Hurricane curtain

Abstract

The present application is directed to a hurricane curtain system having a mountable retractable curtain rod assembly and a flexible curtain used to protect openings on a structure from wind and wind-driven debris. The hurricane curtain system can be permanently mounted to the inside portion of an opening in a dwelling such as a window wherein the retractable curtain rod is concealed by a decorative valance. The hurricane curtain is designed to be easily deployed when needed and once deployed will allow natural light to pass through to the inside of the structure. The invention is also directed to a hurricane curtain system that can be mounted to the outside of a structure to cover an opening when necessary and compactly stored when not in use.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of hurricane curtains used to form a temporary barrier across openings in buildings or other structures to prevent damage to the interior of the structure by wind, wind driven debris and/or intruders. In particular, the hurricane curtains are designed to be installed in the interior of the structure so that when the curtains are rolled down they are able to stop debris from entering the structure and contain any resulting flying glass. The invention also relates to temporarily mountable hurricane curtains that can be retracted and easily stored when not in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since Hurricane Andrew hit south Florida, the state government and the hurricane shutter industry has developed a set of standards that all hurricane shutters must meet or exceed. Since this catastrophic Hurricane more and more residents and businesses residing in hurricane prone areas have become more concerned with protecting their abode. For this reason alone many new shutter systems have been developed and marketed to the public. Although these shutters meet or exceed the new standards, they are bulky, unsightly, and difficult to deploy, particularly by an elderly person. In other words, an elderly couple residing in Florida would be unable to install and or use most of the shutters existing on the market today. Since the elderly make up a large part of the Florida population there is a need for a hurricane curtain system that can be deployed quickly and easily.

One type of hurricane shutter that is conventionally used is an accordion folded hurricane shutter. These shutters are made from extruded aluminum with blade assemblies of set dimensions and angular orientation. A blade assembly usually includes two blades joined with an intermediate longitudinal knuckle joint, and knuckle elements on each longitudinal free edge. To fit a shutter to a window, the number of blade assemblies is determined that will cover the horizontal span of the window. Adjusting the shutters to fit different sized windows requires that the installer to add or subtract the number of blade assemblies to be used. However, this practice results in some windows having excess blade assemblies because of the difference in the window size and the blade assembly size and requires a professional installer.

In addition, these shutters are located on the outside of the windows or doors and are not only unsightly but when deployed block all in coming light. Since most hurricanes last for many hours, possibly days, and electricity is either shut off or lost, blocking light from getting into a structure may in fact paralyze the occupants living inside. At the very least, blocking all of the natural light as well as any view of the outside is not only uncomfortable but can be dangerous since the inhabitants inside the structure will be unaware of falling trees, on coming tornadoes and any other possible catastrophic situations. Not being aware of changing storm conditions because of blocked windows could leave the inhabitants as sitting ducks.

In addition, while weather forecasting and storm tracking are much improved, nobody is really sure of the areas of most potential damage for more than 12 hours. Therefore closing shutters and or boarding up windows more than 12 hours before an approaching storm increase the time that the occupants of a given dwelling have to be without natural light and a view of storm conditions. This only adds to the stress of an on coming storm.

In view of the foregoing, what is needed is a hurricane curtain system that can be 1) permanently installed; 2) activated either manually or with the push of a button; 3) allow natural light to pass into the dwelling; and 4) prevent the entry of wind driven debris and glass into the dwelling. The present invention addresses the shortcomings of the shutters systems developed in the wake of Hurricane Andrew and can be installed in new structures and retrofitted to existing structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a hurricane curtain that can be mounted on either the outside or the inside area surrounding an opening to a domicile such as a window. Once in place, the hurricane curtain can be drawn and secured in place to protect occupants inside the structure from wind driven flying debris and possible flying glass.

The hurricane curtain of the present invention comprises a mountable retractable curtain rod assembly that comprises either a single rod or a first and second curtain rod for added strength. The flexible curtain is attached to the single rod or to the first curtain rod and threaded between the first and second curtain rods in the embodiment that includes a second curtain rod. This arrangement provides strength and allows the flexible hurricane to be drawn down from the curtain rods to cover the opening it is positioned to cover. The hurricane curtain can also be wound up again by simply reversing the process.

In order to maintain structural integrity of the hurricane curtain in the event that it is hit by a win driven projectile, the hurricane curtain is configured so as to have a pocket of material located at two opposing edges of the hurricane curtain. The pocket of material is designed to be open on at least one end so that it is able to slide over a rigid rod. This pocket of material is either heavily stitched or fussed together at the seams so as to prevent tarring at the seams if excess force is placed on the hurricane curtain by a wind driven projectile or an intruder trying to gain illegal entry into a domicile.

