Japan: 'Mini-Ark' invented for tsunamis (actually an escape-pod)

Ninemsn ^ | 10/01/11

[TigerLikesRooster]

'Mini-Ark' invented for tsunamis

apanese inventors have come up with a novel way for residents to save themselves if the country is struck by another deadly tsunami: a mini Ark that looks like a giant tennis ball.

Cosmo Power says it already has orders for 600 of its "Noah" shelters, which have a small lookout window and breathing holes on top, and sell for $4000 each.

[TigerLikesRooster]

P!

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

OK, but where do you keep it and what do you do if you’re swept out to sea?

[ClearCase_guy]

I know a very short pole dancer. I’ll let her know.

[1rudeboy]

Now you can drown in peace after you are swept under some rubble, knowing that your body will be found.

[TribalPrincess2U]

Nice little coffins. Easy to find.

[the invisib1e hand]

OK, but where do you keep it and what do you do if you’re swept out to sea?

You get fried to a crisp by lunchtime, I'd think.

[the invisib1e hand]

Along roughly the same lines, I think this would be a little more chic:

[Bikkuri]

Looks like it needs a blow valve (or whatever they are called) for when the tsunami first hits... they may be under water for a bit.. need to stop the inflow :p

[OrioleFan]

About the size of a capsule hotel module:

[TSgt]

That's such a design fail I don't know where to start. I know I would hate hitting my head on the pole as I was tossed around at sea but I guess that might be better than slowly drowning.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

You’d think they would at least make it into a cozy chair for two people by making it two half circles, then when the time comes, snap the two sides together and you’re good to go. However, it would only hold one person.

[lacrew]

Pokemon comes to mind.

[Average Al]

So you carry this with you at all times?

[Average Al]

Does the government have a sweeper to pick up these “goof” balls? ;-)

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

Maybe these things could take the place of plant barriers, etc., they put up around public buildings. They could be dispensed like carts at the airport.

If they're flat on both ends, they can be used as end tables.

They can come in sizes that can hold 1, 2, or however many people you want.

Come to think of it, we already have submarines, don't we?

Use a rectangular one as a coffee table and when the time comes, it can double as a coffin.

[molson209]

The real Spam in a can

[SuzyQue]

Interesting idea. Might actually work.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

Look, let’s get really practical about this. They could be made into beds.

[Travis McGee]

Bad idea. I remember seeing a story on two guys who rolled down a grassy hill in one of those clear vinyl double-walled inflatable balls. They basically were killed by smashing into each other while tumbling. Same would happen here. Better would be a ballasted model looking like a small version of a modern life boat/ship escape module.