Abstract: A deployable indoor shelter is disclosed that comprises a deployable shelter that forms a safe zone. When the shelter is withdrawn, it occupies substantially undisturbed indoor space and when the deployable shelter is deployed, the safe zone is confined within at least one wall of the indoor space and the deployable shelter.

Abstract: A portable pop-up pet pen compacts into four corner post members for travel or storage. Each corner post member contains a base rail, top rail, and mesh wall portion. To open the pet pen, the base rails are pulled out and down, and each is connected to the base of another of the corner post members. The upper rails and web walls are then pulled up from the base rails, and are attached to the other corner post members. A top frame may support a roof or fly. The compacted posts can fit into a bag or case for storage. Two sets of four corner posts can be used to build a double-size pet pen.

Abstract: A folding door structure is provided. The folding door structure includes an upright column, upper sliding bracket and a lower sliding bracket. The upright column is hinged to the door leaves. The folding door structure further includes a first lock component. The first lock component includes a first latch mounted inside the upright column, and both ends of which are extended out from the top and bottom of the upright column to insert into the upper slide and/or the lower slide. By providing a first lock component and an upright column, a first latch can lock the position of the upright column relative to a door frame in a direction of wind pressure. Accordingly, the stress environment of the upper sliding bracket and the lower sliding bracket is improved, and the reliability and the resistance to high wind pressure of the connection mounting structure between adjacent door leaves are improved.

Abstract: Roller doors made of flexible material have a number of uses, particularly for rapid access into cool stores. However, such doors require stiffening in the form of wind bars to prevent the doors blowing out in gusts of wind. The wind bars produce problems when rapidly closing a roller door, as the door blade of the roller door is rolled up onto a roller. And for doors in cool stores that are opened and closed hundreds of times a day, such problems are significant. The present roller door blade solves or minimizes the problems by fitting longitudinal spacer elements along the length of the door which act to provide space between adjacent layers of the door blade as it accumulates on the roller, allowing any wind bars of the door blade to be stowed on the roller without interfering or clashing with other wind bars.

Abstract: An injection moulding machine comprising a fixed tool clamping plate, a movable tool clamping plate and a protection device comprising lateral frame elements or lateral covers, wherein the clamping plates are arranged between the lateral frame elements or the lateral covers and the movable tool clamping plate can travel along a closing axis which runs parallel to the lateral frame elements or the lateral covers in relation to the fixed tool clamping plate, wherein the protection device further comprises first cover elements arranged on the top side of the machine, both on an operator side and on the operator opposite side, which first cover elements extend parallel to the closing axis, the first cover elements being configured for a radial movement, and wherein the protection device further comprises second cover elements on the top side of the machine which extend perpendicularly to the closing axis, wherein the second cover elements being configured for radial movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface forming system intended to be supported by a structural ceiling and/or a wall of a room. The surface forming system comprises a first tile and a second tile, each tile comprising a front major surface, an opposing back major surface and at least one edge surface extending along the perimeter of the tile and connecting the front and back major surfaces, a first connecting member and a second connecting member, each comprising a tile connector and a pivot connector, wherein the tile connector of the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected to the first tile and the second tile, respectively, and wherein the pivot connector of the first and the second connecting members are pivotably connected to each other such that the tiles are foldable relative each other. The invention further relates to a method for installation of a surface forming system supported by a structural ceiling and/or wall of a room.

Abstract: The invention is an elevator car, with a door system, for with a bottom-driven elevator, where it does not play a structural role in lifting, but provides aesthetics and safety to the passengers. The elevator car comprises lightweight materials. The car comprises a frame and a door system. The door system comprises at least one elevator door and at least one pulley system. The pulley system is attached to the frame and the elevator door is attached to the pulley system, such that the elevator door rotates horizontally around the frame when the pulley system is engaged. The elevator door comprises a pliable material, such as ballistic nylon. The elevator car can have one, two, three, or four door openings, including two adjacent door openings. Finally, the system may also include at least one light curtain that transmits signals to an elevator control system.

