CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/577,006, filed December 17, 201 1 .

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD [0003] This invention relates to the field of storm shelters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Many geographical locations are particularly susceptible to sudden and dangerous weather changes, such as tornados. In order to shield humans and animals from such situations, households or communities have used

underground storm cellars which usually accommodate four or more persons. To use such cellars, persons open a door which is generally parallel to the ground which leads to a staircase or a ladder, descend into an underground area, and pull the door closed. The people then remain underground until the storm passes.

[0005] While underground cellars are useful, as people have shifted from living in rural areas having plenty of space for underground cellars to city or suburban dwelling, such cellars often are not available in case of a severe storm. Few homeowners have built in safe-rooms, reinforced rooms, or any other type of tornado protection. Most suburban and city dwellers are relegated to huddling in a bathtub and hoping that the room is of sufficient strength to allow them to safely ride out the storm, especially in case a tornado hits and destroys all or part of the home in which they are situated. Mobile home dwellers are particularly susceptible to such storms since their homes are of a lighter weight and can sustain substantial damage in the event of tornados. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is an environmental view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 is side view of an embodiment of the invention with part of the cover portion cut away for illustrative purposes.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention of the pillar support portion with part of the outer cover cut away for illustrative purposes.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view as shown in FIG. 3 with an alternate anchoring method.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of another embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 9 is an environmental view of the invention used in multiple locations of a mobile home park

[0015] FIG. 10 is a partial section view of an alternate embodiment of the outer cover securement.

[0016] FIG. 1 1 is a partial section view of another alternate embodiment of the outer cover securement.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a partial section view of an alternate embodiment of the tensioning device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A personal storm shelter has a cover, pillar support, and a tensioning device. The cover portion has an inner surface and an outer surface and an apex defining a hole. The pillar support has a locking lever slot. The tensioning device has a threaded tension link secured to a locking nut. The pillar support is attached to said cover portion by means of said threaded tension link adjacent said inner surface and said locking nut adjacent said outer surface, wherein said threaded tension link extends up past the top edge of said pillar support and through said hole in said cover portion.

[0019] The tensioning device also has a locking lever and tension links, whereby said tension links and locking lever are serially connected. The locking lever extends through said locking lever slot of said pillar support portion, whereby when the locking lever is moved in a downward motion or into a closed position, it puts the tensioning device in tension and locks said cover portion to the ground by way of an anchoring support. Cover portion thereby protects any objects inside cover portion area from outside influences.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] A device that provides personal storm shelter is disclosed. Said device is used to provide protection from falling or flying items or debris. The device is preferably used during a storm, for example a tornado, where one would seek cover from debris and/or strong winds. The device is a shelter that a user or users can easily store, but quickly retrieve, place over themselves, and lock it securely to a fixed location when needed.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1 , the preferred embodiment of the device 1 is shown in use by a user. The device 1 is anchored down to the ground, as shown in FIG. 2, with the user or users inside. Device 1 comprises subcomponents cover portion 2, pillar support portion 3, and tensioning device 4 (visible in FIGS. 3 and 4). Also evident in FIG. 1 is an exemplary environment for use of the invention.

Exemplified is a typical garage of a suburban home. On the garage wall, a storage hook 105 is depicted and phantom curve 106 which shows the position of device 1 as conveniently stored on the wall by a homeowner when the device is not in use.

[0022] Preferably, said device 1 will be stored close to an anchoring support to which tensioning device 4 is secured by the user. In this case, the anchoring support is not visible in FIG. 1 . One example of an anchoring support is best seen in FIG. 3 as components 42, 43 and 45 which, in the case of the

environment of FIG. 1 would be permanently secured to the garage slab, preferably in an indentation below the surface of the garage floor. For example, the anchoring support can be installed by drilling into the slab and cementing it in position.

[0023] The features of said device and subcomponents are given in more detail in the following paragraphs.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the device 1 with part of the cover portion 2 cut away for illustrative purposes. Cover portion 2 preferably has vent holes 25 to provide a user with more air if the user must stay within device 1 for a long duration. Optional vent hole cover 26 may be used to close vent holes 25 temporarily to keep dirt, dust, or other particles from entering the inside of device 1 . Pillar support portion 3, has a top edge and bottom edge, and defines a lever slot 31 along the surface between said top and bottom edges. Lever slot 31 provides user access to locking lever 41 .

