Abstract: An automated deployment system for a flexible protective cover is provided. A first drive mechanism is connected to a flexible protective cover, including a drive cable that is connected at one end to an end of the flexible protective cover and spooled around a drive cable reel at the other end. The flexible protective cover is spooled around a roller bar which is connected to a second drive mechanism. A motor causes the drive cable to pull the end of the flexible protective cover, unspool the drive cable from the drive cable reel, and unspool the flexible protective cover from the roller bar. The flexible protective cover is configured to be secured within a track. A sensor, a controller operative to respond to signals from the sensor, and a braking mechanism may also be provided. The automated deployment system may be operated by remote control.

Abstract: A flexible hurricane shutter is provided. A composite laminate material is constructed using layers of high elastic modulus fibers or fiber bundles. The material also can be coated with a membrane on one or both sides to improve the elastic strength and wind- and water-resistance of the material to provide further protection. The fibers or fiber bundles also can be encased in a coating to prevent the fiber or fiber bundles from fraying, to prevent corrosion on metallic fibers, or to provide additional strength or flexibility to the material. The flexible hurricane shutter can be adapted to be secured directly to an exterior feature of a structure to cover an opening in the structure such as a window. Alternatively, the flexible hurricane shutter can be adapted to be secured to an extrusion extending from the exterior of a structure, either directly or by means of a keder and keder track.