Abstract: An expanding curtain does not require the addition or installation of a new curved rod and/or any external mechanical devices such as curtain supports, control devices, or adapters to expand the usable space in the enclosure area. Rather, the curtain itself has the strength, rigidity and/or fortitude to form an outwardly extended shape (e.g., away from the enclosure area) that holds it in place, thus, expanding the amount of space available for utilization by the user of the enclosure area. The curtain easily and rapidly mounts and thereafter is easily slidable/manipulated between an open and closed position. The curtain surrounds, divides and/or provides privacy to a specific area and/or confined space. The curtain also maintains a mold, mildew and germ resistant facade, while remaining inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A curved projection screen having a one-piece seamless substrate having a three-dimensional curvature. The screen is arranged for being bent to a certain degree around one of its axes so that the smallest deformation of the screen is elastic, where the edge of the screen has been shaped so that its deformation during the above mentioned degree of bending is also elastic.

Abstract: An expanding curtain does not require the addition or installation of a new curved rod and/or any external curtain supports, control devices, or adapters to expand the usable space in the enclosure area and/or prevent the inward intrusion of the curtain towards the user. Rather, the curtain itself may have the strength, rigidity and/or fortitude to form an outwardly extended shape (e.g., away from the enclosure area) that may hold it in place, thus, expanding the amount of space available for utilization by the user of the enclosure area. The curtain easily and rapidly mounts and thereafter may be easily slidable/manipulated between an open and closed position. The curtain may surround, divide and/or provide privacy to a specific area and/or confined space. The curtain may also maintain a mold, mildew and germ resistant facade, while remaining inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A hinge assembly connecting adjacent panels of an accordion shutter includes a hinge member having a pair of curved arms and a pair of panel connection members each having a pivot shaft. The pivot shafts are received within the corresponding curved arms and retained for rotation therein with the tips of the curved arms received in arm receiving channels of the panel connection members. The adjacent panels may be oriented at an angle of less than 180° with respect to each other when both panel connection members are rotated to positions wherein the tips of curved arms are engaged by the closed ends of the arm receiving channels. The base of the hinge member also has a pair of shoulders, and the adjacent panels are oriented approximately parallel when the panel connection members are rotated to positions wherein the panel connection members are engaged by the shoulders.

Abstract: An end retention system for a rolling shutter system is provided. The end retention system comprises a fastener that has a head and a shaft, a washer and a spacer. The aperture of the washer is greater than that of the shaft. The shaft is configured for insertion into a shutter slat. A guide track is provided with retention fins spaced apart a distance that is less than the outer diameter of the washer. The guide may include a channel partially bounded by the retention fins and having a width that is greater than the outer diameter of the washer. The washer is located in the channel, and is retained near the slat by the head of and the fastener. An end retention system may have a rigid spacer, or a compressible spacer that is a resilient member located between the head of the fastener and the washer.

Abstract: A rolling shutter assembly for covering an opening of a facility. A rolling shutter housing is mounted to the facility and connects with first and second shutter rails. A rolling shutter cover forms part of the rolling shutter housing and contains a rotating axle with a drive mechanism or gear assembly engaging the rotating axle positioned between side caps that close the sides of the rolling shutter cover. A plurality of single wall shutter slats are contained in a rolled up configuration within the rolling shutter housing and deployable to form a protective curtain, with a first single wall shutter slat connected to the rotating axle and additional single wall shutter slats connected in series to the first shutter slat.

Abstract: An end retention system for a rolling shutter system is provided. The end retention system comprises a fastener that has a head and a shaft, and a washer that has an outer diameter and an aperture having an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the aperture of the washer is at least twice the diameter of the shaft of the fastener. The shaft is configured for insertion into a screw boss receptacle of a shutter slat. The end retention system may also comprise a guide track that has retention fins spaced apart a distance that is less than the outer diameter of the washer. The guide may include a channel that partially bounded by the retention fins. The channel may have a width that is greater than the outer diameter of the washer. The washer is located in the channel, and is retained near the slat by the head of the fastener.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a storm shutter assembly clip used for stitching together multiple storm shutter panels in making a storm shutter system, and/or assembly method for accomplishing the same. The clip includes upper and lower portions, with the upper portion having at least one arm extending therefrom, and the lower portion having a housing including a nut. A hole is formed in the lower portion. The upper and lower portions of the clip may be angled so as to correspond with an angle formed by intermediate portions of the storm shutter panels. The at least one arm of the clip is slipped over an end of the first shutter panel so that the hole of the clip aligns with holes of the inner and outer shutter panels. A screw is fed through the holes of the first and second shutter panels and the clip so as to engage with the nut, the shutter panels tightening together via the screw being received by the nut in forming the storm shutter system.

Abstract: A roller blind for opening and closing the opening of a compartment, a storage box, a control console or similar enclosure, in particular for use in motor vehicles, is disclosed. At least one support element and at least one elastic layer disposed on the support element are included. Each support element has a curvature in its longitudinal direction with a deflection in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the opening to be closed by the roller blind. A method for the production of a roller blind is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rolling door or shutter (1) has a series of preferably planar panels (3, 3A) which are joined by pairs (6) of pivotally connected hinge members (7, 8). The shutter slides up and down with its side edges guided in tracks (2). When the shutter is closed, e.g. against a bottom sill, the hinge members of each pair (6) pivot about one another to jam between opposing walls (30, 31) of the guide tracks. The pivotal range of each hinge pair may be limited to prevent the hinge pair from straightening when the shutter is suspended. This ensures the hinge pairs always fold in the same way when the shutter is closed. The panels may be rolled steel, extruded aluminium, moulded (optionally transparent) polycarbonate plastic, or tempered glass sheets fitted with edge cappings.

Abstract: A half spread folding door is comprised of plural door leaves; door frames supporting each door leaf in both side ends thereof; a hinge means for connecting successively each door leaf with adjacent door leaf along its width direction, a pair of hinge means are lengthwise each mounted in both side ends of the door leaf and plural hinge means are lengthwise mounted in the middle of the door leaf, allowing each door leaf to be rotated around a hinge shaft correlatively, and for folding each door leaf toward alternative dead end of the door leaves sequentially; and a spread confining means for limiting relative rotation angles of every door leaves interconnected by the hinge means and a spread range of each door leaf in an angle of 30° to 60° to configure as the form of zigzag when the door leaves are spread.

Abstract: A shutter system is disclosed which is unitized in a single rectangular frame or bracket with a window or door for use in a building opening that includes a plurality of shutter plates that can be folded and unfolded, each of the shutter plates having a hinged joint with adjoining shutter plates. The rectangular bracket has guide members with tracks for guiding the shutter plates using extensions with rollers from each of the hinged joints to cooperate with the guide members. There are also further extensions at the ends of the shutter plates on no less than every other plate, each of these securing wheel carriers at the end of the shutter plate and within a track in the rectangular bracket. The wheel carriers are equipped with a spring to put the secured shutter plate in tension because this adds additional strength to the shutter plates to resist bending and impact of the shutter system when in a fully deployed configuration.

Abstract: A shutter system is disclosed which is unitized in a single rectangular frame or bracket with a window or door for use in a building opening that includes a plurality of shutter plates that can be folded and unfolded, each of the shutter plates having a hinged joint with adjoining shutter plates. The rectangular bracket has guide members with tracks for guiding the shutter plates using extensions with rollers from each of the hinged joints to cooperate with the guide members. There are also further extensions at the ends of the shutter plates on no less than every other plate, each of these securing wheel carriers at the end of the shutter plate and within a track in the rectangular bracket. The wheel carriers are equipped with a spring to put the secured shutter plate in tension because this adds additional strength to the shutter plates to resist bending and impact of the shutter system when in a fully deployed configuration.

Abstract: A hurricane shutter system with accordion folding shutter assemblies is based on the mathematical relationship between the deployed length of the shutter, the stacked or folded length of the shutter and the size of an opening in a structure. The relationship results in a shutter system that will fit different sized openings with the least number of shutter assemblies and without excess assemblies.

