Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective capsule for one or more persons and/or animals. In particular, the present invention relates to a protective capsule for protecting one or more persons and/or animals from natural or man-made disasters such as earthquakes, fire, floods and other physical or chemical impacts.

Background

[0002] Shelters such as houses are designed to protect the inhabitants from various weather- related elements, including wind, rain and heat from sun exposure. However, this type of shelter is typically inadequate to protect persons or animals from natural or man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, tsunami, hurricanes, bush fires or other physical or chemical threats, such as may be present during war or a terror attack.

[0003] It would therefore be advantageous if at least an embodiment of the present invention provided a protective capsule suitable to accommodate one or more persons and/or animals to protect from at least some external impacts due to natural or man-made disasters.

[0004] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which have been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0005] Throughout the specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Summary

[0006] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a protective capsule for one or more persons, the protective capsule comprising: first metal walls defining an inner space for enclosing the one or more persons; second metal walls, the first metal walls and the metal second walls being arranged to define a space between the walls; a cover covering an outer surface of the second metal walls of the protective capsule, the cover comprising at least a fire-resistant layer defining an outer surface of the protective capsule, and a liquid absorbing layer; and a liquid delivery system; wherein the protective capsule is configured such that in use the liquid delivery system delivers liquid to be absorbed by the liquid absorbing layer of the cover.

[0007] In an embodiment, the space between the first metal walls and the second metal walls is configured as a vacuum. Specifically, a pressure within the defined space is lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0008] In an embodiment, the protective capsule may be portable. For example, the protective capsule may comprise one or more lifting elements provided on the outer surface of the protective capsule. The lifting elements may be attached to the second metal walls and/or a suitable frame of the protective capsule. During natural disasters such as flooding or bush fire, rescue operators may use heavy machinery such as cranes to recover the protective capsule by attaching the machinery to the one or more lifting elements.

[0009] In an embodiment, the cover may be flexible. Specifically, the cover may form a wrap enclosing at least parts of the outer surface of the second metal walls. In one particular example, the cover is configured to cover the entire outer surface of the second metal walls of the protective capsule.

[0010] In an embodiment, the liquid delivery system comprises a slow-release mechanism for releasing liquid into the liquid absorbing layer. For example, the liquid delivery system may utilise a wicking process or capillary motion to transfer liquid into the liquid absorbing layer. In a specific example, the liquid delivery system may comprise one or more of: a spray nozzle, a release valve, a micro channel. [0011] In a specific embodiment, the liquid delivery system comprises a membrane for holding liquid, wherein the membrane is attached to the liquid absorbing layer by way of stitches that release liquid from the membrane to the liquid absorbing layer. In a specific embodiment, the stitches are arranged to define a path for the liquid within the membrane. For example, the stitches may be arranged to define a serpentine path for the liquid within the membrane.

[0012] The protective capsule may comprise an inlet for connecting a liquid source to the liquid delivery system. For example, the protective capsule may be connectable to a water tap or the like. The liquid source may be connected to the inlet of the protective capsule via a hose. In a specific embodiment, the hose and other components for providing liquid to the liquid delivery system of the protective capsule may comprise a substantially heat resistant cover or are made of a substantially heat resistant material.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the protective capsule may comprise a liquid storage for storing liquid, such as a container or a water tank, wherein the liquid storage is in fluid communication with the liquid delivery system. In one specific example, the protective capsule may be connected to a liquid source, such as a water tap, and additionally comprises a liquid storage that can be accessed in case the connection to the liquid source is impacted.

[0014] In an embodiment, the protective capsule may comprise a liquid actuator for providing liquid to the liquid delivery system, such as for filling the membrane. The protective capsule may be configured to continuously provide liquid to the liquid delivery system. The liquid actuator may be any suitable actuator, including an automatic, semi-automatic or manual actuator. For example, the liquid actuator may be positioned within the inner space of the protective capsule such that the one or more persons within the inner space can control the provision of liquid. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator may be in communication with a sensor for determining a trigger condition, such as a pre determined temperature. When the sensor detects a temperature that exceeds the pre-determined temperature, the actuator may automatically actuate the provision of liquid to the liquid delivery system and/or from the liquid delivery system to the liquid absorbing layer.

