Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Auxiliary imperforate panel-like shield attached to main...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-21
2001-12-18
Johnson, Blair M. (Department: 3634)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Auxiliary imperforate panel-like shield attached to main...
C049S057000, C049S463000, C248S354300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06330768
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to methods and means for protecting windows from damage in windstorms, and more particularly to braces that hold covering panels against windows.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Windows are usually protected in preparation for a windstorm by fastening a rigid panel, such as plywood, to the outside wall over the window opening. Screw anchors may be permanently mounted in the wall to removably receive screws passing through the perimeter of the panel. Each panel with its screw holes must be fitted to a particular window with its matching anchors. Because the exact path of a hurricane is not predictable until shortly before it hits, one is often confronted with the task of matching the panels and then positioning the panels to align the fastener holes while the wind is blowing and the panel is acting like a sail. Placing and drawing up all the fasteners is awkward and time consuming, especially in wind, rain, and darkness. U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,883 issued Oct. 7, 1997 to Figueroa teaches a bar device that fits into a window opening and, by means of a turnbuckle, forces pads tightly against opposed walls defining the window opening. This holds the bar securely in place. Threaded rods attached to the bar extend outward. The panel is held over the window opening by fastening it to the bar by means of holes in the panel that correspond to the threaded rods. Nuts on the rods then draw the panel up tightly to the outside of the building. In storm conditions, positioning the panel onto the rods may be difficult.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a means for securing a storm panel over a window that may be operated easily and rapidly under adverse conditions. It is another object that the means be easily installed without special skills. The device of the invention comprises a brace or bar that is held securely in place by cushioned pads that forcefully engage opposed walls that define the window opening. The storm panel fits recessed in the opening against the window frame and it is held in place by one or more braces pressed against the face of the panel away from the window. Because all the windows in a house will ordinarily be of only a few standard dimensions, simple plywood panels cut to those dimensions may be used. There are no holes in the panels, so all the panels of the same dimensions may be used interchangeably. Braces with corresponding dimensions are also prepared in advance. There are no problems with aligning holes and applying fasteners. Each brace is spring loaded. It may be inserted in place against a panel with one hand. This makes it possible for one person to lift the panel into place with two hands, and then, while holding the panel with one hand, push the spring loaded brace in place with the other hand. After it is in place, it is forced tightly against the side walls by tightening a nut. 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 elements are designated by like reference characters in the various drawing figures.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 5335452 (1994-08-01), Taylor
patent: 5487243 (1996-01-01), Hale
patent: 5673883 (1997-10-01), Fugueroa, Jr.
patent: 5709054 (1998-01-01), McGillivray
patent: 5722206 (1998-03-01), McDonald
patent: 5740639 (1998-04-01), Covington
patent: 5937593 (1999-08-01), White
Blum Alvin S.
Johnson Blair M.
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