The hurricane curtain assembly has at least two of the rigid rods mentioned above positioned at opposite sides of the curtain with each rod having a diameter smaller than the diameter created by the pocket of material. This configuration permits the rigid rods to remain outside of the pocket of material when the hurricane curtain is in the retracted position and the rigid rods fit within the pocket of material when the curtain is in an un-retracted position.

The rigid rods can be made of composite material and or metal. The pocket of material is sandwiched within the frame of the hurricane curtain assembly so that when the pocket of material is slide over the rigid rod it cannot come loose from the curtain frame holding the curtain material in place. Holding the curtain in place provides protection of the interior of the domicile from wind driven debris and/or flying glass.

In another embodiment of the invention the hurricane curtain is equipped with a stabilizer bar that is in direct communication with the hurricane curtain and the mountable retractable curtain rod assembly. In other words, the stabilizer bar is attached or in communication with the portion of the hurricane curtain closest to the mountable retractable curtain rod assembly so that when the curtain is completely rolled down the stabilizer bar connects to the rigid rods positioned at the lower portion of the frame on opposite sides of the curtain. This configuration further stabilizes the hurricane curtain.

Still another embodiment of the invention is directed to a portable hurricane curtain kit comprising a mountable retractable curtain and curtain rod assembly. Like the hurricane curtain described above, the flexible curtain is in direct communication with the mountable retractable curtain rod assembly wherein the opening that the curtain is positioned in front of is revealed when wound up and covered when the curtain is unwound. The flexible curtain comprises a pocket of material that is open at one end and is located on at least two opposite edges of the curtain. The portable curtain also comprises a collapsible frame having a top, a bottom, two opposing sides, and at least two rigid rods that can be attached to the lower portion of the frame at opposite sides of the curtain.

Each of the rigid rods have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the pocket of material wherein each rigid rod fits within the pocket of material when the curtain is completely open thereby securing the curtain in place. The same and/or similar features described above for the hurricane curtain can also be applied to the portable hurricane curtain kit.

In yet another embodiment of the invention the guide bars are replaced with a pocket of material having a solid material such as a rope located therein. The hurricane curtain of the invention comprises a mountable retractable curtain rod assembly and a flexible curtain that is in direct communication with the mountable retractable curtain rod assembly. The flexible curtain can unwind to cover an opening that the flexible curtain is positioned in front of and uncover the window when the curtain is wound up. The flexible curtain comprising a pocket of material that contains a solid material located on at least two opposite edges of the curtain is configured so that the frame entraps the rigid material in the pocket of material when in the un-retracted position.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the hurricane curtain described above further comprises elastromatic material that can be compressed and recoiled back into shape in the side frame of the hurricane curtain. The solid material located on at least two opposite edges of the curtain is entrapped in the frame and between the track for the solid material and the outer portion of the side frame is a portion of elastromatic material that can be compressed to absorb the force associated with a projectile striking the curtain and forcing the curtain inward in the direction of the projectile's motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1:

(10) Hurricane Curtain Assembly

(15) Frame

(20) Reinforced Guide Rods

(25) Draw Bar

(30) Draw String

(35) Flexible Curtain

(40) Anchor for Reinforced Guide Rods

(45) Securing Latches for Draw Bar

(50) First Retractable Curtain Rod

(55) Second Retractable curtain Rod

(60) Attachment/Support for Curtain Rods

(65) Guide Stabilizer Bar

(70) Interlocking Portion of Rod Stabilizer Bar

FIG. 2:

(110) Partial view Of Hurricane Assembly

(115) Expanded View of Reinforced Guide Rods

(120) Threads for Reinforced Guide Rods

(125) Side frame

(130) Lower Portion of Frame

FIG. 3:

(210) Expanded View of Side Frame

(215) Side Frame

(220) Slot for Hurricane Curtain

(225) Lower Frame

FIG. 4:

(300) Expanded View of Hurricane Assembly for a Window

(305) Area in Frame for Flexible Curtain

(310) First retractable Curtain Rod

(315) Second retractable Curtain Rod

(320) Attachment/Support for Curtain Rods

(325) Guide Rod Stabilizer Bar

(330) Reinforced Guide Rods

(335) Interlocking Portion of Rod Stabilizer Bar

(340) Flexible Curtain

(345) Draw Bar

(350) Reinforced Guide Rods Pass Through

(355) Actuator Seam

FIG. 5:

