WIND BLOCKING DEVICE FOR BUILDINGS
The present invention includes a device and method of manufacture of the device. The device includes frame system and a rigid panel adapted to selectively cover an opening of a walled structure. The frame system includes a top rail and two side rails that couple to the walled structure. Each rail consists of a pair of oppositely disposed L-shaped bends and an intermediate flat panel body method. An L-shaped member couples to the flat panel, cooperating with one L-shaped bend to form a U-shaped channel, which adapts to slideably receive a rigid panel member consisting of plexiglass. A bottom rail releasably couples to the two side-rails to hold the rigid panel in place and allows for rapid installation and removal as needed.
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/679,074 filed on 26 Feb. 2007, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/779,225 filed on 3 Mar. 2006 by the common inventor James D. Claywell. Both applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUNDThe present invention relates generally to devices and systems adapted to provide supplemental protection to structures such as houses, mobile-homes, commercial buildings and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wind blocking or re-directing device and system for buildings.
High winds exert tremendous strain on structures. Both sustained winds and the more common undulating winds conspire to weaken buildings and structures such as the walls and roofs of houses, mobile-homes, and commercial buildings. Over time, or under extreme wind conditions, catastrophic failure is induced. During a hurricane, such as the recent Hurricane Katrina experienced along the gulf-coast of the United States in 2005, fierce winds devastated structures large and small. On the windward side of a structure during high-wind conditions, the vertical walls of the structure receive massive lateral forces. These vertical walls, designed for vertical loads, often fail under such extreme conditions. Further exasperating the situation, a pressure difference builds, the exterior, windward side of the vertical wall has a relative effective high atmospheric pressure, where as the interior side, leeward of the wind has a relative effective low atmospheric pressure. This causes a great imbalance in forces, resulting in collapse.
In addition, as high-winds collide with the vertical walls, some of the air-flow is directed around the structure, some air-flow finds voids that lead inside the structure, but the bulk of the flow is directed upward toward the roof. Eaves or overhangs, typical to roofs to provide sun-shade and protect the walls from moisture penetration from rain, serve as unwitting air-traps for this upward directed high-flow of displaced air. Consequently, the roof acts as a giant airfoil and is ripped from the vertical walls.
Traditional approaches to mitigate the destructive force of high winds focus on adding additional structural supports to the connecting points between walls, roof, and foundation. These methods require integration during the building phase, and therefore offer limited solution for existing buildings.
Other methods include a supplemental system of ground anchors, external supports, and external strapping material—and although these systems can be used on existing structures—however, these approaches are not without inherent undesirable limitations including being difficult to install during the on-set of severe wind, cumbersome to manipulate, require storage space when not in use, and are costly to produce and install, for example.
One known prior-art system includes a shutter system and method described by Fullwood in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,031 issued on 24 Aug. 1999.
The Fullwood system consists of a shutter with securing means for selectively locking a shutter panel to a structure, the securing means consists of a key-device adapted to engage a bolt and thread former wherein the bolt-receiving thread locates in a frame member or channel coupled to the dwelling structure. To assist with alignment, the bolt engages a pre-threaded frame, which positions in surrounding relationship to the window opening. The frame may also be on any preselected side, top, or bottom of such an opening. The shutter panel is secured to a centerless thread 19 in the thread forming portion at the edge of the enclosure and preferably secured by means of a threaded fastener. Further, the frame member has a thread former at the interior edge extending from the mounting plate and contains a centerless thread made up of opposed ridges and grooves. Ideally, the opposed ridges and grooves are opposite each other to therefore provide a linear receipt for a helical thread on the mounting fastener. One limitation of this prior-art system includes the complexity and associated cost of the frame member with threaded elements disposed thereon. It would be advantageous for an improved system to include such a frame that is more economical to produce and install, yet still enable quick mounting of a rigid panel to a structure.