[0015] In an embodiment, the liquid absorbing layer comprises cotton. In a specific embodiment, the liquid absorbing layer comprises a heat resistant fibre, such as Kevlar. Flowever, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that other natural and synthetic fibres are envisaged that are able to absorb liquid provided by the liquid delivery system. [0016] In one embodiment, the liquid delivery system defines a layer and the cover comprises an additional liquid absorbing layer that is positioned such that the liquid delivery system is sandwiched between the two liquid absorbing layers.

[0017] Additionally, the cover may comprise a further fire-resistant layer, wherein the two fire- resistant layers define the outer layers of the cover, the liquid delivery system defines a core of the cover and each of the liquid absorbing layers is positioned between one of the fire-resistant layers and the liquid delivery system.

[0018] In an embodiment, the protective capsule comprises a container of liquid air to provide breathable air to the inner space of the protective capsule. The liquid air container may be positioned between the first and second metal walls and/or within the inner space defined by the first metal walls.

[0019] The container may contain sufficient liquid air to provide breathable air to the one or more persons and/or animals within the protective capsule for a few days. For example, the container may have a volume ranging from 1001 to 5001 to provide breathable air for 1 to 7 days depending on the number of persons and/or animals within the protective capsule. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable volume of the liquid air container is envisaged.

[0020] In an embodiment, the protective capsule may comprise an air outlet for emitting air from the inner space. The air outlet may be in the form of a relief pipe system with a one-way valve. Additionally or alternatively, the protective capsule may comprise an air inlet. For example, the air outlet may also be configured as an air inlet such that air can be exchanged between the inner space and an exterior space. The air inlet may further comprise a filter for filtering air flowing into the inner space of the protective capsule.

[0021] In one example, the air inlet and/or air outlet may be closable. For example, the protective capsule may comprise an air quality sensor for determining an air quality in the proximity of the air inlet / outlet. The air inlet may be configured such that the air inlet only opens if the air quality meets a predetermined threshold.

[0022] In an embodiment, the protective capsule comprises an air actuator for releasing breathable air from the liquid air container into the inner space. The air actuator may be incorporated with the liquid actuator. Flowever, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the release or air and provision of liquid may be controlled individually. The air actuator may be positioned within the inner space so that the release of breathable air into the protective capsule can be controlled from the inner space. Further, the air actuator may be in communication with a motion sensor such that when one or more persons and/or animals are detected in the inner space of the protective capsule and the inner space is sealed from an outside area, the air actuator may automatically release breathable air. In an embodiment, the protective capsule comprises one or more seats within the inner space defined by the first metal walls. In a specific example, the liquid air container may be located under the one or more seats.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first metal wall and/or the second metal wall is made of a metal alloy, such as an aluminium alloy or steel.

[0024] In an embodiment, the overall shape of the protective capsule is substantially cylindrical. Specifically, the first metal walls and the second metal walls may each be configured to form a metal cylinder.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the overall shape of the protective capsule is substantially cubical or cuboidal. Specifically, the first metal walls may be configured to form a metal cube or cuboidal. The protective capsule may further comprise a frame in the shape of a cube or cuboidal for supporting at least one of the first metal walls and the second metal walls.

[0026] In an embodiment, the protective capsule may comprise a plurality of brackets for connecting the first metal walls and the second metal walls. For example, the plurality of brackets may extend between a first frame supporting the first metal walls and a second frame supporting the second metal walls. The first metal walls and the second metal walls may be connected by the plurality of brackets so that the space between the walls can be provided as a vacuum. In a specific embodiment, the protective capsule comprises between 16-24 brackets. The plurality of brackets may comprise a heat resistant material, such as Teflon.

[0027] The protective capsule may comprise an opening for allowing the one or more persons to access the inner space. The opening may be closable with a closure, such as a lid or a door. The protective capsule may be configured such that the inner space can be sealed thereby protecting the one or more persons in the inner space from conditions outside of the capsule, such as fire, flooding or other impacts. The closure may be lockable. In a specific example, the opening may comprise an inner door and an outer door, wherein the inner door is configured to insulate the inner space and the outer door is covered with the cover.

[0028] In an embodiment, the protective capsule is water-tight. For example, the first metal walls and/or the second metal walls may be configured to provide a seal against water entering the inner space of the protective capsule. The seal may be provided by the inner door.