(400) Top View of Guide Rod Stabilizer Bar

(405) Solid Portion of Stabilizer Bar

(410) Slotted Portion of Stabilizer Bar

FIG. 6:

(500) Side View of Guide Rod Stabilizer Bar

(505) Interlocking Portion of Rod Stabilizer Bar

(510) Guide Rod Stabilizer Bar

FIG. 7:

(600) Portable Hurricane Curtain Kit

(605) Bottom Portion of Frame

(610) Top Portion of Frame

(615) Threaded Channel for Stabilizer Rods

(620) Side Frame

(625) Slotted portion of side frame

(630) Drawbar

(635) Flexible curtain

(640) First curtain rod

(645) Second curtain rod

(650) Attachment/support for curtain rods

(655) Activator seam

(660) Reinforced stabilizer rods

(665) Threads

(670) Attachment hardware

(675) Assembly instructions

FIG. 8:

(700) Expanded View of Hurricane Curtain

(705) Draw Bar

(710) Channel for Reinforced Guide Rods

(715) Pocket of Material

FIG. 9:

(800) Frame Of the Hurricane Curtain

(805) Side of Hurricane Curtain Frame

(810) Track for Hurricane Curtain in Side of Frame

(815) Top Portion of Hurricane Curtain Frame

(820) Top Slit for Hurricane Curtain

(825) Top View of Track for Bolt Rope of Hurricane Curtain

(830) Top View of Track for Hurricane Curtain

(835) Top Portion of Frame

FIG. 10:

(900) Hurricane Curtain with Bolt Rope

(905) Bolt Rope of Hurricane Curtain

(910) Retractable Curtain Rod

(915) Hurricane Curtain

(920) Hurricane Curtain rolled on Retractable Curtain Rod

FIG. 11:

(1000) Transverse Section of Side Frame with Elastromatic Material

(1005) Bolt Rope of Hurricane Curtain

(1010) Side of Frame

(1015) Track for Bolt Rope of Hurricane Curtain

(1020) Elastromatic Material

(1025) Hurricane Curtain

(1030) Fastening Screw

(1035) Rear Portion of Frame

(1040) Front Portion of Frame

(1045) Front Lip of Frame

(1050) Outside Frame for Side Frame

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein is directed to a hurricane curtain assembly that can be used on the inside of a structure to protect inhabitants of a dwelling from flying debris, such as glass, during a storm. The hurricane curtain of the present invention is designed so that it can be deployed in a moments notice and once deployed still allows natural light to flow into the structure. The hurricane curtain is also designed to be decorative enough to fit into the decor of a living room but be permanently secured to the main structure so that it can be used to cover an opening such as a window or a door in the event that a hurricane and/or tornado approaches the home. The hurricane curtain can also be deployed as a security system when a home is unoccupied for a period of time or in the event an intruder is trying to enter the home while the occupants are in the home. The hurricane curtain is designed so as to be used in new construction as well as to be retrofitted to an existing structure.

In an alternative embodiment, the invention is directed to a portable hurricane curtain assembly that can be used either on the inside of a structure or more likely on an outside of a structure. Once used and no longer needed that portable hurricane curtain can be easily stored. This embodiment is meant to be used in place of rigid plywood that many home and business owners use to cover windows to protect their structure form the on coming storm. When a storm is approaching many times plywood becomes in short supply since everyone is using it to protect their structure from the on coming storm therefore not being able to get plywood to cover the windows can leave a home or business owner unprotected. In addition, once the storm passes, the mere size of the plywood makes it difficult to store and therefore many individuals discard it and try to buy it again when needed. The portable hurricane curtain folds up easily so that it can be stored easily and reused when needed.

The invention is illustrated and described directly below using several figures so as to capture the scope and spirit of the invention. The description of the figures is not meant to be an exhaustive recitation of all of the modifications and improvements possible but is meant only to capture the spirit and the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an extended hurricane assembly (10). The hurricane curtain assembly (10) comprises a frame (15) that has a top, bottom, and two sides. The frame is designed to encase the opening where the hurricane curtain assembly is being installed. The frames are made out of building material that is capable of withstanding a strong force and still maintain its structural integrity. For example, hard woods, laminates, steel, composites, stone, concrete, or some mixture of these building materials can be used to secure the hurricane curtain assembly to the structure. The material used to build the frame is a function of the decor of the house and not a function of strength since all framing material must be able to withstand hurricane force winds and must be built according to standard building practices so as to withstand the same.

