Structure protective device

Abstract

Provided is a reinforcing device for a building that includes a reinforcing mesh, anchors, and tensioning members. The anchors can be attached to the building or located remotely from the building. The tensioning members are for connecting the reinforcing mesh to the anchors. The tensioning members can be elastic tensioning members.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/644,611 filed Jan. 18, 2005 is hereby claimed and the disclosure incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application relates generally to an apparatus and method for protecting structures from wind damage.

More specifically, this application relates to an apparatus and method for protecting the roof of a building or other structure from the damaging effects of strong winds.

2. Description of Related Art

Strong winds, for example, those produced by severe storms, may cause damage or destruction to structures such as houses, trailer homes, or other buildings. This is due to the forces produced by the winds acting on the structures. Such damage may include removal of the roofing material, for example, shingles or metal roofing materials may be blown off by the wind. In addition, siding materials may be blown off of vertical walls. If rain accompanies the high winds, removal of a small portion of the roofing or siding materials can lead to structural damage due to the presence of water.

When material is removed from a structure due to high winds, such material can be a danger to nearby persons or other structures or property. The materials may become flying debris or projectiles capable of causing injury to persons or damage to other structures or property should any of these be struck by the debris.

Many roofs that are blown completely off of a house during a powerful storm are done so by the wind lifting up one rafter that may have a weakness from initial construction. This weak rafter may provide access to the entire house for these strong winds. Once the wind is able to lift the weak rafter and gain entry into the house it may tear off the entire roof, and/or create dangerous flying debris from portions of the roof, and allow flooding of the interior of the house due to accompanying rains.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided is a reinforcing device for a building, comprising a reinforcing mesh, a plurality of anchors attached to the building, and a plurality of elastic tensioning members for connecting the reinforcing mesh to the plurality of anchors.

Further provided is a reinforcing device for a building, comprising a reinforcing mesh, a plurality of anchors that are not attached to the building, and a plurality of tensioning members for connecting the reinforcing mesh to the plurality of anchors.

Still further provided is a reinforcing device for a building, comprising a reinforcing mesh, a plurality of anchors for connecting the reinforcing mesh to the building, and a reinforcing mesh storage enclosure having a rotatable tensioning member for winding and/or tensioning the reinforcing mesh.

Still further provided is a method of reinforcing a roof to a first wall and a second wall, wherein the roof includes a sheathing layer and a roofing material layer, comprising the steps of placing a band across the roof between the sheathing layer and the roofing material layer, and attaching the band to the first wall and the second wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in which a structure has been wrapped with a reinforcing mesh;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a method of joining two segments of the reinforcing mesh;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention in which a structure's roof and wall have been wrapped with the reinforcing mesh;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention in which a structure's roof has been wrapped with the reinforcing mesh;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention in which bands are installed across the roof;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in which bands are installed across the roof;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention that includes a bar installed in a valley of the roof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed invention is a reinforcing mesh for wrapping fully or partially around a structure such as a building or other property (collectively “building”), for example a house, a mobile home or a trailer home. As used herein, the term “building” includes a supporting foundation for a structure, such as a concrete footer, for example.

The reinforcing mesh is a flexible net, screen, or webbing comprising a plurality of elongated intersecting members, which form a crisscross pattern. The reinforcing mesh can reinforce building materials to help secure them to the building's main frame structure and prevent forces generated by wind from separating building materials or pulling them away from the main frame structure, thereby creating damage to the structure and flying debris that may cause further damage to persons or property. In FIG. 1, the reinforcing mesh 1 is shown reinforcing exterior portions of a mobile home 2. The mobile home 2 is supported by a plurality of concrete piers 3. Tensioning members 21 secure the reinforcing mesh 1 to the piers 3 through anchors (not shown) projecting from the piers 3. For example, the anchors may be eyehooks or brackets projecting from the piers 3.

The reinforcing mesh 1 could be used to protect a building from the harmful effects of high winds, which can damage said building and cause parts of said building to become airborne. Use of the reinforcing mesh 1 could prevent parts of said building (“debris”) from fully or partially dislodging, thereby protecting the building itself by eliminating or reducing wind damage. In addition, use of the reinforcing mesh 1 could protect other persons or property that may be struck by flying debris which may be thrown by the forces generated by high winds. The reinforcing mesh 1 could also reduce the cost of cleanup after a storm.