Another exemplary prior-art system includes a shutter assembly for storm and security protection disclosed by Kirk in U.S. Pub. No. 2005/193651 published on 8 Sep. 2005. Kirk describes a decorative panel adjacent to an opening on a dwelling-structure, the decorative panel is offset from the plane of the opening by means of a frame structure coupled to the dwelling. The decorative panel obscures a security panel that selectively closes across the opening. The Kirk system offers an elegant, albeit costly, solution for temporary positioning storm panels in front of an opening on a dwelling while providing for permanent mounting of the panels by means of a frame. When the security panel is in the open position, it is obscured by the decorative panel. One limitation of the Kirk system, however, is the complexity of interactions of components and the associated cost to produce and install. It would be advantageous to devise a simpler system that is easy to install and economical to produce and purchase, yet provide adequate protection and security to openings on a temporary basis.
Yet another exemplary prior-art system includes an aluminum/plastic combination accordion storm shutter blade described by Trundle in U.S. Pat. No. 6,546,681 issued on 15 Apr. 2003. Trundle discloses a combination blade of aluminum hinges and shatter resistant transparent plastic web used to replace metal blades of accordion storm shutters used to protect glass windows and doors in homes, office building, and other walled structures from the destructive force of storm systems.
In sum, the many prior-art systems, teachings, and devices attempt to augment the structural strength of the buildings. These methods, however, have not addressed diverting or redirecting the force of the wind. Therefore, there remains a need for a system and method that enhances structural integrity of buildings during high-wind conditions, while at the same time redirect the destructive force of the wind.
Flying debris, another damage-causing component of high-wind storms, poses a particular challenge to home-owners and business-owners because many of the prior-art systems fail to fully address the needs of a rapidly deployable, rigid, economical, light-weight, and strong system that provides sufficient protection. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,613,543 to Walton and 6,341,455 to Gunn along with Published Application Number US 2005/0279465 by Gower (all of which are incorporated by reference for all purposes) provide examples of these approaches.
Finally, current systems do not adequately secure the dwelling or structure from looting. Even if a structure or dwelling is adequately protected from the destructive brute-strength of high-velocity winds and is protected from flying debris, current systems do not provide means for securing the structure or dwelling from looting. The most common rigid-panel system comprises a 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of plywood or similar material, which is coupled to the dwelling or structure by a screw-type fastener having a common single slot or cross-slot head. Moreover, this system, further, is undesirable because it introduces numerous penetration points into the envelope of the structure that may accelerate deterioration of the structure in the long-term due to moisture penetration.
More recently, an attempt to protect structures from the wind includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,975 titled “Hurricane Protection for Mobile Homes and Small Buildings”. This reference, issued to Wiegel on 18 Jul. 2000, presents a solution to prior art and traditional reinforcement methods of extra nails, stiffener boards, metal straps, storm shutters, shatter resistant windows, and foundation bolts. This reference presents a system to protect a structure from wind buffeting using a system comprising an in-ground channel about the perimeter of a structure, a storm-shield of rip-stop material with tie-down cables extending from a roof edge to the perimeter ground channel. This reference combines the advantages of cable-tie down systems of the prior art with wind-shielding elements to divert airflow, blocking wind from the ground and re-directing it over the house. However, this reference requires a permanent in-ground perimeter channel and complex tie-down mechanisms and fasteners to affect wind protection. Moreover, when not in use, the system is rolled up and left under the awnings of the roof. Further, the system is temporary in nature, as it would be impractical for normal use of the structure.
Therefore, there remains a need for a system, method, and a device that enables either enables rapid deployment on a temporary basis, or can be integrated in new construction or retrofitted on existing structures as a lasting solution to divert wind. Such a device and system should be easy to install, be compact to store, and be economical to produce. The new system, method, and devices, further, should reduce or eliminate un-sealed penetration of the exterior skin of the dwelling or structure. Such a system, ideally, would further include locking means to thwart looters from removing the protection device. Moreover, there remains a need for a system and method that enables normal use of the structure with little or no modification to the protection system as it transitions from non-use to use in protecting the structure from winds, debris, or both.
Possible embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings and those skilled in the art will understand that alternative configurations and combinations of components may be substituted without subtracting from the invention. Also, in some figures certain components are omitted to more clearly illustrate the invention.
