Hurricane protective system for windows and doors

Details Hurricane protective system for windows and doors Hurricane protective system for windows and doors

2000-01-24

2001-09-25

Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)

Static structures (e.g., buildings)

Auxiliary imperforate panel-like shield attached to main...

C052S426000, C052S712000, C052S713000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06293059

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present device is a system for protecting windows, doors, and similar openings to a building against hurricane-force winds, more particularly a system comprising specially designed wedge brackets, bolts or screws that project year-round from the corners the openings, and a protective panel of sufficient size to cover the opening.
2. Background Information
An estimated six million single and double family dwellings, and many more commercial buildings, along United States coastlines are potentially affected by hurricanes as they spin their way up across the Atlantic Ocean or up through the Gulf of Mexico. As a hurricane bears down, homeowners and business people frequently prepare by nailing or screwing wooden boards up over windows and doors. Preparations are particularly feverish when a Category 4 or 5 hurricane is expected to make landfall. When a hurricane is expected to make landfall in the vicinity, the lines at lumber stores often stretch out into the parking lot and supplies of wooden boards, screws, and the like often run out. At the same time they are trying to protect their homes and valuables from the approaching hurricane, many people are simultaneously trying to pack up their children, elderly relatives, pets, clothing, photos, and other items to travel out of the path of the storm. They are concerned about getting out of the area before traffic jams occur. An easier, quicker system for protecting their homes and businesses is therefore much needed.
The present invention is a system for the homeowner or business person to use to protect their residences and other buildings from wind and rain damage. Anyone who is capable of lifting a board can implement this system over the windows and doors of a building.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a system for protecting a window or other opening to a building against an adverse weather event with high winds. The system comprises:
(a) four or more bolts, screws or rods, each between about two and ten inches in length;
(b) four or more wedge brackets, each wedge bracket having a longitudinal slot along a longitudinal centerline of the wedge bracket, and an aperture at the base of the slot and continuous with the slot, the slot having a width smaller than the diameter of the bolt head and greater than the diameter of the bolt stem, the aperture having a diameter larger than the diameter of the bolt head, sloped sides along the slot, the slope along the sides decreasing from a top end of the slot to the aperture at a bottom end of the slot; and
(c) at least one rectangular-shaped protective panel, each panel being of slightly larger length and width than the opening to be covered, each panel having an aperture in each corner area. At least one of the bolts, screws, or rods engages the panel by extending through at least one of the apertures in the panel, and engages at least one of the brackets by extending through the longitudinal slot in the bracket, whereby the bracket is braced against the panel, and the panel is braced against the window or other opening.


REFERENCES:
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patent: 5487244 (1996-01-01), Hill
patent: 5595233 (1997-01-01), Gower
patent: 5941031 (1999-08-01), Fullwood

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