The hurricane curtain can also be designed with one or two curtain rods. One reason why a person would use two rods instead of one curtain rod would be for additional strength. Simply stated the redundancy of the curtain rods increases the strength of the assembly. Another reason why two rods instead of one rod would be used is to assure a tight rolling of the curtain material. The longer the curtain the tighter the rolling should be to assure that the fully retracted curtain fits under the decorative valance.

The hurricane curtain assembly (10) also comprises at least two reinforced guide rods (20) positioned at opposites sides of the curtain. The reinforced rods (20) are anchored into the frame (15) by either screwing the rods into a pre-threaded countersunk set of threads or any other way that secures the rods to the frame. The material used to construct the reinforced guide rods (20) can be selected from the group consisting of metal, composite, new age material, and plastic.

The flexible curtain (35) used to cover the opening is threaded through the first curtain curtain rod (50) and attached to the second curtain rod (55). The first and second curtain rods (50 and 55) are secured to the frame (15) on each side by attachment supports (60). Each of the curtain rods can be configured with a retractable assembly that will allow the curtain rods to rotate and roll up the flexible material when being stored. The material used to construct the flexible curtain (35) is selected from a group consisting of Dacron®, reinforced new age material, fiberglass, as well as other strong flexible material. The material for the hurricane curtain (35) is not limited to the material presented above but the material used must have the tensile strength necessary to withstand the impact of a brick and/or 2×4 piece of wood projected at 60 mph.

The flexible curtain (35) is constructed so as to have a pocket of material (as shown in FIG. 8 as (715)) on each side of the curtain. The diameter of the pocket of material is larger than the diameter of the reinforced guide rods (20) so that when the hurricane curtain (35) is drawn away from the curtain rods it slides over the reinforced guide rods (20) entrapping the rod in the material.

The flexible curtain is threaded through a guide rod stabilizer bar (65), around a first retractable curtain rod (50) and terminates at a second retractable curtain rod (55). The hurricane curtain (20) is attached to the second retractable curtain rod (55) so as to secure it in order to be able to withstand the impact of a brick and/or 2×4 piece of wood projected at 60 mph. The first and second retractable curtain rods (50, 55) are secured to the frame (15) by frame attachment (60). The guide rod stabilizer bar (65) is configured to have a slotted portion in which the flexible curtain (35) passes through.

The flexible curtain (35) can be configured with an actuator portion such as an activator seam (shown in FIG. 4 as (355)). Once the activator seam, or some other type of actuator, comes in contact with the stabilizer bar (65), the stabilizer bar is draw away from the first retractable curtain rod (50) and the interlocking portion of the stabilizer bar (70) interacts with the reinforced guide rods (20). The interlocking portion of the stabilizer bar (70) is configured so as to fit on the terminal end of each of the reinforced guide rods so as to further stabilize the rods in place.

The flexible curtain (20) may also be configured to have a draw bar (25) that is connected or integrated to one end of the flexible curtain (20). The draw bar (25) when drawn down from the first retractable curtain rod (50) can be secured to the frame by securing latches (45). These latches (45) can take any form that when employed is able to secure the draw bar (25) and therefore the flexible curtain to the frame (15). This configuration secures the flexible curtain at the bottom of the frame (15). The frame (15) is configured to have a slot that is narrower than the diameter of the flexible curtain (35) wrapped around the reinforced guide rods (20) would not be able to breach even is forced through under a high degree of force. This configuration secures the flexible curtain at each side.

The flexible curtain shown in FIG. 1 is secured on the top, sides and bottom to the overall structure by the retractable curtain rods (20) on the top, the reinforced guide rods (40)/slotted frame (15) assembly on the sides and the draw bar (25)/securing latches for the draw bar (65) at the bottom of the flexible curtain. When the curtain is drawn away from the curtain rods and secured on the bottom by the drawbar/latches system the curtain is designed to withstand the force from a projectile being hurled at approximately 60 mph. With this curtain in place on the inside of the home it provides the occupants of the dwelling protection from flying glass/debris that may breach the home during a storm/tornado.

The system is designed to be quickly and easily deployed making it user friendly even for the elderly or infirm. In an alternative embodiment the system can even be fitted with an automatic opening and closing activator that would attach to the curtain rods so as to open and close the curtain when activated. In still another embodiment the automatic operating device can be attached to an Internet connection so that the hurricane curtain can be activated remotely. Although this is not shown in the figures it is within the scope of the invention to use existing technology to accomplish the remote activation.

