base.

FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of an opened hatch comprising a ramp and a hand railing.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross sectional view of a body comprising an outer shell, a middle layer, and an inner shell.

FIG. 2B illustrates compartments within a middle layer.

FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom view of tsunami pod with a connector attached at the bottom center of a base.

FIG. 3B illustrates a mooring system further comprising a mooring line, and an anchor.

FIG. 4 illustrates an internal view of a tsunami pod comprising a four-point harness, and a life jacket.

FIG. 5 illustrates a mid-section view of a tsunami pod showing a set of air intake vent, a set of air outlet vent, a cavity, and a compartment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a tsunami pod resting on a ground before a tsunami hits.

FIG. 7 illustrates a tsunami pod floating on water during a tsunami.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a system and method for a tsunami sheltering pod. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
FIG. 1A illustrates an external view of a tsunami pod 100 comprising a body 101, a side hatch 102, and a top hatch 103. Tsunami pod 100 can be a mobile structure that can be used as a safe shelter by one or more passenger during a tsunami. Body 101 can have a rounded or polygon form, or combination of round edges and straight edges, which can be the main housing of tsunami pod 100. In one embodiment, tsunami pod can be substantially octagonal. Moreover, body 101 can serve as a protective shell from the outside environment during a tsunami. Body 101 can comprise a top portion 101 a, a middle portion 101 b, and a bottom portion 101 c. Body 101 can have a narrow perimeter that gradually gets wider from top portion 101 a to bottom portion 101 c. In one embodiment, body 101 can have a conical shape. The form of body 101 can ensure that tsunami pod 100 can be self-up righting during a tsunami. Additionally, top portion 101 a can have more buoyancy while bottom portion 101 c can have more mass to ensure that tsunami pod 100 can maintain lower center of gravity. Since, bottom portion 101 c has more weight this can prevent tsunami pod 100 from being heaved or turned over by the waves. Furthermore, the wide bottom portion 101 c can ensure that tsunami pod 100 can provide an inherent hydrodynamic stability, reducing the constant motion and impact experienced by the user of the tsunami pod 100. Bottom portion 101 c can be filled or ballasted to help tsunamis pod 100 float and to enhance its stability. Since bottom portion 101 c can be the portion of body 101 that has the widest perimeter and is at the level of the water surface, bottom portion 101 c is the portion of the body most likely to collide with debris and structures. As such, bottom portion 101 c can comprise a ring fender 112 made up of elastic materials such as recycled tires and/or rubbers that scan deflect any debris or blockage before bumping into body 101. Such characteristic can be used to absorb some of the force from a collision thus, reducing direct impact and preventing damage to body 101.
The round or high order polygon shape (ideally five or greater) of body 101 can ensure that tsunami pod 100 does not get stuck and/or trapped between any large floating objects or structures. This shape can also reduce wind loads and water loads during a tsunami.
Side hatch 102 can be an entrance and/or an exit from tsunami pod 100. Side hatch 102 can have a watertight design to ensure that no water can pass through side hatch 102 into tsunami pod 100. Side hatch 102 can be fastened at bottom portion 101 c and opens downward. As such, side hatch 102 can be pulled from the top and drag it towards the ground through a handle 105. Handle 105 can allow a passenger to easily open and access tsunami pod 100.
Top hatch 103 can be an opening at the top of body 101 that can serve as an extra opening in case side hatch 102 is obstructed or in case tsunami pod 100 drifts of to the sea. Furthermore, top hatch 103 can be a safe opening for a passenger when sending distress signals and/or flares. Additionally, aircraft rescuers can have an easier access through top hatch 103 as it provides a fast and safe exit point from above. Top hatch 103 can further comprise a canopy 106 that can serve as a sun screen cover for top hatch 103. As such, canopy 106 can be installed above top hatch 103 and attached through a fastener such as tow lugs. Top hatch 103 can further comprise of one or more recessed pad-eye 107. Pad-eye 107 can serve as hand support as a person tries to access and/or escape through top hatch 103. Pad-eye 107 can be an attachment point used by rescuers for temporarily attaching tsunami pod 100 with rescue transport such as helicopters and ships.
Further, body 101 can comprise a window 108 placed in middle portion 101 b. Window 108 can be a small sealed orifice made of unbreakable transparent material such as fiber glass, and hard plastics. Window 108 can be impact resistant and made of thick wall glass, which is fully recessed into the walls of body 101. Furthermore, window 108 can serve as small viewing window that allow passage of light and gives the survivor an option to view the condition or see what's happening outside of the tsunami pod 100.
Base 104 can be a platform wherein body 101 rests. In one embodiment base 104 can be made up of heavy materials that can stabilize and ensure that tsunami pod 100 is kept afloat. Base 104 can further connect to a mooring system 109. Mooring system 109 can comprise of several devices that can be used for keeping tsunami pod 100 floating within the mooring area.
FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of an open side hatch 102 comprising a ramp 110 and a hand railing 111. In one embodiment, ramp 110 can be a series of recessed portion at the inner surface of side hatch 102. In such embodiment, ramp 110 can be used as stairs to access tsunami pod 100. In another embodiment, ramp 110 can be a series of protruding portion at the inner surface of side hatch 102. Hand rail 111 can be a device that a passenger can grasped on while ascending or descending to or from ramp 110. During a tsunami, hand rail 111 can provide support and stability to a passenger accessing tsunami pod 100. In one embodiment, ramp 110 can comprise rubber or other high friction material that can prevent or minimize the risk of a passenger from slipping on ramp 110.
FIG. 2A illustrates a cross sectional view of body 101 comprising an outer shell 201, a middle layer 202, and an inner shell 203. Outer shell 201 can be the exterior layer that covers body 101 of tsunami pod 100. Outer shell 201 can be made of light, durable, waterproof, and thermoplastic materials such as corrugated polypropylene, corrugated high density polyethylene, or polyurethane sheet. Outer shell 201 can be abrasion and tear resistant, therefore reducing possible wearing and damage that can help in prolonging service life of tsunami pod 100. Moreover, outer shell 201 can be weather resistant that can withstand general weather conditions. Additionally, outer shell 201 can have high dielectric or resistive properties, which ensures that an electric charge does not flow through, thus protecting people inside tsunami pod 100 from electrical accidents. Furthermore, outer shell 201 can be elastic to minimize the load that gets transmitted to middle layer 202 and inner shell 203. In one embodiment, exterior surface of outer shell 201 can be painted in bright colors such as yellow or orange to make easily visible. As such, rescue vehicles which includes but are not limited to aircrafts, helicopters, and ships can easily see tsunami pod 100.