[0025] Optionally, cover portion 2, which has a bottom edge, a top apex, an outer surface and an inner surface, may have support pegs 23 along its bottom edge that are complimentary to pre-drilled holes in the weighted material 100 or ground 101 . When device 1 is in use, support pegs 23 provide added support to device 1 from horizontal forces by increasing the strength of device 1 against shear forces.

[0026] Pillar support portion 3 is attached to cover portion 2 by means of a threaded tension link 48 and a locking nut 46. The threaded tension link extends up past the top edge of pillar support portion 3 and through a hole in cover portion 2 defined by the apex of cover portion 2. Alternatively, the hole in the cover 2 and the connector to the tensioning device may be located on other areas of the cover 2 such as the sides of the cover 2 located away from the apex A locking nut 46 is secured to threaded tension link. Locking nut 46 is normally left in locked position. However, in case users of the device need to be assisted in their egress after locking themselves down to weighted material 100 or ground 101 , locking nut 46 can be removed from the outside so that cover portion 2 can be lifted up from the users by a person outside of the personal shelter The need for this may occur if, for example, structures collapse upon the shelter and other family members or professional rescue personnel must remove debris so that the personal shelter can be lifted up from the users inside.

[0027] In FIG. 3, part of pillar support portion 3 is cut away to show tensioning device 4. Tensioning device 4 preferably comprises a locking lever 41 , tension links 48, adjuster 47, and locking nut 46. The tension links 48, along with locking lever 41 and adjuster 47, are connected to one another in a serial pattern.

Locking lever 41 should be in a location that allows it to coincide with lever slot 31 . When a user pushes locking lever 41 in a downward motion, it puts all components in tension and locks cover 2 to anchoring loop 45 of eyebolt 43 which is in turn secured to anchor 42. This causes the bottom edge of cover 2 to be in complete secure contact with weighted material 100 or ground 101 .

[0028] The anchoring loop may also be a strong type of swivel eyebolt. A swivel eyebolt may be advantageous to allow user to straighten the straps and provide maximum tension. If a swivel eyebolt is used, swivel eyebolt must be able to withstand the tension forces caused by the tensioning system and storm conditions. For example, the swivel eyebolts should have a load capacity of up to 3000 lbs in order to counteract the high winds and updraft wind forces, including wind speeds that exceed 50 to 100 mph.

[0029] Pillar support portion 3 is preferably a cylindrical shape having a bottom and top circular edge which fosters an even distribution of the downward force along the pillar support portion wall. Various shaped cover portions may require the pillar support portion to be shaped differently to similarly provide that even distribution.

[0030] When not in use, only the anchoring loop 45 of anchored eyebolt 43 is visible on the floor or in a recess of the floor. As stated above, the portion of device 1 which consists of cover portion 2 and pillar support portion 3 assembled to one another, is stored by the user in a desired location, preferably near the location chosen for device use. [0031] To utilize device 1 , a user grabs the stored portion of device 1 and places cover portion 2 over his or her head. Grasping hook 44, which extends past the bottom circular edge of pillar support portion 3, the user engages hook 44 through anchoring loop 45 which extends upward from a recess in weighted material 100 or ground 101 . Pillar support portion 3 is then engaged into the recess (or placed on the ground if there is no recess) with bottom circular edge adjacent to weighted material 100 or ground 101 .

[0032] When pressure, whether from the tensioning device or storm forces, pushes cover portion 2 tight with the ground, cover portion 2 may try to flatten. In the process, the bottom edge of cover portion 2 may try to expand outward.

Cover portion 2 may further comprise support pegs to engage the ground and help retain the shape of bottom edge of cover portion 2. If cover portion 2 has support pegs 23, the user will rotate cover portion 2 so that support pegs 23 fall into their corresponding holes in the weighted material 100 or ground 101 .