FIG. 2 shows a partial view of the hurricane curtain assembly (110) detailing the reinforced guide rods (115) of the invention. The reinforced guide rods of the invention (115) are encased in at least the side and lower portions of the overall frame of the structure. The side portion of the frame (125) is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3. The lower portion of the frame (130) contains screw threads that are complementary to the threads that are on the lower portion of the reinforced guide rods (115). The reinforced guide rods (115) are threaded into the complimentary threads in the lower portion of the frame (130).

FIG. 3 shows an expanded view of the side frame of the hurricane curtain (210). The side frame (215) is designed to have a slotted portion (220) that the hurricane curtain can slide down when it is lowered onto the reinforced guide rods located inside the side frame. The diameter of the slotted portion (220) is less than the aggregate thickness of the reinforced guide rods with the curtain material but more than the thickness of the flat curtain material itself. In other words, the curtain/rod combination is unable to pass through the slotted portion of the frame (220) when and if it is pulled in by the impact of a wind driven debris. At the same time the flat portion of the hurricane curtain can freely move up and down in the slotted portion (220). Other structures can be used in order to retain the reinforced guide rods in the slotted area and these are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 4 of the invention shows an expanded view of the hurricane curtain assembly (300) for a window. The hurricane curtain assembly configured to fit a standard window is designed to be permanently attached to the primary structure and to have an area where the flexible curtain (340) of the hurricane curtain assembly can be drawn down (305). The flexible curtain (340) is wound on a first retractable curtain rod (310) and a second retractable curtain rod (315). The first and second retractable curtain rods (310, 315) are properly spaced apart so as to allow the flexible curtain (340) to pass between the two curtain rods. In the alternative, one curtain rod can be used; however multiple rods are used to increase the integrity of the overall hurricane curtain assembly (300).

The first and second curtain rods (305, 310) are attached to the frame by attachment/support braces (320) which are specifically constructed to withstand the impact of the hurricane curtain being hit by a wind-driven projectile hurled at speeds in excess of 60 mph or whatever the local codes require. The attachments/support braces (320) should be anchored to a support structure of the building such as a header or crossbeam for additional integrity.

The flexible material (340) of the hurricane curtain assembly (300) is attached directly to the first retractable curtain rod (310) and comprises a guide rod stabilizer bar (325), a drawbar and an activator seam. The flexible material (340) is attached to the first retractable curtain rod (310) in a manner that is able to keep the flexible material (340) of the hurricane curtain assembly (300) securely attached in the event that the flexible curtain is struck with a wind-driven object. In one embodiment of the invention, the flexible material is attached to the rod using hardware that securely attaches the curtain to the rod so that the attachment can withstand the force placed on it when a projectile collides with the curtain at 60 mph or more. One skilled in the art may use alternative ways to attach the flexible material to the retractable curtain rod, all of which are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 4 also shows a guide rod stabilizer bar (325). The guide stabilizer bar (325) is attached to the flexible curtain in such a way so that when it is unwound from the curtain rod it fits directly on to the reinforced guide rods (330) to further secure the curtain and reinforced guide rods in place. As with the attachment of the flexible curtain to the retractable curtain rod, the attachment of the guide rod stabilizer bar (325) must be attached to the flexible curtain so as to secure it in such a way so that it does not dislodge from the flexible curtain in the event that the flexible curtain is struck with a wind-driven object. In one embodiment of the invention, the guide rod stabilizer bar (325) is integrated or weaved directly into the material of the flexible curtain so as to provide both aesthetics and strength.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the guide rod stabilizer bar (325) has a slotted portion (350) that the flexible curtain (340) is able to slide through. An activator seam (355) is integrated into the flexible curtain (340) at a predetermined position and the seam has a diameter that is larger than the slotted area of the guide rod stabilizer bar (325). Once the activator seam (355) is unwound from the retractable curtain rods it engages with the guide rod stabilizer bar (325) and since it can not slide through the slotted portion (350) of the guide rod stabilizer bar (325) the activator seam (355) draws the guide rod stabilizer bar (325) into contact with the reinforced guide rods (330). The interlocking portion of the rod stabilizer bar (335) attaches to the reinforced guide rods (330) to further secure the reinforced guide rods (330) in place. One skilled in the art may use alternative ways to attach the guide rod stabilizer bar (325) to the flexible curtain so as to secure it in place, all of which are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 4 also shows the drawbar (345) that is attached or integrated directly into the flexible curtain (340) of the hurricane curtain assembly (300) distally to the guide stabilizer bar (325). The drawbar (345) is used to secure the flexible curtain to the lower portion of the frame of the hurricane assembly (300) when it is drawn down from the retractable curtain rods. The drawbar (345) can be secured to the frame with locking latches that are attached to the frame. As with all parts of the hurricane curtain assembly, the latches are designed so that the flexible curtain (340) does not dislodge from the frame latches in the event that the flexible curtain is struck with a wind-driven object. One skilled in the art may use alternative ways to attach the drawbar (345) to the frame so as to secure it in place, all of which are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the guide rod stabilizer bar (400) having a solid portion (405) and a slotted portion (410) that is designed to allow the flexible curtain to pass through the slotted portion as described above.

FIG. 6 shows an expanded side view of the guide rod stabilizer bar (500) and the interlocking portion (510) that attaches to their reinforced guide rods as described above.

FIG. 7 shows a portable hurricane curtain kit (600) that when assembled is used to protect the windows and doors from wind-driven objects that may be hurled during storms, hurricane and/or tornados. The kit is designed to be assembled easily and applied to the outside of a structure. Once the encroaching storm has passed the kit can be taken down and stored for future use. This eliminates the cost of buying plywood over and over again to cover windows during a storm since very few individuals have the room to store the plywood once the storm is over. The portable hurricane curtain kit includes a bottom portion of the frame (605), a top portion of the frame (610) and two side frames (620). The bottom portion of the frame (605) has a threaded channel that the threaded portion (665) of the reinforced guide rods (660) is threaded into to secure them to the frame and the structure. The side frame (620) comprises a slotted portion (625) that the sides of the flexible curtain slide through as they are threaded onto the reinforced guide rods (660).

Once the frame is securely attached to the structure by the attachment parts (670) provided according to the instructions (675) provided the hurricane curtain assembly is attached to the frame/structure by attachment (650). The curtain assembly comprises a first retractable curtain rod (640) and a second retractable curtain rod (645) in which the flexible curtain is wound up on when in the deployed position. When the flexible curtain is not in use the flexible curtain can be wound up on the first and second rods for easy storage. The flexible curtain can be fitted with a stabilization bar that has a slotted portion (not shown) that gets pulled away from the second rod once the seam activator, having a larger diameter than the slot in the stabilizer bar, interacts with the stabilizer bar. Once drawn away from the rod the stabilizer bar attaches to reinforced guide rods (660) to further secure them in place.

When fully installed, the portable hurricane curtain assembly works the same way as the hurricane curtain assembly used inside the home described above. The flexible curtain when deployed protects the structure from wind-driven debris by absorbing the impact of the article striking the curtain and dispersing it throughout the reinforced guide rods and frame. The portable hurricane curtain permits natural light to enter the structure and allows the people inside the structure to see any changing storm conditions. Once the storm has passed the portable hurricane curtain assembly can be disassembled and easily stored for future use.

FIG. 8 shows an expanded view of the drawbar (705) of the hurricane curtain assembly (700). The drawbar (705) is present in the portable hurricane curtain assembly designed for the outside of a structure as well as the hurricane curtain assembly designed for the inside of a structure. As described above, the drawbar (705) is attached to the lower portion of the flexible curtain and has two channels (715) that form two pockets (815) that fit over the reinforced rods once the flexible is deployed.

In an alternative embodiment the frame of the hurricane curtain is configured for a hurricane curtain with a boltrope sewn into the edges of the hurricane curtain. The boltrope of the hurricane curtain will slide into a boltrope track and the boltrope track can take the place of the guide rods described in the previous figures. FIG. 9 shows a segment of the frame of the hurricane curtain (800). The hurricane frame (800) comprises a boltrope track for the hurricane curtain (810) in the side of the hurricane frame (805). The top portion of the hurricane curtain frame (835) comprises a slit that guides the hurricane curtain through it as well as the boltrope (820). In the top of the hurricane curtain frame (835) is the track for the boltrope of the hurricane curtain (825) and the slit for the hurricane curtain (830).

When the hurricane curtain is pulled down through the curtain slit the boltrope slides down the boltrope track in the side frame. The diameter of the boltrope sewn in the track is larger than the opening of the boltrope track. When force is applied to the hurricane curtain the boltrope is pulled towards the side of the frame but cannot squeeze through the side frame therefore stopping any further inward movement of the hurricane curtain.

FIG. 10 shows the hurricane curtain with the boltrope sewn directly into the curtain (900). The boltrope (905) has a diameter that is larger than the slit in the side frame of the hurricane curtain so that it cannot pass through. The hurricane curtain rolls up on a retractable curtain rod (910) when not in use. The hurricane curtain (915) is made of a material that is strong enough to withstand the force of a projectile traveling at 60 mph. The force of the projectile will draw the hurricane curtain in and the boltrope will squeeze against the side frame but will not squeeze pass the side slit. Both the hurricane curtain (920) and the bolt rope of the hurricane curtain of the invention will wind onto the retractable curtain rod (910) of the invention allowing the hurricane curtain to be drawn up when not is use and down during a storm.

In still another embodiment of the invention the hurricane curtain assembly can be equipped with an elastromatic material that is able to absorb the shock of the bolt rope being drawn in by a force on the hurricane curtain. FIG. 11 shows a transverse section of the side frame with elastromatic material (1000). The side frame (1010) is configured with a track for a boltrope of the hurricane curtain (1005) as described above. The side frame (1010) is designed to fit within a separate frame (1050) that can be made of metal, composite and/or wood. The separate frame (1050) is attached to the window frame by fasteners (1030). Once the separate frame (1050) is attached the side frame (1010) is fitted inside the frame and fastened to the separate frame (1050). The separate frame (1050) has a curvature (1045) that bends in front of the side frame and prevents the side frame from detaching from the separate frame (1050).

The boltrope (1015) of the hurricane curtain (1025) slides into the boltrope track (1005) and through the elastromatic material (1020). The elastromatic material (1020) is sandwiched in the side frame between a front portion (1040) and a rear portion (1035) and is held in place by fastening screws and or adhesive materials.

When a flying object hits the hurricane curtain of this embodiment the curtain flexes in and draws the boltrope inward. The boltrope compresses the elastromatic material that absorbs the force transferred from the object to the curtain and then to the boltrope. The elastromatic material will recoil and the hurricane curtain is ready to absorb the force of the next flying object. Collapsible material can be used in place of the elastromatic material but would need to be replaced once compressed. One skilled in the art would be able to choice which material will work best in the design of the window. It is anticipated that both materials as well as materials with similar properties fall within the scope of the present invention.

While the invention has been illustrated and described with respect to specific illustrative embodiments and modes of practice, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by the illustrative embodiments and modes of practice.

Claims

1. A hurricane curtain comprising:

a mountable retractable curtain rod assembly;

a flexible curtain in direct communication with said mountable retractable curtain rod assembly whereby said curtain unwinds to cover an opening that said curtain is positioned in front of and said opening is revealed when said curtain is wound up;

said flexible curtain comprising a pocket of material open at one end located on at least two opposite edges of said curtain;

at least two rigid rods positioned at opposite sides of said curtain, each rigid rod having a diameter smaller than the diameter of said pocket of material wherein each of said rigid rods fit within said pocket of material when said curtain is in an un-retracted position; and

a frame configured to entrap said rigid rod in said pocket of material when in the un-retracted position.

2. The hurricane curtain according to claim 1 wherein the mountable retractable rod assembly comprises a first and a second curtain rod, said first and second curtain rods are positioned in close proximity to each other and said flexible curtain is attached to said first curtain rod and said flexible curtain threads between said first and second curtain rods whereby the flexible curtain may be drawn down from the curtain rods to cover said opening.

3. The hurricane curtain according to claim 2 wherein said curtain assembly further comprises at least one torsion spring for biasing at least one curtain rod in a rotary direction tending to wind said curtain onto said curtain rod when said curtain is allowed to move upward, said spring having a movable end connected to said curtain rod and a stationary end.

4. The hurricane curtain according to claim 3 wherein said stationary end of said curtain rod is attached to a frame surrounding said opening being covered by said hurricane curtain.

5. The hurricane curtain according to claim 3 further comprising a draw bar affixed along the lower edge of said hurricane curtain, whereby said hurricane curtain may be drawn down from said curtain rod assembly by lowering said drawbar.

6. The hurricane curtain according to claim 5 further comprising a frame having a top, a bottom and two sides wherein said curtain assembly is mounted to said frame.

7. The hurricane curtain according to claim 6 wherein the curtain assembly is attached to the top of said frame.

8. The hurricane curtain according to claim 6 further comprising a pair of stops positioned on opposite sides of said frame for stopping the draw bar from overextending.

9. The hurricane curtain according to claim 7 further comprising latches located at the bottom of said frame whereby said drawbar attaches when said curtain is in said extended position.

10. The portable hurricane curtain according to claim 9 further comprising a stabilizer bar that is in communication with said hurricane curtain and said mountable retractable curtain rod assembly whereby said stabilizer bar connects to said rigid rods positioned at the lower portion of said frame on opposite sides of said curtain to further stabilize the hurricane curtain.