[0029] In an embodiment, the protective capsule may comprise electronic components to facilitate wired or wireless communications between the inner space and an outside area. For example, the protective capsule may comprise an antenna to facilitate communication between communication devices, such as mobile phones or the like, located within the inner space of the protective capsule and an external area.

[0030] In an embodiment, the protective capsule may comprise an impact layer positioned at least partially on or above the cover of the protective capsule. Specifically, the impact layer may function as a bullet proof layer. In one particular example, the impact layer is configured as a shield, for example, in the form of a steel plate such as a bizplate.

[0031] The impact layer may comprise one or more materials configured to deflect and/or absorb a physical impact. Suitable materials may include but are not limited to the following: steel, tungsten, rubber, and concrete. For example, the impact layer may comprise a material composition of steel and rubber that is configured as a shock absorber.

[0032] In an embodiment, the impact layer may be connected to the cover, the frame and/or the second walls by virtue of suitable connectors. One or more of the connectors may comprise a shock absorber, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic damper. The connectors may further comprise a cushion or spring that may or may not be used in combination with the damper. In this way, a level of shock absorption by the impact layer may be improved.

[0033] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments and/or aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. For example, it will be apparent that certain features of the invention can be combined to form further embodiments. The present embodiments and aspects are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Several embodiments are described above with reference to the drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of the present invention. However, describing the invention with drawings should not be construed as imposing on the invention any limitations associated with features shown in the drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0034] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0035] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a protective capsule in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figures 2 and 3 show cross sectional views of the protective capsule of Figure 1 illustrating the configuration of the first and second metal walls;

[0037] Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a protective capsule in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 shows a further isometric view of the protective capsule of Figure 4;

[0039] Figure 6 shows a front view of the protective capsule of Figure 4;

[0040] Figures 7 and 8 shows an exemplary cover suitable for the protective capsules in accordance with the first and second embodiments of the present invention,

[0041] Figures 9 and 10 show the protective capsule of Figure 4 with an additional armour plate; and

[0042] Figure 11 shows an exemplary application of the protective capsule of the second embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6.

Description of Embodiments

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a protective capsule for one or more persons. The protective capsule may be configured to protect one or more persons and/or animals from natural or man-made disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, fires or other physical and/or chemical threats, as they may be present during war. The protective capsule in accordance with embodiments of the present invention comprises first metal walls that define an inner space for enclosing the one or more persons or animals. The first metal walls may, for example, be arranged to define a cylindrical or cubical space or any other suitable geometrical space in which the one or more persons can stand or sit. The protective capsule further comprises second metal walls, wherein the first metal walls and the second metal walls are arranged to define a space between the walls. The space may be configured as a vacuum which improves insulation between the inner space of the capsule and an outer region that is impacted by the natural or man-made disaster.

[0044] The protective capsule in accordance with embodiments of the present invention further comprises a cover that covers an outer surface of the second metal walls of the protective capsule. The cover comprises at least a fire-resistant layer defining an outer surface of the protective capsule, and a liquid absorbing layer. The protective capsule further comprises a liquid delivery system, wherein the protective capsule is configured such that in use the liquid delivery system delivers liquid to be absorbed by the liquid absorbing layer.

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention provide significant advantages. In particular, the protective capsule may provide the one or more persons within the capsule with breathable air for a few days for rescue operators to recover the capsule. Furthermore, the configuration with the two metal walls and the cover provides for an improved fire resistance and temperature insulation compared to conventional rescue capsules.

[0046] Referring now to the Figures 1 to 3, there is illustrated a protective capsule 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The protective capsule 100 comprises first metal walls 102 defining an inner space 104 for accommodating one or more persons and/or animals. The protective capsule 100 further comprises second metal walls 106 that enclose the first metal walls 102 in a manner such that a vacuum can be provided in a space 108 between the first metal walls 102 and the second metal walls 106. In this particular example, in the space 108 the air pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure. The vacuum in the space 108 between the first and second metal walls 102, 106 functions as an improved insulating layer between the inner space 104 and an exterior space 110 external to the protective capsule 100. In this example, the first metal walls 102 and the second metal walls 106 are made of steel. Flowever, other metal alloys are envisaged, such as an aluminium alloy. [0047] Both first and second metal walls 102, 106 are configured to form three-dimensional shapes, in this example, of a substantially cylindrical space. Thus, the overall shape of the protective capsule 100 is of a cylinder.