[0033] The user then assumes a comfortable position in contact with the floor or ground (such as shown in FIG. 1 ) and locks device 1 down over their body. By pushing down on locking lever 41 , tensioning device 4 becomes shortened, resulting in cover portion 2 being pulled tightly down onto pillar support portion 3. This is done by locking nut 46 applying pressure to cover portion 2, which in turn applies pressure to pillar support portion 3 near the top apex of cover portion 2 and to the weighted material or ground along the bottom edge of cover portion 2. A support plate preferably 6 inches in diameter can surround the hole or aperture having the locking nut and threaded bolt combination protruding therethrough. This plate will distribute the force of the tensioning device along the plate area and minimize the chance of the locking nut and threaded bolt combination shearing the cover. Adjuster 47 allows the user to extend or shrink the tensioning device if there is too much slack or not enough when locking lever 41 is closed.

[0034] Another embodiment provides a hook 44 of a specific shape so that when pillar support portion 3 is placed over anchoring loop 45, the user may twist pillar support portion 3 which causes hook 44 to hook into anchoring loop 45. This embodiment provides the user a method and means to connect pillar support portion 3 to the ground without having to locate the precise hook-eye connection.

[0035] The threaded tension links must be made from a material that will not shear or elongate under strong tension loads. Threads must be sufficient to not strip under the same forces or loads. The tension links must be able to hold the cover portion taut with the ground. The tension force needs to exceed any wind or suction forces caused by a storm pushing or pulling on the device.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the ground securing mechanism used in FIG. 3. In this embodiment the weighted material is formed around anchor 42 and anchored eyebolt 43 and installed into the ground 101 . For example, weighted material can be cement which is poured into a form or area of the ground.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the device. In this embodiment, cover portion 2 comprises a first section, having a side edge and a bottom edge, and a second section having a side edge and a bottom edge. This embodiment uses less storage space than the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 .

[0038] There are multiple ways the user may assemble this embodiment. One manner of assembly may be a user putting the pillar support portion in place on the weighted material with hook 44 hooked into anchoring loop 45. The first section of cover portion 2 would be placed with bottom edge adjacent weighted material or ground and with top apex of cover portion 2 located between top edge of pillar support portion 3 and locking nut 46. The user then gets inside the device while putting the second section of cover portion 2 in place in same manner as the first section.

[0039] The side edges of the first and second sections should be adjacent and coincide with one another. Cover lock 28a is then latched onto cover lock counterpart 28b to secure the first and second sections together. The user then secures the device to the ground with the tensioning device 4 as described above. This embodiment may be preferable to a user that has trouble lifting cover portion 2 as one piece. [0040] Another manner of assembling this embodiment is to assemble the first and second sections of cover portion 2 to the pillar support portion 3 as described above before putting pillar support portion 3 in its place on the weighted material. The user then applies the cover portion/pillar support portion combo as described above for the cover portion embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 -4.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the device. In this embodiment, cover portion 2 comprises multiple sections. The multiple sections fan out when creating cover portion 2 and fan closed to prepare for storage. In closed position, the sections appear stacked upon one another and are connected by bolt 46. This embodiment is also advantageous for users with limited storage space.

[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the device. In this embodiment, cover portion 2 is a cone shape. Device 1 is secured to the ground or floor in the same manner as the embodiment described in FIGS. 1 -4. Device 1 can be made from a single sheet of metal which may be formed into the conical shape shown and riveted or welded where the sheet overlaps to hold the shape.

[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the device. In this embodiment, cover portion 2 comprises a bottom section, having a top edge and a bottom edge, and a top section having an outer edge. Pillar support portion 3 is attached to top section. To use, the bottom section is placed in the designated area for the device with the bottom edge adjacent to the ground. The user then climbs into the bottom section from the top while holding the top section. As user lowers him/herself into the bottom section, he or she places the top section of cover portion 2 onto the bottom section of cover portion 2 so that outer edge of top section abuts the top edge of bottom section.