The reinforcing mesh 1 could reduce damage to roof shingles. Typically, the first damage that occurs during a high wind storm is that asphalt shingles begin to stand straight up. As the winds increase, the shingles start to tear completely off of the roof. The onslaught of water may enter the building, creating water damage to the building and personal property therein. The reinforcing mesh 1 would reinforce the shingles, which can prevent the wind from pushing them straight up and tearing them off.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the reinforcing mesh 1 has been applied to a mobile home 2. For protection of a mobile home, concrete footings, for example piers 3, are provided as a solid anchoring system. A securing means 20, which may be corrosion resistant, for example, stainless steel braided rope, could be included to tighten the mobile home down to the solid anchoring system. Furthermore, the securing means 20 could be used to tighten the net and to secure the entire mobile home 2 to the ground, which may prevent the occurrence of a roll-over due to high wind forces. The tensioning members 21, for example rubber or stainless steel shock cords, could allow for some minimal movement of the mobile home 2 without creating any tears or damages to the reinforcing mesh 1.

The reinforcing mesh 1 could be comprised of a variety of materials chosen for a particular application. For example, such materials may include metallic and nonmetallic wires and cables, nylon, KEVLAR, polymers, braided or unbraided wires or cables, hemp, ropes, twine or yarn, PARAFIL rope, rubber or other materials. The reinforcing mesh 1 could include ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection to protect the reinforcing mesh 1 from long-term exposure to sunlight.

A plurality of reinforcing meshes 1 or mesh sections may be joined to cover a desired area. An example of how mesh sections can be joined can be seen in FIG. 2. A strong and flexible material, for example, metal rope or cable 4, could be used to tie mesh sections or woven between mesh sections so as to join them together. In this way, a reinforcing mesh of a desired size could be obtained. The sections of reinforcing mesh can include joining apparatuses 5, for example, eye loops, which are adapted to be connectable by a user to form a larger reinforcing mesh. The sections of reinforcing mesh could come in rolls of various widths, for example, 4 foot, 8 foot, or 12 foot widths.

The reinforcing mesh 1 could be used to cover an entire building to be reinforced, for example, a mobile home or house, or a portion thereof, for example, a roof portion. Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, the reinforcing mesh 1 is shown securing a building's roof 6. The reinforcing mesh 1 could be anchored down to the building itself, for example, secured to the building's foundation or its structural supporting members such as vertical studs. Alternatively, it could be secured to a suitable base, which is separate or remote from the building, for example, secured to concrete footings 3.

The reinforcing mesh 1 could be stored in a mounted storage case or enclosure 7 from which the reinforcing mesh 1 could be deployed. The storage case 7 could form a wound, self-retracting storage box for winding and/or tensioning the reinforcing mesh 1. The reinforcing mesh 1 could be deployed by unfurling the reinforcing mesh 1 from the storage case. When subsequent storage is desired, the storage case 7 would retract the reinforcing mesh 1 into the box by winding the mesh around, for example, a tube. Use of a storage case 7 could allow the reinforcing mesh to be concealed when not in use, for example, during a non-stormy season. When use of the reinforcing mesh 1 is subsequently desired, it could be quickly deployed from the storage case 7. In an embodiment, the storage case 7 is located under a roof eave.

The reinforcing mesh 1 could be used to reinforce a building's roof 6 by placing the reinforcing mesh 1 across the roof 6 and securing the reinforcing mesh to the roof 6, a wall, or other part of the building. A plurality of anchors 8, for example eyehooks or brackets can be attached to the building to which the reinforcing mesh 1 can be connected. For example, a top wall plate of a vertical wall having eyehooks screwed into the wall plate, when used to secure the reinforcing mesh 1, could provide increased connecting strength for an end of the roof rafter and the top wall plate. Instead of or in addition to eyehooks, elongated brackets 13, such as M-brackets, for example, could be attached to a vertical wall, to which the reinforcing mesh 1 can be attached. The anchors 8 could comprise a rust-resistant material, such as stainless steel or a polymer, for example. Elastic tensioning members 9, for example, bungee cords or rubber shock cords, can be used to secure the reinforcing mesh to the plurality of anchors 8.

A current embodiment as shown in FIG. 3 could provide protection for a complete roof 6 and/or overhang. The reinforcing mesh in this embodiment may strengthen the rafter ends' connecting power to the exterior walls and keep wind from tearing the gutters off. Anchors 8 comprising elongated brackets such as M-brackets for securing the reinforcing mesh 1 could be manufactured in a variety of lengths, for example, 8 ft. sections. In a current embodiment, the M-bracket 13 is secured to a structural supporting member of the building. For example, the M-bracket 13 could be bolted or nailed to vertical studs, for example 2×4 studs, in the exterior wall of the property, or to the top plate of the wall. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the M-bracket 13 is shown connecting a top portion of the reinforcing mesh 1 used for sidewall protection.