[0048] The protective capsule 100 further comprises a sealable door 112 for opening and closing the protective capsule 100. In this particular example, the sealable door 112 is provided at a top portion of the protective capsule 100 and connected to the second metal walls 106 by virtue of a hinge 114. The door 112 may be lockable. The door 112 is typically configured to seal the inner space 104 substantially air-tight and water-tight. This is particularly important in scenarios where the protective capsule 100 will be exposed to a tsunami and/or floods.

[0049] The protective capsule 100 is configured such that the entire inner space 104 is surrounded by first and second metal walls 102, 106 thereby providing uniform heat insulation and protection. This is particularly advantageous in this example as the protective capsule 100 is portable. In this regard, the protective capsule 100 comprises one or more lifting elements (not shown) such that rescue operators may lift the protective capsule 100 with heavy machinery such as a crane. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the protective capsule may alternatively be stationary as shown further below with reference to Figure 11. For example, the protective capsule may be provided and incorporated in a person's shelter, such as a house or the basement of a house. For example, the protective capsule 100 may function as a panic room. In another example, the protective capsule may be provided in the form of a bunker. In this regard, wall portions of the protective capsule may adjoin a concrete wall or concrete foundation and other parts of the walls of the protective capsule may be made of metal and configured as described above.

[0050] The protective capsule 100 further comprises a cover 116 shown in particular in Figures 7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings. In this particular example, the cover 116 is flexible and configured to cover an outer surface of the second metal walls 106. For example, the cover 116 may form a wrap for wrapping around the outer surface of the second metal walls 106. In this regard, the cover 116 may cover the entirety of the second metal walls 106. Flowever, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the cover 116 may only cover parts of the outer surface of the second metal walls 106.

[0051] The cover 116 comprises at least two defined portions or, in some examples, two defined layers. In particular, the cover 116 comprises at least one fire resistant layer 118, and at least one liquid absorbing layer 120. In this particular example, the cover 116 further comprises a liquid delivery system 122 that is also in the form of a layer and is part of the layered structure. However, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that this is only one specific implementation of the cover of the present invention and in alternative implementations the liquid delivery system may not be part of the cover 116. In use, the liquid delivery system 122 delivers liquid to be absorbed by the liquid absorbing layer 120. This may be achieved by any suitable method, including active and passive methods. For example, the cover 116 may be configured to utilise a wicking process or capillary motion which are both passive release mechanism. Alternatively, the liquid delivery system of the cover may comprise spray nozzles or release valves to deliver liquid to the liquid absorbing layer 120.

[0052] Returning to the specific example shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cover 116 comprises five defined layers including a pair of fire resistant layers 118A, 118B defining the outer layers of the cover 116. The cover further comprises the liquid delivery system 112 defining a centre layer that is sandwiched between a pair of liquid absorbing layers 120A, 120B. In a simple embodiment, the liquid absorbing layers 120 may comprise a cotton or cotton blend material. However, other materials are envisaged, including natural and synthetic fibres, such as Kevlar.

[0053] In this example, the liquid delivery system 122 comprises a membrane 124 for holding and releasing liquid. The membrane 124 is in the form of a layer that attaches to the liquid absorbing layer 120 by virtue of stitches 126. The stitches 126 are configured to not only attach the membrane 124 to the liquid absorbing layer 120, but also to release liquid from the membrane 124 to the liquid absorbing layer 120 in a relatively slow manner. In this example as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the stitches 126 are further configured to define a path for the liquid within the membrane 124.

[0054] The protective capsule 100 further comprises an inlet (not shown) for connecting a liquid source, such as a tap, to the liquid delivery system 122. This may, for example, be implemented by connecting the inlet of the protective capsule 100 to a hose that is connected to a water tap, a water storage or the like. In one particular example, the protective capsule 100 comprises a hose (not shown) that is connectable to a water source. The hose may comprise a heat resistant cover or may be made of a substantially heat resistant material so as to protect the hose from high temperatures that may be present due to a bush fire or the like.