[0044] The user then secures the device to the ground with the tensioning device 4 as described above. This embodiment may be advantageous for a user that has trouble lifting or installing cover portion 2 as one piece. In addition, if desired bottom section of cover portion 2 can be left in the designated area, thus requiring only the top section to be installed during an emergency. The bottom section may be formed in a similar manner to the embodiment described in FIG. 7 above. [0045] Referring to FIG 9, device 1 is shown being used in a mobile home park. A slab subassembly comprising a weighted slab 103 to which an anchoring support is pre-installed may be provided to developers of new mobile home communities or renovators of existing communities or single sites. Preferably, the slab subassembly is provided to every mobile home site. The anchoring support preferably comprises an anchor 42 and anchored eyebolt 43. Most preferably, the weighted slab defines a recess in which the anchoring support is installed so that the slab is generally level with the ground and the eyebolt does not extend above the ground. This recess further provides an area of

engagement for pillar support portion 3 as described above. Owners of mobile homes can then purchase or be provided with device 1 so that in case of a tornado, they may have a personal shelter which engages with the slab subassembly already installed near their home. When not in use, the user may store the cover portion 2 by placing it on a hook on the side on the home.

[0046] In case that there are additional occupants of the home so that a second anchoring site is needed, or in case a slab subassembly is not installed near the home, an anchoring support may be installed in the ground in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 4. In the center of FIG. 9, a second anchoring site is shown in the ground area to the left of the slab subassembly.

[0047] The slab subassembly may also be used as an amenity by the mobile home owners as they may enjoy other uses for the slab when the personal shelter is not needed. For example, a picnic table or other outdoor furniture may be placed on the slab subassembly. As the need for device 1 arises, objects upon weighted slab 103 are removed and device 1 is secured as stated previously above. Weighted slab 103 is preferably a cement or concrete material which will remain in place even when tornados and similar conditions occur.

[0048] A hydraulic system that maintains the ideas of the invention may be used as the tensioning device and providing vertical support for the embodiments in FIGS. 1 -9. As a storm approaches, the user or users get under the cover portion and activate the hydraulic system. The hydraulic system would pull the cover portion down over the users until the cover portion's bottom edge is fully sealed along the ground or anchoring surface.

[0049] FIG. 10 is a section view illustrating an alternative method of maintaining outer lateral expansion of cover portion 2. As described above, when pressure, whether from the tensioning device or storm forces, pushes cover portion 2 tight with the ground, cover portion 2 may try to flatten. In the process, the bottom edge of cover portion 2 may try to expand outward. In lieu of pegs (as described in FIG. 2), the device may employ a ground border 8 which is secured to the ground surrounding the anchoring support. Ground border 8 has an inner perimeter that coincides with the outer perimeter of cover portion 2. As the pressure tries to flatten cover portion 2, the bottom edge presses against the ground border 8 and is unable to extend outward further, thus maintaining the integrity of the cover portion. Before tightening the tensioning device, user will adjust the location of the cover portion until the bottom edge fits snugly just inside the ground border.

[0050] Alternatively to FIG. 10, FIG. 1 1 is a section view that illustrates another alternative method of maintaining outer lateral expansion of cover portion 2. In place of pegs or a ground border, a ground groove 9 is employed. The ground groove 9 is a thin groove implemented into the ground or weighted material that compliments the bottom edge of cover portion 2, meaning the width and perimeter will be the same or slightly larger than the bottom edge of cover portion. As the pressure tries to flatten cover portion 2, the bottom edge presses against the side wall of ground groove 9 and is unable to extend outward further, thus maintaining the integrity of the cover portion. Before tightening the tensioning device, user will adjust the location of the cover portion until the bottom edge fits snugly inside the ground groove.

[0051] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate embodiment to the tensioning device as shown in FIG. 3. The alternate tensioning device preferably comprises tension strap(s) 5, locking nut(s) 46, and anchoring loops 45. One anchoring loop 45 is secured to the cover portion 2 by the locking nut(s) 46. A long eyebolt 43 may comprise the other anchoring loop 45. Eyebolt 43 is secured to an anchor 42, which is embedded in the ground 101 or weighted material 100. The anchoring loop and locking nut combination(s) or any other form of connector(s) are located proximate the apex and/or side of cover 2 with a corresponding eyebolt(s) or any other form of connector(s) located on an anchoring surface. A support plate preferably 6 inches in diameter can surround the hole or aperture having the locking nut and anchoring loop combination protruding therethrough. This plate will distribute the force of the tensioning device along the plate area and minimize the chance of the locking nut and anchoring loop combination shearing the cover.