Middle layer 202 can be made up of resilient materials, which can include but are not limited to foam, fiber pouches, or simply air. In any of these embodiments, middle layer can comprise compartments 204. Middle layer 202 can also be the section that provides the desired buoyancy to tsunami pod 100. Furthermore, middle layer 202 can be used for sound and/or vibration dampening. These properties can aid in calming and lessening ear strain, headaches, and/or stress experienced by people inside tsunami pod 100. Middle layer 202 can also dampen shock impulses, which helps in dissipating kinetic energy from wave motions. Moreover, middle layer 202 separates outer shell 201 and inner shell 203, which can prevent and/or reduce malfunctions and damage from corrupting inner shell 203.
Inner shell 203 can be the interior layer of body 101. Inner shell 203 can be made of light materials that have high resistance to deformation such as steel, aluminum, or fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP). Moreover, inner shell 203 can last longer and requires less maintenance. Further, multiple watertight compartments 204 can be created in nodes wherein outer wall and inner wall are connected that also serves as an additional protection during a collision. Top portion of inner shell 203 can also be installed with LED light fixtures to ensure that enough lighting is provided within tsunami pod 100.
FIG. 2B illustrates an close-up view of middle layer 202 that can comprise a plurality of compartments 204. Outer shell 201 and inner shell 203 can be connected such that they create watertight compartments 204. Compartments 204 can be within middle layer 202, which can allow tsunami pod 100 to stay buoyant in the event outer shell is punctured. Compartments 204 can very size from small, as shown in FIG. 2B, to larger compartments, such as entire sides of body 101.
FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom view of tsunami pod 100 with a connector 301 attached at the bottom center of base 104. Connector 301 can be a device that securely fastens tsunami pod 100 with a support structure. To ensure that tsunami pod 100 can move and rotate freely, connector 301 can be a swivel connector such as a bow eye swivel. As such, connector 301 allows tsunami pod to rotate horizontally and within a support structure.
FIG. 3B illustrates mooring system 110. Along with connector 301, mooring system 110 can further comprise a mooring line 302, and an anchor 303. Mooring line 302 can be a cable device such as steel wire rope that can be used to connect tsunami pod 100 with anchor 303. As such, one end of mooring line 302 can be fastened to connector 301 providing tension at base 104, while the other end can be attached to the ground through anchor 303. Moreover, length of mooring line 302 can be long enough to provide safety margins and flexible to move above water. Mooring line 302 can also allow tsunami pod 100 to move freely thus loads from impacts can be minimized.
Anchor 303 can be a device that is used to temporarily affix tsunami pod 100 to the seabed. Tsunami pod 100 can use various type of burying anchor which can include but are not limited to fluke anchor, hinged plow anchor, claw anchor, and/or any conventional maritime anchor. Type of anchor 303 that can be used varies depending on the location of tsunami pod 100. Such types of anchor 303 can have a compact flat design and can be light weight so it can be easily retrieved and stored when needed. Anchor 303 can be pre-installed at site or optionally could be deployed at will, when required at the time of tsunami. When a current or a wave is encountered during a tsunami, tsunami pod 100 can resist movement accordingly with anchor 303.
FIG. 4 illustrates an internal view of tsunami pod 100 comprising a harness 401, and a life jacket 402. In one embodiment, harness 401 can be a four-point harness. Harness 401 and life jacket 402 can be installed on the walls of inner shell 203. In another embodiment, the harness 401 can be installed on the inside base, for the passenger to lie down with their back on the inside floor. Harness 401 can be a safety device used to secure a passenger against harmful movements caused by a collision. Harness 401 can provide a passenger a strap to hold on to and a strap for securing himself within tsunami pod 100. Life jacket 402 can be visible and readily accessible for a passenger to grab onto in case of emergency.
FIG. 5 illustrates a mid-section view of tsunami pod 100 showing a set of air intake vent 501, a set of air outlet vent 502, a cavity 503, and a storage 504. Air intake vent 501 can allow fresh air to flow inside tsunami pod 100. As such, air intake vent 501 can ensure that enough oxygen or airflow is supplied within tsunami pod 100. Moreover, air intake vent 501 can help regulate the temperature in tsunami pod 100. Air outlet vent 502 can prevent air pressure build up in tsunami pod 100. Air outlet vent 601 and air outlet vent 502 can be installed at top portion 101 a, in diametrically opposite ends with some small height difference to ensure natural circulation of air. Moreover, air outlet vent 501 and air outlet vent 502 does not permit water to flow inside the vent.
Cavity 503 can be the empty space created within inner shell 203. Cavity 503 can serve as a passengers sitting area. As such inner shell 203 can comprise of padding 505. Padding 505 can provide protection and comfort for the passenger of tsunami pod 100. As such, padding 505 can be made up of light, soft, and/or pillow material such as felt, feathers, fabrics, and/or wool.
Storage 504 can be a commode within bottom portion 101 c. Storage 504 can further comprise a door 506. Door 506 can be a movable panel that serves as a barrier device in providing access to storage 504. Door 506 can employ different closure and/or lock mechanism. For purpose of this disclosure, lock system mentioned herein can use various mechanisms that can allow door 506 to close and/or open storage 504. In one embodiment, door 506 can use a hinged door mechanism. In such embodiment, a fastener device such as a hinge can enable door 506 to swing closed and/or open. In another embodiment, door 506 can utilize a sliding door mechanism. A track and guide system can be utilized to allow door 506 to slide open. The space within storage 504 can be used for housing of food, water, batteries, medical and/or emergency supplies. Storage 504 can be large enough to stock survival supplies, which can be good for a passenger and can last for at least three days.
FIG. 6 illustrates a tsunami pod 100 resting on a ground 601 before a tsunami hits. Warning signs and signals such as the water 602 pulling away from the shore leaving a wide expanse of seabed can be a way to detect tsunami minutes before a tsunami hits. This gives enough time for people to get away and run into tsunami pod 100. As such, tsunami pod 100 can be moored to ground 601 near the owner's vicinity. Thus, when tsunami hits the passengers can easily access tsunami pod 100. Tsunami pod 100 can be large and comfortable enough to carry a passenger.
FIG. 7 illustrates a tsunami pod 100 floating on water 602 during a tsunami. Tsunami pod 100 can stay afloat on water 602 and stay safely moored to the ground 601 through mooring line 302 and anchor 303. Moreover, tsunami pod 100 can be capable of minimizing loads during an earthquake due to tsunami pod 100 light weight structure. Since, tsunami pod 100 floats freely above water 602 impacts on floating debris are minimized. Once the tsunami retreats and the water recedes, tsunami pod 100 can be capable of staying in an upright position and rest on ground 601.
Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”

