Abstract: A storm curtain apparatus is disclosed and claimed which includes a curtain having a left side edge, a right side edge and a bottom. A curtain bar is affixed to the bottom of the curtain. End caps are affixed to each end of the curtain bar and strips are affixed to the side edges of the curtain. A supporting frame includes first and second side guides, a top support and a bottom support affixed to the side guides. Each of the side guides include a generally rectangularly shaped and longitudinally extending body. Each body of each side guide includes a longitudinally extending curtain track and slot and a longitudinally extending guide track and slot. The curtain is movable between a first, stored, position and a plurality of second, deployed, positions. The edges of the curtain with the strips affixed thereto reside in the curtain tracks and slots and the end caps partially reside in the guide slots.

Abstract: A system (10) for covering an opening (11) in a structure (12) includes a sheet (13) of flexible material having opposed side edges (16, 17). A thickened area (18) and a pocket (20) are formed at the side edges (16, 17). A plurality of spaced apertures (22) extend through the thickened area (18), and a rope (21) is positioned in the pocket (20). A grommet assembly (23) is positioned in each of the apertures (22) to reinforce the apertures (22). A plurality of fasteners (28) are carried by the structure (12) and are spaced so that they can extend through the apertures (22). Wing nuts (34) received by the fasteners (28) hold the sheet (13) on the structure (12) and over the opening (11).

Abstract: A storm curtain apparatus is disclosed and claimed which includes a curtain having a left side edge, a right side edge and a bottom. A curtain bar is affixed to the bottom of the curtain. End caps are affixed to each end of the curtain bar and strips are affixed to the side edges of the curtain. A supporting frame includes first and second side guides, a top support and a bottom support affixed to the side guides. Each of the side guides include a generally rectangularly shaped and longitudinally extending body. Each body of each side guide includes a longitudinally extending curtain track and slot and a longitudinally extending guide track and slot. The curtain is movable between a first, stored, position and a plurality of second, deployed, positions. The edges of the curtain with the strips affixed thereto reside in the curtain tracks and slots and the end caps partially reside in the guide slots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a flexible curtain is disclosed and claimed. The flexible curtain is used in a windlocking apparatus to prevent the unwanted intrusion of wind, water and debris into a building opening. Strips are attached to the edges of the curtain. The strips may be attached to the curtain by first heating them followed by compressing them to form a welded or bonded construction. The heating may be accomplished by direct heat transfer, electromagnetic excitation, or ultrasonic excitation. Compressing the materials together is accomplished with rollers having cylindrical laminating surfaces to join the excited materials and form a welded or bonded construction. Alternatively, the materials may be glued or stitched together. Preferably the curtain and strips are thermoplastic materials. Semi-crystalline polymer strips may be joined to a thermoplastic curtain to add rigidity.

Abstract: A track system for use in a windlocking apparatus is disclosed and claimed. One embodiment includes a housing piece and an interfitting piece. The housing piece includes a channel and the interfitting piece includes a key which slidingly mates with the channel. The housing piece and the interfitting piece each have flanges having smooth contours thereon. Another embodiment employs a track having a first piece and a second piece with the first piece having at least one groove therein and the second piece having at least one protrusion thereon. The protrusion of the second piece interfits with groove of the first piece interlocking the first and second pieces together.

Abstract: A track system for use in a windlocking apparatus is disclosed and claimed. One embodiment includes a housing piece and an interfitting piece. The housing piece includes a channel and the interfitting piece includes a key which slidingly mates with the channel. The housing piece and the interfitting piece each have flanges having smooth contours thereon. Another embodiment employs a track having a first piece and a second piece with the first piece having at least one groove therein and the second piece having at least one protrusion thereon. The protrusion of the second piece interfits with groove of the first piece interlocking the first and second pieces together.