[0052] The tension strap 5 further comprises a ratchet 51 , a fixed end strap 52, and a tie down strap 53. Both the fixed end strap 52 and tie down strap 53 have 2 short edges and 2 long edges. Fixed end strap 52 has one short edge secured to the ratchet 51 . The other short edge of fixed end strap 52 is secured to a hook or fastener. Tie down strap 53 has one short end secured to a hook or fastener with the other short end fed through ratchet 51 . Preferably the hook or fastener is an S-hook or J-hook as commonly found with ratchet straps as they allow for fast and easy attachment to an anchoring loop, but may include other hooks or fasteners that provide the same function.

[0053] Before operating the ratchet 51 , the user will fasten one of the hook or fasteners secured to a strap end to one of the anchoring loops. The user then continues to fasten the other hook or fastener to the remaining anchoring loop. When completed, one hook or fastener is fastened to the anchoring loop which is secured to the cover portion with the other hook or fastener fastened to the anchoring loop secured to the weighted material 100. When the user operates the ratchet 51 to tighten the tension strap 5, it puts all components in tension. User will continue to operate the ratchet 51 until tension strap is taut. This causes the bottom edge of cover 2 to be in complete secure contact with weighted material 100 or ground 101 .

[0054] Multiple tensioning devices may be used. For instance, multiple connectors may be secured to cover 2 at the apex and/or the sides of cover 2 with corresponding connectors secured to the ground. By providing multiple tensioning devices, the tensioning strength of the invention increases and may also allow increased mobility of the user inside the cover when in use.

[0055] When not in use, only the anchoring loop 45 of anchored eyebolt 43 is visible on the floor or in a recess of the floor (as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4). As stated above, the portion of device 1 which consists of cover portion 2 and tensioning strap 5 is stored by the user in a desired location, preferably near the location chosen for device use.

[0056] To utilize device 1 , a user grabs the stored portion of device 1 and places cover portion 2 over his or her head. One of the hook or fasteners secured to a strap end is fastened to one of the anchoring loops. The user then continues to fasten the other hook or fastener to the remaining anchoring loop. When completed, one hook or fastener is fastened to the anchoring loop which is secured to the cover portion with the other hook or fastener fastened to the anchoring loop secured to the weighted material 100. Cover portion 2 is then adjusted to allow bottom edge of cover portion 2 to remain in a single location. This may be done with pegs (as described in FIG. 2), by placing bottom edge within a ground border (see FIG. 10) or ground groove (see FIG. 1 1 ), or similar manner known in the art.

[0057] The anchoring loops may also be a strong type of swivel eyebolt. A swivel eyebolt may be advantageous to allow user to straighten the straps and provide maximum tension. If a swivel eyebolt is used, swivel eyebolt must be able to withstand the tension forces caused by the tensioning system and storm conditions. For example, the swivel eyebolts should have a load capacity of up to 3000 lbs in order to counteract the high winds and updraft wind forces, including wind speeds that exceed 50 to 100 mph.

[0058] The user then assumes a comfortable position in contact with the floor or ground (such as shown in FIG. 1 ) and locks the cover portion 2 taut with the ground, covering their body. As ratchet 51 is operated, the long edge of tie down strap 53 becomes shorter from the ratchet to the hook/fastener end. This results in cover portion 2 being pulled down tightly. This is done by the tension of tension strap 5 pulling on the locking nut 46 via the anchoring loop 45, which then applies a downward pressure to cover portion 2 near the top apex of cover portion 2. This downward pressure on cover portion 2 allows the cover portion 2 create a tight seal along its bottom edge with the weighted material or ground.

[0059] The ratchet and straps must be made from a material that will not shear or elongate under strong tension loads. The ratchet and straps must be able to hold the cover portion taut with the ground. The tension force needs to exceed any wind or suction forces caused by a storm pushing or pulling on the device. The working load limit is the maximum load capacity that any given component or assembly should be subject to during use. US Cargo Control highly recommends the "working load limit" does not exceed 1/3 the "breaking strength capacity" of the component or assembly being used. An exemplary ratchet assembly with a 2 inch strap has a working load limit of 3,333 lbs. Various strap widths will vary the assembly working load limit ranging from a 1 inch width at 400 lbs to a 3 inch width at 5,400 lbs.