[0055] Furthermore, the hose and/or other components that extend outside of the protective capsule 100 may comprise an impact cover or may be made of a material suitable to withstand physical impact up to a predetermined threshold. This may be particularly advantageous in scenarios such as earth quakes where a roof of a building or other large objects may collapse onto the protective capsule 100. An example of such impact cover will be described in further detail below with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0056] In a further embodiment (not shown), the protective capsule may comprise a liquid storage such as a container or a water tank. The liquid storage may be positioned within the inner space of the protective capsule 100 such that the liquid within the liquid storage is protected from the exterior space 110. This may be in addition to the connection to a water source described above, or as an alternative, for example where water sources may not be readily available. The liquid storage is in fluid connection with the liquid delivery system of the protective capsule such that in use, liquid may be delivered from the liquid storage to the liquid absorbing layers.

[0057] The protective capsule 100 in this example comprises a liquid actuator 128 for activating the liquid delivery system 122. In this example, once the liquid actuator 128 is activated, the membrane 124 is filled with water or any other liquid that then automatically flows into the liquid absorbing layers 120A, 120B adjoining the membrane 124 and connected to it via the stitches 126. In this example, the liquid actuator 128 is provided in the inner space 104 of the protective capsule 100 and incorporated with the air actuator 128 as will be described in further detail below.

[0058] Referring now back to the figures, in particular Figures 2 and 3, the protective capsule 100 comprises a source of liquid air stored in one or more containers 130. The volume of the one or more containers 130 is selected to provide breathable air to the inner space 104 of the protective capsule 100. In this example, the container 130 with liquid air is located between the first and second metal walls 102, 106 below a seat 132 within the inner space 104 of the protective capsule 100. Flowever, other positions for the liquid air container 130 within the protective capsule 100 are envisaged. Depending on the number of persons and/or animals suitable for the protective capsule 100, the liquid air container 130 may have a volume ranging from 100 litres to 500 litres to provide breathable air for 1 to 7 days.

[0059] In this example, release of breathable air from the container 130 is controlled by an air actuator 128 that is incorporated with the liquid actuator 128. The air actuator 128 is a manual actuator in the form of a push button that can be actuated by a person in the inner space 104 of the protective capsule 100. In this regard, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the protective capsule 100 may comprise a safety mechanism to ensure that air and liquid are only released once the sealable door 112 is closed. Once a person operates the actuator 128, breathable air will be released from the container 130 via an air hose 134 to the inner space 104. In this example, the air hose 134 provides breathable air from a top portion of the protective capsule 100.

[0060] While the actuator 128 in this example can be controlled manually, a person skilled in the art will appreciated that the actuator 128 may alternatively be automatic or semi-automatic. For example, the actuator 128 may comprise a processor (not shown) that is in communication with one or more sensors. When the processor determines that a pre-defined trigger condition exists as detected by the one or more sensors, the actuator may automatically release liquid to the liquid absorbing layers 120A, 120B and breathable air into the inner space 104.

[0061] For example, the sealable door 112 may comprise a sensor to detect when the door 112 is sufficiently closed and the inner space 104 may comprise a motion sensor to detect a presence of one or more persons. Once the processor determines that the sealable door 112 is closed and that one or more persons are in the inner space 104, the processor may automatically release breathable air into the inner space 104. The protective capsule 100 may further comprise a temperature sensor (not shown) located at an outer surface of the protective capsule such that when the processor determines that a temperature outside the protective capsule 100 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the processor may automatically release liquid into the liquid absorbing layers to provide additional heat protection in the cover.

[0062] The protective capsule 100 further comprises an air outlet (not shown) for emitting used air from the inner space 104 of the protective capsule 100. The air outlet may comprise a heat resistant one-way valve.

[0063] The protective capsule 100 may further comprise an air inlet (not shown) such that air can flow inside the inner space 104 of the protective capsule 100. For example, the air outlet may additionally be configured as an air inlet to facilitate exchange of air between the inner space 104 and the exterior space 110. The air inlet may further comprise a filter for filtering air that flows from the exterior space 110 into the inner space 104.

[0064] In one particular example (not shown), the air inlet is in communication with an air quality sensor configured to detect any suitable air pollutants within close proximity of the air inlet. For example, the air quality sensor may detect one or more of the following parameters, including but not limited to a level of carbon dioxide, a level of oxygen, volatile organic compounds and other atmospheric particulate matter. The air quality sensor may be in communication with the air inlet, such that only when the air quality sensor detects that the air within close proximity of the air inlet is safe to breath, the air inlet is automatically opened. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that such mechanism may be manually overridden, for example, in extreme situations where the inner space 104 is running out of breathable air.