A Z-bracket 10 can be seen in FIG. 4. The Z-bracket 10 is an elongated bracket that can be installed on the roof 6 of a building to be protected, for example, under a first layer of roofing material, such as shingles or clay tiles, and would permit permanent installation and protection. For example, the Z-bracket 10 and reinforcing mesh 1 could be used to permanently protect a roofs shingles.

As shown in FIG. 1 and 3 the reinforcing mesh 1 could be secured to concrete footings or footers 3. Footer holes could be dug into the ground and filled with concrete. A variety of footing configurations could be utilized, for example, concrete pier type or trench type. An anchor could protrude from the concrete to which the reinforcing mesh 1 could be fastened, either directly or through a tensioning member, such as an elastic tensioning member. For example, a hook, round eyehook, perforated bracket or a dowel rod could protrude above the finished grade of the concrete. In an additional embodiment, the anchor does not extend above the finished grade of the concrete, but is accessible within a recess in the concrete. Such a configuration could prevent the anchor from acting as a tripping hazard. Elastic tensioning members or non-elastic tensioning members can be used to secure the reinforcing mesh 1 to the anchors in the piers 3. Elastic tensioning members could allow the reinforcing mesh 1 to stretch under the force of powerful winds that may impart movement to the structure, instead of being pulled tight and potentially breaking.

The reinforcing mesh 1 could be provided with access openings 11 for accessing the protected building, for example, accessing doors or windows on the building, while the reinforcing mesh 1 is installed. In a current embodiment, such access openings 11 may be fastened closed when not in use. A variety of fasteners could be used to close the access openings 11, for example, zippers, hook and pile type fasteners, for example, VELCRO, buttons, snaps, tape, ties, or glue could be used to fasten the access openings 11. Access openings 11 could be useful in applications in which the reinforcing mesh 1 is installed for long periods of time, such as during storm, tornado, or hurricane season.

The reinforcing mesh 1 could keep suitable reinforcing pressure by being stretched tight on the roof 6 and sidewalls to prevent portions of the building, for example, roofing materials such as shingles, clay tiles, or metal roofing material, and siding materials such as vinyl, aluminum, or natural and synthetic wood and stone, from being uplifted and torn off due to high winds. Even if the reinforcing mesh 1 were installed, excessive forces due to high winds could cause structural failure of the building. However, the reinforcing mesh 1 may reduce the amount of flying debris. The reinforcing mesh 1 can be applied to an exterior wall having siding to protect the siding from damages due to high winds. An example of the reinforcing mesh 1 being applied to an exterior wall can be seen in FIG. 3. In this application, the reinforcing mesh 1 is applied vertically along the wall and connected to an M-bracket 13 anchor at the top and footers 3 at the bottom of the wall.

A winching mechanism, for example a ratcheting strap or a come along winch could be used to tighten the reinforcing mesh 1, or multiple reinforcing meshes around a building and specifically around overhangs and offsets on the building. The sizes and shapes of open spaces in the reinforcing mesh 1 and also its material of construction would be dictated by the nature, for example, the size, shape, and type of the building to be protected.

In a current embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 5 and 6, bands 12, for example, metal bands are installed on a roof 6, for example, between a roof sheathing and a roofing material, and fastened to the building's supporting members. For example, M-brackets 13 could be installed on the building's vertical walls and secured to the wall's studs or top plate. The bands 12 could then be fastened to the M-brackets 13. Alternatively, the bands 6 could be fastened directly to the studs or top plate. Still alternatively, the bands 6 could be fastened to concrete footings 3 as shown in FIG. 5, rather than to the vertical walls. The bands 12 could include a loop or a U-bracket 14 as shown in FIG. 6 to facilitate fastening of the band to the property or footings. The bands 12 could strengthen the roof 6, which could help to prevent the removal of building materials beneath the shingles, for example, wood sheets or rafters, due to high winds.