[0060] A hydraulic system that maintains the ideas of the invention may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 as the tensioning device and providing vertical support. The cover portion is connected to the top of a hydraulic system acting as a stabilizing pillar or vertical support. As a storm approaches, the user or users get under the cover portion and activate the hydraulic system. The hydraulic system would pull the cover portion down over the users until the cover portion's bottom edge is fully sealed along the ground or anchoring surface.

[0061] Other devices like a cam buckle may also be used in place of the ratchet as long as it provides a manner of tightening the straps very taut and restrains the straps from loosening other than from user manipulation. A ratchet device is most preferable as it allows any user to fully tighten the tension strap without much strength being exerted by the user.

[0062] The cover portions shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are advantageous for manufacturing ease if using sheet metal. After sheet metal is rolled into cone shape, overlapping ends may be secured to one another by riveting, welding, or other means known in the art. [0063] The cover portions shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8 are advantageous for users that may not be able to pick the device up over their head.

[0064] The cover portions shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are advantageous for users requiring ease of storage.

[0065] An alternative anchoring device may be required if a storm shelter is desired to be mobile, for example by vehicular transports and convoys. An anchoring system would insert an anchor into the ground. After engaging the ground, the system would attach the cover to the anchor using the equipment described in FIGS. 1 -12.

[0066] An example of another embodiment may be used with a picnic table. The cover portion would be large enough to accommodate the table and any users sitting at the table. A hydraulic system may be used to pull the cover portion down enclosing the table and users. When not being used as a storm shelter, the cover portion would serve as a shade provider or rain shelter.

[0067] The hydraulic system on the picnic table embodiment maintains the ideas of the invention. This embodiment employs a hydraulic system acting as the tensioning device and can provide vertical support. The cover portion is connected to the top of a hydraulic system acting as a stabilizing pillar or vertical support. The cover portion may serve as a shade provider or umbrella when not being used as a protection device. As a storm approaches, the user or users get under the cover portion and activate the hydraulic system. The hydraulic system would pull the cover portion down over the users until the cover portion's bottom edge is fully sealed along the ground.

[0068] The tensioning device herein disclosed is not limited to the materials described above. For instance, the tensioning device may use a strap, link, rod, band, hydraulic, or any other mechanism that can maintain a constant tensional force when subject to external compression and tension forces.

[0069] A domed shape cover portion is most preferable for its strength as a dome offers consistent strength across the external surface area of the protection device. Other geometric examples of shapes that may be used are pyramids, trapezoidal, cylindrical or polygonal, but is not limited to those examples as long as the function of the cover is maintained. These shapes may have differing strengths compared to a dome, but may be advantageous in other ways as being more easily manufactured, stored, more easily set up, or may provide other benefits.

[0070] Material used for the cover portion and/or the pillar support portion is preferably a metal. Aluminum is a preferred metal. A 3/8 to 1/4 inch sheet metal is most preferable to allow for strength and still leave the device light enough for the user to move. Other materials that may be used are a polymer composite material like fiberglass or Kevlar®. Kevlar® is advantageous as it is used by the military in ballistic applications and may be better suited to withstand fast flying debris. Materials with similar strength properties so as to withstand impact from falling or fast moving objects may also be used.

[0071] The dome shaped embodiment may be manufactured by pressure molding a piece of sheet metal into the dome shape. This method is

advantageous by adding work hardening to the sheet metal which results in added strength.

[0072] Although not shown in the Figures, a metal plate may be placed along the inner and/or outer sides of the cover proximate to the connector hole to counter increased shear forces near the connector from pulling or breaking the connector through the cover. For instance, the metal plate may be a 6 inch diameter semi- spherical plate, but can be other shapes and sizes such as circular, pyramidal, triangular, square, or polygonal as long as the function of the plate is maintained.

[0073] The vertical pillar support is preferably a material similar to those described above for the cover to support the compression and tension forces exerted during use. The vertical pillar support may also be produced in shapes other than described as long as its function is maintained. Other shape examples for the vertical pillar support as square, rectangular, or triangular cross sections, but the vertical pillar is not limited to those examples. As stated above, differing cover shapes may require the vertical pillar support to be shaped differently to similarly provide that even distribution. [0074] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting.

[0075] Many variations and modifications of the invention disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention.

[0076] Having described the invention, I claim: