Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Auxiliary imperforate panel-like shield attached to main...
Reexamination Certificate
2001-05-10
2003-11-04
Friedman, Cari D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Auxiliary imperforate panel-like shield attached to main...
C052SDIG001, C049S055000, C049S057000, C248S200100, C248S354300, C248S354500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06640509
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable
REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”
Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the protection of windows and doors from wind damage. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices that protect windows from high velocity winds and flying objects that are hurled about during high velocity wind storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and like storms.
2. General Background of the Invention
In areas of the country that are hit by violent wind storms, it is common to fasten (e.g. with nails, bolts, sheet metal screws, wood screws) sheets of protective material over windows in an attempt to prevent glass breakage. The glass in windows can be broken by high velocity winds. The glass in windows can also be broken by projectiles that are launched by these high velocity winds. Tree branches, gravel, trash cans and many other objects are hurled through the air during violent wind storms such as hurricanes, tornadoes and the like.
One of the most common preventative measures for protecting windows is to cover the window with a sheet of protective sheet material such as plywood. Fastening sheets of plywood to a window that is to be protected can be a time-consuming and often difficult job. Many of the windows in question are aluminum frame windows. It is difficult to attach a plywood sheet to an aluminum frame window using nails, screws or other fasteners without causing collateral damage. Wood screws generate unsightly holes in wood windows and can crack the wood and/or glass portions of the window if improperly or hastily installed.
Many patents have issued that disclose devices for protecting windows during wind storms. Some of these patented devices include a bracing arrangement for protecting the window and/or for holding a sheet of protective material in place.
One such patent is U.S. Pat. No. 2,794,217 entitled “Hurricane Brace for Windows”, issued to L. T. Croft. The '217 patent discloses a hurricane brace for a window that comprises a support formed rigid from end to end and comprising a pair of tubular sections and axial alignment with their adjacent ends spaced from each other. A socket is provided connecting the adjacent ends and provided there between with a solid portion. Means at the remote ends of the tubular sections is provided for clamping engagement against opposite parallel stationary surfaces adjacent the window, the solid portion of the socket being provided with a diametrical opening therethrough. A stem is axially movable in such opening, and a glass engaging plate is carried by the stem and engageable against the inner surface of the window.
The Baran U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,607 discloses an apparatus for use on a window for counteracting the stress on the window pane when subjected to high wind pressure. The apparatus has a bracket extending from one side of the window frame to the other and spaced from the window pane. A pressure plate is positioned against the window pane and a connector arm extends from the bracket to the pressure plate to retain the pressure plate against the window pane.
A reinforcing means for a closure having a slatted articulated shutter for openings in a wall of a building is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,085,788 entitled “Reinforcing Means for Roll-up Shutter”.
A tool for installing a pane to an existing glazing to provide an insulating sealed air space there between is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,118,911.
A protective device for panes of windows and glass doors is disclosed in the Plowman U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,706. The '706 patent discloses a device for protecting panes of windows and glass doors that consists of a beam which may be removably engaged in mounting brackets at the sides of, or above and below the pane. The beam is parallel to and spaced from the pane and one or more pressure pads is mounted on the beam for movement to an operative position against and applying pressure to the inside face of the pane to counteract vibration or flutter of the pane. The beam may have a pelmet fascia fixed to it and when not in use, may be supported inconspicuously above the window or door.
A security barrier is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,012 that is adapted to bar an opening such a window or door of a house.
A kit for door reinforcement, for use with a building having a sectional overhead door and at least one vertically disposed strut for reinforcing the door against wind damage is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,509 issued to Gaffney et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,118 discloses a window guard provided for a window which may be removably mounted in a window frame to protect the window from storms. The window includes a window frame having frame members, two of which have holes formed on inwardly facing surfaces. The window guard includes a board sized to fit within the window frame and a brace or mounting mechanism pivotally mounted on the board which cooperates with the window frame holes to mount the window guard in the frame. The mounting mechanism includes a cross-member pivotally secured to the board and rods telescopingly received in the cross-member. The cross-member is made of two elongate pieces which are pivotally connected and which have blind bores formed in their ends which telescopingly receive the rods. The rods can thus telescope to a position in which they extend from the cross-member into the holes formed in the window frame and be retracted to a position in which they do not extend beyond the edges of the board. A screw is provided for each rod to be screwed against the rod to secure the rod in a desired position in the cross-member. Guide brackets are positioned near the edges of the board to provide a guide through which the rods extend.
The Figueroa, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,883 discloses a bar device which can be installed in a window opening to which a sheet of covering material can be secured to protect the window from flying debris resulting from a storm such as a hurricane, tornado, etc. The bar device includes a turnbuckle which is threaded on its opposite ends. Threaded rods are threaded into the turnbuckle. A threaded bolt is secured in some manner to each of the threaded rods to extend perpendicular thereto. A supporting pad is secured at the ends of the threaded rods and the supporting pads are forced against a wall elements defining a window opening in order to secure the bar device in the window opening and a protective cushion is provided on the supporting pads to prevent marring the window opening. Once the bar device is secured in the window opening, the covering sheet such as plywood is secured in place by passing the threaded bolts through suitable holes in the covering sheet and then securing the covering sheet in place by a washer and nut applied onto the threaded bolts.
A window brace is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,054 that includes a vertically disposed pole to which is coupled one or more braces, each of which includes a pad bearing against a portion of a surface of unsupported glass. Each pad defines an internal chamber connected to ambient atmosphere by a check valve such that when the glass bows inwardly toward the pad, air is forced out of the chamber via the check valve that prevents air from returning into the chamber. Evacuation of the chamber, in this way, enhances adherence of the pad to the window glass and thus, enhances effectiveness of the inventive device. For large pieces of window glass, a plurality of pads may suitably be employed. Alternatively, a valved port in the pad may be connected to a source of vacuum to evacuate the chamber.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,081 discloses a universal hanger placed between opposed surfaces within a motor vehicle and provides a temporary support of articles of clothing.
The White U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,593 discloses a security closure adapted to be secured over windows or other openings in a wall of a building. The security closures are fixed to the building in a manner to substantially prevent removal of t
Friedman Cari D.
Gateway Manufacturing, Inc.
Horton Yvonne M.
King & Schickli PLLC
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