11. A portable hurricane curtain kit comprising:

a mountable retractable curtain and curtain rod assembly comprising a flexible curtain in direct communication with said mountable retractable curtain rod assembly whereby said curtain unwinds to cover an opening that said curtain is positioned in front of and said opening is revealed when said curtain is wound up;

said flexible curtain comprising a pocket of material open at one end located on at least two opposite edges of said curtain; and

a collapsible frame, said collapsible frame comprising a top, a bottom, two opposing sides, and at least two rigid rods attached to said lower portion of said frame at opposite sides of said curtain, each rigid rod having a diameter smaller than the diameter of said pocket of material wherein each of said rigid rods fit within said pocket of material when said curtain is wound down thereby securing said curtain in place.

12. The portable hurricane curtain kit according to claim 11 wherein the mountable retractable curtain rod assembly comprises a first and a second curtain rod, said first and second curtain rods are positioned in close proximity to each other and said flexible curtain is attached to said first curtain rod and said flexible curtain threads between said first and second curtain rods whereby the flexible curtain may be drawn down from the curtain rods to cover said opening.

13. The portable hurricane curtain according to claim 12 wherein the curtain assembly further comprises at least one torsion spring for biasing at least one curtain rod in a rotary direction tending to wind said curtain onto said curtain rod when the curtain is allowed to move upward, said spring having a movable end connected to said curtain rod and a stationary end.

14. The portable hurricane curtain kit according to claim 13 wherein the curtain assembly further comprises at least one torsion spring for biasing at least one curtain rod in a rotary direction tending to wind said curtain onto said curtain rod when the curtain is allowed to move upward, said spring having a movable end connected to said curtain rod and a stationary end.

15. The portable hurricane curtain according to claim 14 wherein said stationary end of said curtain rod is attached to a frame surrounding said opening being covered by said hurricane curtain.

16. The portable hurricane curtain according to claim 15 wherein said stationary end of said curtain rod is attached to said portable frame surrounding said opening being covered by said hurricane curtain.

17. The portable hurricane curtain according to claim 16 further comprising a draw bar affixed along the lower edge of said hurricane curtain, whereby said hurricane curtain may be drawn down from said curtain rod assembly by lowering said drawbar.

18. The portable hurricane curtain according to claim 17 wherein the curtain assembly is attached to the top of said frame.

19. The portable hurricane curtain according to claim 18 further comprising a pair of stops positioned on opposite sides of said frame for stopping the draw bar from overextending.

20. The portable hurricane curtain according to claim 19 further comprising latches located at the bottom of said frame whereby said drawbar attaches when said curtain is in said extended position.

21. The portable hurricane curtain according to claim 20 further comprising a stabilizer bar that is in communication with said hurricane curtain and said mountable retractable curtain rod assembly whereby said stabilizer bar connects to said rigid rods positioned at the lower portion of said frame on opposite sides of said curtain to further stabilize the hurricane curtain.

22. A hurricane curtain comprising:

a mountable retractable curtain rod assembly;

a flexible curtain in direct communication with said mountable retractable curtain rod assembly whereby said curtain unwinds to cover an opening that said curtain is positioned in front of and said opening is revealed when said curtain is wound up;

said flexible curtain comprising a pocket of material that contains a solid material located on at least two opposite edges of said curtain; and

a frame configured to entrap said rigid material in said pocket of material when in the un-retracted position.

23. The hurricane curtain according to claim 22 wherein said curtain assembly further comprises at least one torsion spring for biasing at least one curtain rod in a rotary direction tending to wind said curtain onto said curtain rod when said curtain is allowed to move upward, said spring having a movable end connected to said curtain rod and a stationary end.

24. The hurricane curtain according to claim 23 wherein said stationary end of said curtain rod is attached to a frame surrounding said opening being covered by said hurricane curtain.

25. The hurricane curtain according to claim 23 further comprising a draw bar affixed along the lower edge of said hurricane curtain, whereby said hurricane curtain may be drawn down from said curtain rod assembly by lowering said drawbar.

26. The hurricane curtain according to claim 25 further comprising latches located at the bottom of said frame whereby said drawbar attaches when said curtain is in said extended position.

27. The hurricane curtain according to claim 22 wherein said frame comprises elastromatic material that can be compressed and recoiled back into shape by said solid material located on at least two opposite edges of said curtain is drawn inward when said curtain is struck by a projectile.

28. The hurricane curtain according to claim 22 wherein said solid material is a rope.

29. The hurricane curtain according to claim 22 further comprising a separate frame that fits said frame configured to entrap said rigid material in said pocket of material when in the un-retracted position wherein said separate frame is attached to the structure and said frame is configured to entrap said rigid material is fastened to said separate frame.