The present invention contemplates the disclosure of the parent application, number 11/679,074 filed on 26 Feb. 2007: Accordingly, the entire disclosure is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
The present invention describes an economical-to-produce and easy-to-install simple system for temporarily protecting an opening on a walled structure. The preferred embodiments of the present invention improve upon well-known prior-art attempts to provide suitable protection from damaging wind and flying debris during severe weather events. The advantages of the present invention include simple mechanical components that are easy to produce and easy to install, especially when compared to known systems.
One key aspect of the present invention is a frame system formed from flat sheet metal. The advantage of this frame system include economical materials that are readily available and easy to produce in mass-quantities in a factory or can readily be produced in the field using off-the shelf sheet metal.
This system, therefore, is extremely affordable for every home-owner and innovates over the known prior-art, which teaches complicated assemblies that are costly to produce and difficult to install, and further, cannot be formed in the field—unlike the present invention.
One preferred embodiment, accordingly, includes an improved rigid panel system adapted for use on walled structure having an opening 28 (of
The frame structure comprises a top frame rail 30, a left-side frame rail 32, and a right side frame rail 34. Each of these three rails couples directly to the walled structure in a conventional manner using known fastening techniques such as screws, for example. The three-sided frame can be secured more permanently with adhesives, fasteners and sealers. Or, alternatively, the system 40 may be selectively coupled and de-coupled using re-usable fasteners (such as wood screws) as desired by the owner of the walled structure. The top rail further couples to each respective side-rail. For example, bolts or rivets—depending on the permanency desired, would work to fasten the frame members to each other.
One key feature of this preferred embodiment includes each frame member being formed from a flat sheet of metal (sheet metal), such as 20-gauge galvanized steel sheet metal (aluminum could be used, but presently cost considerations may make it less desirable). Similarly, other materials including metals and plastics and wood could be substituted for the sheet metal material of the preferred embodiment.
For example, the top frame rail 30 (or as generally described as rail 23 in
Thus, in this preferred embodiment, the top rail (or any rail member) begins from a flat sheet 12 from a roll of sheet metal 10 that is cut to width and length as desired to create the flat body member 14. The flat body has its corners 18 removed and its edges turned about 90-degrees upward forming the rail body 20 (of
At least one channel 24 is formed on the interior of at least one frame rail 23. Accordingly, the improved rigid panel system 40 further includes at least one frame rail 23 further comprising an L-shaped member 22 arranged on an interior side of the flat sheet and substantially parallel to a long end of the frame rail to form a generally U-shaped channel 24 defined by the L-shaped member, the flat sheet body member and the first end.
More preferably, the frame structure includes a channel on each frame rail of the three. Thus, the improved rigid panel system further includes the left side and right side frame rails having an L-shaped member arranged on an interior side of the flat sheet and substantially parallel to a long end of the frame rail to form a generally U-shaped channel defined by the L-shaped member, the flat sheet body member and the first end, respectively. The L-shaped member is welded at about every 6-8 inches along the length of the rail.
Finally, a selectively coupling bottom rail 36 provides support for the rigid panel. The bottom frame rail comprises a flat sheet body member, a first end formed at an about 90-degree upward angle to the flat sheet and a second, oppositely positioned end formed at about a 90-degree upward angle to the flat sheet wherein the first end and second end are substantially parallel to each other. Additionally, the bottom rail further comprises an L-shaped member arranged on an interior side of the flat sheet and substantially parallel to a long end of the frame rail to form a generally U-shaped channel defined by the L-shaped member, the flat sheet body member and the first end.
Conventional fastening means, such as number-10 stainless-steel screws, couple the various components (i.e. frame rails) to the walled structure in a first preferred embodiment. Other conventional fastening means including fasteners (nails, bolts, screws and the like) or adhesives, caulking agents and the like are also contemplated in alternative embodiments. With particular attention to the bottom rail, a pair of oppositely positioned pins selectively couple the bottom rail to each respective vertical side rail. The bottom rail is further coupled to the walled structure using the conventional fastening means just discussed. Of course bolts or a lock or other conventional coupling devices may be used in lieu of pins.
In the first preferred embodiment the rigid panel member 38 consists of a nominal about ½-inch thick clear shatter-proof plastic (such as Plexiglass brand acrylic sheet). In other embodiments colored acrylic sheets, glazed or otherwise ornamented sheets may be substituted. In yet other embodiments a plywood panel may be used. In one preferred embodiment a ⅜-inch thick bullet proof, transparent, acrylic sheet is used to further protected the openings of the walled structure from flying debris during a storm, looters, or other unwanted entry.
In a preferred embodiment, the frame rails extend about 6-inches to about 12 inches from a mean-surface defined by the walled structure. This off-set is desirable to enable the rigid panel member to deflect upon impact without causing damage to the protected opening (i.e. a glass window). This distinction is important, for many of the known, prior-art devices mount close to the walled structure and place the protective panel in close proximity to the underlying opening (i.e. glass window) and there is no deflection zone. Accordingly, the present invention uses a combination of the stiffness inherent in the rigid panel (acrylic sheet) plus a deflection zone—it being well understood that a large panel member regardless of material will deflect to some degree prior to failure depending on the material properties and dimensions of the panel.
Securing means include a locking lug bolt having a threaded end and an oppositely arranged head with a key-feature. A mating key-device inserts into the key feature, thus enabling a standard socket wrench to tighten or loosen the fastener. Thus, the present invention includes a securing means for selectively locking the block-shield to the structure, the securing means comprising a key-device adapted to engage a lock-mechanism and wherein the key-device comprises a socket plug having a uniquely shaped pattern adapted to mate to the lock-mechanism wherein the lock-mechanism comprises a lug-bolt having the same pattern on a head.
One securing means contemplated in a preferred embodiment includes a thumb-screw 44 and barrel nut 42 (of
In another embodiment, the system includes a plurality of block shields whereby a first block shield couples to a second, adjacent block shield by interlinking the respective frame elements. Fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, are readily available for use to interlink adjacent panels.
In another embodiment the present invention contemplates a system for protecting a structure from debris during a windstorm, the system comprises a block-shield comprising at least one rigid panel. The rigid panel further includes a resilient deformable material. For example, a simple form of the rigid panel consists of a traditional 4′×8′ plywood sheet of most nominal thicknesses including about ¼″ to about ¾″ thick. A preferred embodiment contemplates a simple, rectilinear panel: However, other sizes, shapes, thicknesses and materials would work equally well. For example the material selection includes oriented strand board (OSB), aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, or plastic materials of varying thicknesses. The shape may be altered as well. A modular designed system includes various shapes from a standard set, but a customized system that is designed to a structure-specific configuration would work equally well.
The rigid panels are arranged in various relationships to the structure. In one embodiment, the rigid panel mounts under a roof eave, or other similar overhang, at an angle with respect to the structure's vertical sidewall to divert wind from lifting the horizontal roof eave. In another embodiment, a relatively flat rigid panel mounts generally parallel to the outside wall of the structure and slides along a track from a first storage position on the structure selected to stack multiple panels out of the sight line of windows and doors, yet slide across selective parts of the side wall or the entire facade of the structure as necessary. In yet another embodiment, a rigid panel mounts at an angled position relative to the vertical side wall and covers a portion of the sidewall, while also diverting wind from under the roof overhang.
Cooperating with these aforementioned embodiments, a securing means adapts to selectively couple and secure the panel to the structure. Alternatively, the securing means includes typical fasteners adapted for use for mounting to foundation walls of concrete, or to stud-walls of wood or metal studs.
In another embodiment, the present invention includes an attaching means for selectively and releasably coupling the block shield to the structure, the attaching means comprising a first generally U-shaped channel element having an open top, the first U-shaped channel element adapted to couple to the structure and support the block shield at a bottom edge of the rigid panel. One possible embodiment contemplates using a combination of smaller and larger channel elements, for example. The U-shaped channel element selectively mounts to the structure to orientate the open portion opposite the panel-engaging surface as required for a bottom or top use. The channel element has a pair of oppositely facing sidewalls, a front wall and a back wall. A plurality of fastener slots are included on both walls to facilitate installation of the channel on the structure. Further, symmetrical channels further enhance the modularity of the system, requiring fewer separate components and enhancing the ease and speed of installation. The fastener slots are also useful for securing individual panels in place, or for inserting fasteners as hard stops to prevent individual panels from being positioned out of place on the structure or for falling off the channel.
In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of rigid panels couple together. Accordingly a first rigid panels hingeably couples to an adjacent, second panel element in an accordion-like manner whereby the first panel adapts to selectively rotate about 180-degress to fold over the adjacent panel or alternatively align with the adjacent panel in a single plane.
In another embodiment individual panels adapt to selectively and releasable couple to adjacent panels using fasteners whereby the panel system forms an interlinked system of the plurality of panel elements to selectively configure to protect a selected feature of the structure.
A block shield system consisting of a first channel element installed as a retaining means for the top edge of a rigid panel and a second channel element installed on a structures as a bottom edge support. The top channel element includes either a continuous channel or a plurality of individual elements arranged in sufficient proximity to an adjacent channel to ensure that panels are adequately supported for the features being protected. Likewise, the bottom channel elements are similarly adapted.
Two additional embodiments of the present invention including a block shield system having a rigid panel member held between a bottom channel element using the tensile characteristics of the resiliently deformable panel. A top support element, such as angle bracket element or another securing means readily retains the upper edge of the panel.
In another embodiment, the rigid panel elements include an anchoring means adapted to releasably couple to the block shield, the anchoring means comprising a ground-penetrating conduit described above.
In another embodiment, the block shield system further includes an anchoring means adapted to selectively couple to the structure, the anchoring means comprising a bar-element adapted to engage the attaching means.
In yet another embodiment, the block shield system includes a rigid panel system to protect the structure from flying debris during a severe-weather event and a wind-diverting means to re-direct airflow around the structure, particularly when the structure has overhangs that would act as airfoils during a wind-storm. In this embodiment the system includes a block-shield comprising a rigid panel system comprising a first panel member and a second panel member, each respective panel member further comprising a rectilinear sheet material formed from a resilient material and comprising a generally planar face, a bottom edge arranged generally perpendicular to the face and a top edge opposite the bottom edge; a securing means adapted to selectively engage the block-shield; an attaching means comprising a first channel element coupled to the structure, the first channel element cooperating with the structure to form a U-shaped channel with an open top whereby the open top adapts to selectively receive the bottom edge of the first panel and whereby the bottom edge is supported by the channel element, the attaching means further comprising a second channel element coupled to the structure, the second channel element cooperating with the structure to form a U-shaped channel with an open bottom whereby the first panel is retained in position relative to the structure by a sidewall of the second channel element; and an angled support means coupled to the exterior wall of the structure and to the overhang, the angled support means further comprising means for coupling to the second panel member.
Further, this embodiment contemplates that the system includes the securing means having a key-device adapted to engage a lock-mechanism and wherein the key-device comprises a socket plug having a uniquely shaped pattern adapted to mate to the lock-mechanism wherein the lock-mechanism comprises a lug-bolt having the same pattern on a head.
Alternatively, this embodiment configures to include a securing means comprising a plurality of vertically arranged bar-elements adapted to selectively engage in the first and second channel elements. The bar elements cooperate with panels to add additional strength to the panel by incorporating a fastener that couples the bar to the panel. For example, a rigid-panel couples to a bar at a mid-point on the bar using a fastener. The bottom end of the bar pivotably mounts to the bottom channel and the top end of the bar couples to the overhang of the structure, for example.
In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a block-shield system consisting of a privacy screen that adapts to divert wind. In an upright and generally vertical position, the privacy screen serves as a fence next to a house, for example. At the onset of a severe windstorm, a user rotates a vertical structural element to an oblique angle away from the prevailing wind. Accordingly, the privacy screen pivots away from the wind to act as a foil, diverting the airflow upwards (and over the structure).