Claims

1. A tsunami pod comprising

a body comprising a hatch, said hatch configured to provide access to a cavity within said body, said body further comprising a top portion, a middle portion, and a base, said base wider than said middle portion, and said middle portion wider than said top portion; and

a ring fender surrounding said base.

2. The tsunami pod of claim 1 wherein bottom portion of said body is ballasted.

3. The tsunami pod of claim 1 wherein bottom portion of said middle portion comprises a plurality of compartments.

4. The tsunami pod of claim 1 wherein said hatch opens downward, further wherein inner surface of said hatch comprises a ramp.

5. The tsunami pod of claim 1 wherein said body further comprising

an inner shell

a middle layer that surrounds said inner shell; and

an outer shell that surrounds said middle layer.

6. The tsunami pod of claim 5 further comprising padding attached to said inner shell.

7. The tsunami pod of claim 5 further comprising

8. The tsunami pod of claim 5 wherein said middle layer dampens sound

9. The tsunami pod of claim 5 wherein said middle layer comprises a vibration dampening material.

10. The tsunami pod of claim 5 wherein said outer shell comprises a waterproof material.

11. The tsunami pod of claim 1 wherein said base is substantially octagonal.

12. The tsunami pod of claim 1 wherein said mooring system comprises

a connector attached at the bottom of said base;

a mooring line, wherein top end of said mooring line mateable said connector; and

an anchor attached at bottom end of said mooring line.

13. The tsunami pod of claim 1 wherein said base comprises a storage area.

14. The tsunami pod of claim 1 wherein said body comprises one or more air vents.

15. A method of offering protection from a tsunami, comprising the step of

placing a tsunami pod on a coast, said tsunami pod comprising

a ring fender surrounding said base.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step

mooring said tsunami pod to a surface with a mooring system, said mooring system comprising

a connector that connect to the bottom of said base of said tsunami pod;

an anchor that can be driven into said surface; and

a mooring line that connects said anchor to said connector.