Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Auxiliary imperforate panel-like shield attached to main... – Auxiliary pane attached to main pane
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-11
2001-08-07
Horton, Yvonne M. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Auxiliary imperforate panel-like shield attached to main...
Auxiliary pane attached to main pane
C052S208000, C052S212000, C052S204540, C052S204670, C052S204710, C052S204597, C052S476000, C052S483100, C049S057000, C049S062000, C049S464000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06269597
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to coverings of window openings for protection against storms, and, more particularly, to support elements for removably securing rigid panels over window openings to protect them against storms.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,190 issued Feb. 18, 1997 presents a review of the art and teaches a system in which channels for receiving and holding a rigid panel are affixed to three sides of a window opening. A fourth channel is affixed to the rigid panel. The panel is slid into the three channels and the fourth channel is then bolted to the fourth side of the window opening to secure the panel in place in preparation for a storm. After the storm threat has passed, the fourth side is unbolted and removed with the panel. This leaves the window with a permanent three-sided frame that is not particularly attractive. It requires that the bolts be stored with the panels. They can easily be misplaced in the years between use. Panels with channels or attachment members, not being planar, are not as easily stored as planar panels. Because the bolt openings in the panel channel must be in registry with bolt receiving holes in the building structure on one side of the window, each panel may only fit one particular window, making the process of protection more complex at a time when speed and simplicity may be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide means for removably holding a simple, plain rigid panel over a window opening that can be readily deployed with a minimum of effort and skill, and no tools. It is a further object that the means for securing a storm panel provide an attractive embellishment to the window opening when the panel is not in place. It is a further object to provide a system in which all window openings of the same size use panels that are interchangeable. It is yet another object that all of the elements of the support system other than the panels remain in place on the window opening structure between deployments to facilitate deployment and avoid misplacement of essential elements.
The support system of the invention comprises straight rigid elements that fasten permanently to three sides of the structure adjacent a rectangular window opening. Each element has a channel dimensioned to receive therein an edge of a rectangular rigid panel. A fourth element is removably fastened to a fourth side of the structure adjacent the window opening. It also has a similar channel. The four elements remain in place around the window providing a decorative frame when panels are not in use.
When it is necessary to deploy the panel, the fourth element is removed from the structure, the panel slid into place with three edges of the panel in the three channels. Then the fourth element is set in place, with its channel engaging the fourth edge of the rectangular panel. The fourth element is then removably affixed to the structure. To provide a simple effective removable attachment of the fourth element to the structure, threaded studs may be permanently affixed to the structure with the threaded ends extending outward. A wing nut may be threaded onto the stud to secure the fourth element to the structure without tools.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent when the detailed description is studied in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate like elements in the various drawing figures.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3745704 (1973-07-01), Covington
patent: 4333271 (1982-06-01), DePaolo et al.
patent: 4454691 (1984-06-01), Mitchell
patent: 4685261 (1987-08-01), Seaquist
patent: 5003738 (1991-04-01), Hogeland
patent: 5343668 (1994-09-01), Gonzalez
patent: 5430982 (1995-07-01), Bane
patent: 5603190 (1997-02-01), Sanford
patent: 5740639 (1998-04-01), Covington
patent: 5768833 (1998-06-01), Golen
patent: 5787642 (1998-08-01), Coyle et al.
patent: 5855099 (1999-01-01), Hoffman
patent: 5996292 (1999-12-01), Hill et al.
Blum Alvin S.
Horton Yvonne M.
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