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the wind-diverters include a structural integrity improvement for buildings using angled support arms of varying configurations. A structural integrity improvement for buildings, the improvement comprises angled block elements for insertion under overhangs of buildings whereby the angled-block elements attach to the building. The structural integrity improvements include a frame member having an angled support arm and two arms at a right angle, the three arms form a triangle. The angled block elements, ideally, are pre-configured in a set of discrete sizes that can be combined together. Thus, the set, of limited number, can be combined and configured in a large number of combinations depending on the particular need of a given application. In one embodiment, the angled block member comprises a wood frame with sheet-material, such as plastic or canvas, for example, adhered using an adhesive. In another embodiment the frame is a wire frame. In yet another embodiment the sheet material is rigid, such as wood. The angled block mounts or couples to a structure by adhesive or by fasteners.
One advantage of the present system is that it can be quickly configured at the installation location using widely available materials. For example, plastic sheet material, banding straps and commercial adhesives are readily available from major home and building supply stores. Moreover, these readily available materials are easily manipulated using common tools. Thus, the system of the present invention can be quickly installed prior to a windstorm, for example. In this embodiment the wind-blocker comprises a sheet material, an adhesive, a coupling element and a tensioning element comprising a banding strap.
In the aforementioned embodiments, the present invention contemplates an efficient and easily installation process for a homeowner or business owner and, accordingly, the block-shield system includes a panel system of a plurality of generally rectilinear, rigid panels formed from a semi-resilient material such as pressboard, plywood, plastic, carbon fiber, aluminum or other similar sheet-like materials that will resist penetration from flying debris during a windstorm, yet be sized and weighted so that a single user or two-person team can easily handle and install the panels immediately prior to or during a weather emergency. The resiliency of the panel material enables the one or two-person work crews to snap panels into the attaching means (such as the U-shaped channel elements described elsewhere in this disclosure). Individual panel elements can selectively couple together by fasteners commonly used and understood by persons skilled in this art. In one alternative embodiment, the plurality of panels are free-standing with respect to each other and are not coupled together. However, in an alternative embodiment, the panels are hingeably coupled together in two, three, or four pieces, although other multiples would work as well. In this hinge-arrangement, multiple panels can fold and stack to minimize space when not used. In yet another embodiments, the panel elements may be coupled by a membrane that would act like a hinge element or as an expanding member similar to panels in an accordion door.
For example, the block-shield system according to the present invention adapts to install over the exterior surface of a structure such as a house, store, warehouse or other similar building having at least one vertical exterior wall and a roof structure. The building may or may not have overhangs, such as the roof or windows or balconies. The block-shield system includes one or more panel elements that are selectively placed over the exterior of the structure using attaching means that are placed or coupled to the structure ahead of time.
In certain embodiments, the block-shield system includes a plurality of panels sufficient to cover entire exposures of a structure and includes panels to cover every exterior surface. However, in other embodiments, the system may be selectively applied to the exposure of the structure most susceptible to weather-related damage during a storm. Further, in other embodiments specific panels may be selectively applied only over window openings, doors, or to protect overhanging elements, such as under roof eaves.
One possible attaching means comprises a system of generally U-shaped channel bracket elements with three sidewalls forming a rectilinear channel with one open side. The channel elements further include a plurality of through holes periodically spread over at least one of the sidewalls and adapted to allow standard fasteners, such as wood screws or nails, to pass therethrough and thus couple or attach the channel elements to an exterior surface of the structure. These channel elements may be incorporated into new structures at the design stage, or can be added as a retro-fit to existing structures. The channel elements can be made from steel, aluminum, wood, or plastic, for example, as long as they are sturdy enough to support several panel elements. Ideally, the channel elements are installed, attached, or coupled to the structure well-in-advance of any inclement weather. Then, during a weather event, the panel elements are simply arranged on the channel elements and locked or snapped into place.
An alternative embodiment of the block shield system according to the present invention contemplates a combination of modular, standardized panel elements with a custom panel elements configured for a corner of the structure. A plurality of angle elements are pre-positioned and coupled to the structure and, when needed the standard and custom panel elements arrange on the angled elements to divert wind from under an eave or other overhang.
In certain embodiments the channel elements need to be sufficiently wide to allow several stacked panels to be supported simultaneously. Thus the stacked panels can be temporarily stored in an out-of-the-way segment of the exterior of the structure and then simply slid into place when needed to protect the full length of the structure from the weather event
Although the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. An improved rigid panel system adapted for use on walled structure having an opening, the improved rigid panel system comprising:
- a three-sided frame structure coupled to the walled structure;
- a selectively removable bottom panel adapted to selectively couple to the three-sided frame structure; and
- at least one rigid panel member adapted to slideably fit within an area defined by the three-sided frame structure and being releasably secured therein by means of selectively coupling the bottom panel to the three-sided frame structure.
20. The improved rigid panel system of claim 19 wherein:
- the three-sided frame structure comprises a top frame rail, a left-side frame rail, and a right side frame rail wherein the top respective frame rail comprises a flat sheet body member;
- the top frame rail further having a first end formed at an about 90-degree downward angle to the flat sheet and a second, oppositely positioned end formed at about a 90-degree downward angle to the flat sheet wherein the first end and second end are substantially parallel to each other; and
- the left-side and right side frame rails each further comprising a first end formed at approximately 90-degrees inward bend from the flat sheet and a second end formed at about a 90-degree inward angle to the flat sheet wherein the first end and second end are substantially parallel to each other.
21. The improved rigid panel system of claim 20 wherein:
- at least one frame rail further comprises an L-shaped member arranged on an interior side of the flat sheet and substantially parallel to a long end of the frame rail to form a generally U-shaped channel defined by the L-shaped member, the flat sheet body member and the first end.
22. The improved rigid panel system of claim 20 wherein the left side and right side frame rails each further comprise an L-shaped member arranged on an interior side of the flat sheet and substantially parallel to a long end of the frame rail to form a generally U-shaped channel defined by the L-shaped member, the flat sheet body member and the first end, respectively.
23. The improved rigid panel system of claim 19 wherein:
- the bottom frame rail comprises a flat sheet body member, a first end formed at an about 90-degree upward angle to the flat sheet and a second, oppositely positioned end formed at about a 90-degree upward angle to the flat sheet wherein the first end and second end are substantially parallel to each other.
24. The improved rigid panel system of claim 23 wherein the bottom rail further comprises:
- an L-shaped member arranged on an interior side of the flat sheet and substantially parallel to a long end of the frame rail to form a generally U-shaped channel defined by the L-shaped member, the flat sheet body member and the first end.
25. The improved rigid panel system of claim 19 wherein:
- the panel member comprises at least one transparent acrylic panel material.
26. A method for protecting an opening of a walled structure, the method comprising:
- providing a first flat sheet of metal having a flat body and a first length that is longer than the width of the opening on the walled structure;
- removing at least one corner segment of the flat sheet;
- bending at least one edge of the flat sheet downward to form a 90-degree angle from the flat body;
- providing an L-shaped member;
- coupling the L-shaped member to the flat sheet to form a channel with the downward bent edge;
- bending a second edge of the flat sheet downward to form a second 90 degree angle from the flat body;
- coupling the second edge to the walled structure;
- providing a second and third flat sheet of metal and forming the second and third flat sheets into side rails, each side rail having an associated channel;
- providing a bottom rail;
- providing a panel member;
- coupling the side rails to the walled structure;
- sliding the panel member between the side rails using the respective channels to locate panel member and inserting a top edge of the panel member into the corresponding channel on the top rail form from the first flat sheet; and
- coupling the bottom rail to each side rail to retain the panel member in place relative to the opening.
27. The method of claim 26 further comprising:
- forming a 3-member frame structure comprising a top rail and a left side rail and a right side rail for slideably receiving a rigid panel and locating the rigid panel sufficiently distant from the opening of the walled structure so that any deflection of the panel will not cause the panel to contact the walled structure or cross the plane of the opening.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 27, 2009
Publication Date: Feb 4, 2010
Applicant: BLOCK SHIELDS LLC (Clackamas, OR)
Inventors: James D. Claywell (Clackamas, OR), Jerry Claywell (Clackamas, OR)
Application Number: 12/549,007
International Classification: E04C 2/20 (20060101); E04B 1/92 (20060101);