[0065] The protective capsule 100 may further comprises electronic components to allow for wired or wireless communication between the one or more persons in the inner space 104 of the protective capsule and the external space 110. Any suitable electronic components for communications are envisaged. The electronic components may be incorporated with the air outlet for emitting used air. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific form of the electronic components does not form part of the present invention and will not be described in further detail.

[0066] Referring now to Figures 4 to 6, there is shown a protective capsule 200 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the overall shape of the protective capsule 200 is substantially cubical. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the overall shape may alternatively be cuboidal.

[0067] Similar to the protective capsule 100, the protective capsule 200 also comprises first metal walls 202 and second metal walls 206 that are arranged to define a space 208 between the first and second metal walls 202, 206. As for the first embodiment, the space 208 is configured as a vacuum where the air pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope of protection includes a protective capsule where the defined space between the first and second metal walls is not configured as a vacuum and the air pressure is at substantially atmospheric pressure.

[0068] In this example, the first metal walls 202 are arranged to form a cubical box defining an inner space 204 for accommodating one or more persons and/or animals. The second metal walls 206 are in the form of sheets that are attached to a separate frame 210, such as an aluminium frame. A plurality of brackets 212 are provided to connect the first metal walls 202 and the second metal walls 206 in a spaced relationship. The brackets 212 may be made of a heat-resistant material, such as Teflon. However, other suitable materials are envisaged. While in this example, only the second metal walls 206 are attached to a frame 210, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the first metal walls 202 may also be supported by the frame 210 or a further frame. For example, the frame 210 may be configured to support the first and second metal walls 202, 206 and incorporate the plurality of brackets 212. [0069] The protective capsule 200 further comprises a cover (not shown) that is similar to the cover 116 shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0070] In this example, the protective capsule 200 comprises two seats 214, 216 that are arranged opposite of each other. Containers 218, 220 with liquid air are provided under the seats 214, 126.

[0071] Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, there is illustrated the protective capsule 200 with an additional impact layer 222, in this example in the form of an armour plate 222. In addition to the metal walls 202, 206, the armour plate 222 provides the protective capsule 200 with additional protection against physical impacts. Specifically, the armour plate 222 may be configured to be substantially bullet proof. This feature is particularly advantageous if the protective capsule 200 is used as a panic room or bunker.

[0072] In this particular example, the armour plate 222 is a hard plate that is attached to the frame 210 by virtue of suitable connectors 224. Flowever, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the impact layer may alternatively be made of a soft material that may or may not form part of the cover.

[0073] Suitable materials for the armour plate include but are not limited to ceramic, steel (such as bisalloy performance steels), polyethylene, concrete, and rubber. Any suitable materials or material compositions are envisaged that provide the impact layer with characteristics that deflect and/or absorb a physical impact. In this particular example, the armour plate 222 is made of a steel rubber composition that includes tungsten which increases the melting point of the armour plate 222 and therefore further improves the fire resistance of the protective capsule 200.

[0074] The armour plate 222 is connected to the frame 210 by virtue of a plurality of connectors 224. In this example, each connector 224 is in the form of a shock absorber, such as a hydraulic and/or a pneumatic damper. As illustrated in Figure 10, the connector 224 comprises a pneumatic damper 226 which is used in combination with a spring 228.

[0075] Referring now to Figure 11, there is shown an exemplary application of the protective capsule 200. In this example, the protective capsule 200 is integrated into a concrete building structure 300. The building structure 300 comprises a wall structure 302 that in use fully encloses the protective capsule 200. The wall structure 302 comprises a moveable portion 304 to facilitate access to the protective capsule 200. The building structure 300 is configured such that a person within the inner space 204 of the protective capsule 200 can move the movable portion 304 to fully enclose the protective capsule 200. The wall structure 302 is configured to provide an inclined deflection surface 306 to deflect any potential physical impacts that come into contact with the wall structure 302. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the wall structure 302 may have any suitable shape.

[0076] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments and/or aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. For example, it will be apparent that certain features of the invention can be combined to form further embodiments. The present embodiments and aspects are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Several embodiments are described above with reference to the drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of the present invention. However, describing the invention with drawings should not be construed as imposing on the invention any limitations associated with features shown in the drawings.