In a further current embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 7, a bar 15, for example, a metal bar, could be used to help secure the reinforcing mesh (not shown) to roofs having a valley 16. The bar 15 could be inserted into brackets 17 installed in or near the valley 16. The bar 15 could help tighten the reinforcing mesh and hold down the reinforcing mesh. The bar 15 could be installed over the top of the reinforcing mesh. Alternatively, the reinforcing mesh could be installed over the top of the bar 15 and secured to the bar by, for example, ties or clips. The brackets 17 would grasp and secure the bar 15. The brackets 17 can include an attachment portion for fastening to a roof rafter. The attachment portion may be installed partially under one or more shingles and be nailed or bolted to a roof rafter so that the shingle or shingles extend over and cover the attachment portion. A gripping portion of the bracket for gripping the bar 15 would be exposed. The bar 15 is inserted into the gripping portion. Example brackets 17 include a bracket having a hose clamp type fastener and a bracket having resilient arms for gripping the bar 15.

The invention has been described hereinabove using specific examples; however, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives may be used and equivalents may be substituted for elements or steps described herein, without deviating from the scope of the invention. Modifications may be necessary to adapt the invention to a particular situation or to particular needs without departing from the scope of the invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular implementation described herein, but that the claims be given their broadest interpretation to cover all embodiments, literal or equivalent, covered thereby.

It should be evident that this disclosure is by way of example and that various changes may be made by adding, modifying or eliminating details without departing from the fair scope of the teaching contained in this disclosure. The invention is therefore not limited to particular details of this disclosure except to the extent that the following claims are necessarily so limited.

Claims

1. A reinforcing device for a building, comprising:

a reinforcing mesh;

a plurality of anchors attached to the building; and

a plurality of elastic tensioning members for connecting the reinforcing mesh to the plurality of anchors.

2. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing mesh is located on top of a roof of the building.

3. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 2, wherein the plurality of anchors is attached to a wall of the building.

4. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 2, wherein the plurality of anchors is attached to the roof of the building.

5. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the plurality of anchors include an elongate bracket attached to a roof or a wall of the building.

6. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing mesh includes a closable opening corresponding to a door or a window of the building.

7. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing mesh includes:

a first reinforcing mesh section having a first reinforcing mesh joining apparatus; and

a second reinforcing mesh section having a second reinforcing mesh joining apparatus, and further wherein the first reinforcing mesh joining apparatus and the second reinforcing mesh joining apparatus are adapted to be connectable by a user to form the reinforcing mesh.

8. A reinforcing device for a building, comprising:

a reinforcing mesh;

a plurality of anchors that are not attached to the building; and

a plurality of tensioning members for connecting the reinforcing mesh to the plurality of anchors.

9. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 8, wherein the reinforcing mesh is located on top of a roof of the building.

10. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 8, wherein the reinforcing mesh includes a closable opening corresponding to a door or window of the building.

11. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 8, wherein the reinforcing mesh includes:

a first reinforcing mesh section having a first reinforcing mesh joining apparatus; and

a second reinforcing mesh section having a second reinforcing mesh joining apparatus, and further wherein the first reinforcing mesh joining apparatus and the second reinforcing mesh joining apparatus are adapted to be connectable by a user to form the reinforcing mesh.

12. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 8, wherein the building is a mobile home.

13. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 8, wherein the plurality of anchors is attached to a footing.

14. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 13, wherein the footing comprises a concrete pier or trench.

15. A reinforcing device for a building, comprising:

a reinforcing mesh;

a plurality of anchors for connecting the reinforcing mesh to the building; and

a reinforcing mesh storage enclosure having a rotatable tensioning member for winding and/or tensioning the reinforcing mesh.

16. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 15, wherein the reinforcing mesh storage enclosure is located beneath a roof eave of the building.

17. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 15, wherein the reinforcing mesh is adapted to be unwound from the rotatable tensioning member and deployed from the reinforcing mesh storage enclosure.

18. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 17, wherein a portion of the reinforcing mesh is located on top of a roof of the building when the reinforcing mesh is deployed from the reinforcing mesh storage enclosure.

19. A reinforcing device as set forth in claim 18, wherein the plurality of anchors include an elongate bracket attached to a roof or a wall of the building.

20. A method of reinforcing a roof to a first wall and a second wall, wherein the roof includes a sheathing layer and a roofing material layer, comprising the steps of:

placing a band across the roof between the sheathing layer and the roofing material layer; and

attaching the band to the first wall and the second wall.

21. A method as set forth in claim 20, wherein the step of attaching includes the step of attaching the band to a first elongate bracket attached to the first wall and a second elongate bracket attached to the second wall.