Abstract: A single generally rectangular frame, with extruded guides on the lateral sides, which guides contain tracks for a retractable pleated shutter system, and similarly contain channels for the mounting of a window or a door. The shutter system utilizes extracted pleated plates of uniform cross-section. At the ends of the shutter panels, provision is made for a guide assembly which is secured internally of the tracks on the lateral sides of the frame. In one embodiment, means are provided for removing and replacing the shutter system and shutter panels, which does not require the removal of any cement, stucco, or any other permanent securing materials.

Abstract: A hurricane shutter system with accordion folding shutter assemblies is based on the mathematical relationship between the deployed length of the shutter, the stacked or folded length of the shutter and the size of an opening in a structure. The relationship results in a shutter system that will fit different sized openings with the least number of shutter assemblies and without excess assemblies.

Abstract: A storm shutter assembly for building openings where the several articulated contiguous blade assemblies are housed within a frame assembly and selectively moved between two extreme positions from approximately 4 degrees to 180 degrees. The frame includes a coextensive support surface. The contiguous blade assemblies are hingedly connected at their longitudinal complementary ends. One of the ends includes a longitudinal outer socket fold with two arched arms that journal a longitudinal inner fold at the other end of a contiguous blade assembly. One of the arms is smaller and is arched with a cooperative radius of curvature to receive the longitudinal inner fold. A stopper bay catches one of the arms when the contiguous blade assemblies extend out to a coplanar disposition. Reinforcement longitudinal folds are provided on the blade assemblies that coact with the support surface for transmitting the wind load to the frame assembly directly.

Abstract: 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 buildings, and other walled structures from the destructive force of storm systems, such as hurricanes. The present combination blade assembly includes a flat sheet of shatter-resistant and transparent plastic material forming a web between a male and female aluminum hinge. The hinges and web are held together with urethane adhesive that also forms and hardens into a mechanical spline for additional joint strength due to the hinge shape. The hinges are shaped to be interchangeable with metal blades used to make accordion storm shutters. The metal blades can be replaced with combination blades using the same methods and hardware.

Abstract: A rolling shutter assembly having shutter support member and a shutter coupled to the shutter support member. The shutter has a plurality of individual slats and a plurality of hinges interconnecting the slats. Each of the slats has a pair of end portions, and the slats include a first set of slats and a second set of slats, each of the slats in the first and second sets being alternated so that each of the hinges is connected to one of the slats in the first set and one of the slats in the second set. The shutter further includes a plurality of extension members extending from the slats and/or the hinges. The shutter assembly has a pair of shutter tracks and an arrangement for rolling the shutter from an extended position in which the end portions of the slats are disposed in the shutter tracks to a retracted position in which the shutter is rolled up on the shutter support member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding door with a door leaf (4) which is movable between a closed position and an open, folded position, in which the door leaf (4) is folded about folding lines between opposite side edges (5) of the door leaf. A plurality of guide members (110-118) are connected to the side edges (5) in a spaced-apart relationship along the same, and two side frames (1) are extended adjacent to a respective side edge (5). Each side frame (1) defines at least a first and a second guide groove (68, 69), which are juxtaposed transversely of the side frame. The guide members comprise, at each side frame (1), a first set of guide members running in the first guide groove (68) only, as well as a second set of guide members running in the second guide groove only (69).

Abstract: A storm protection system for openings such as windows which include an upper housing, mountable on the upper or lower, in some applications, edge of the window, the housing accommodating a reinforced fabric shade being substantially the width of the window, on a roller within the housing so that the shade may be pulled from a first storage position within the housing to a second down position so that it would completely cover the window opening. There is further provided a plurality of spaced apart pockets formed within the fabric shade, and extending along its entire length, each of the pockets accommodating a length of a tubular member such as a section of PVC pipe, which would slidably engage within the pockets to form a plurality of reinforced members along the length of the shade as the shade is pulled downward.

Abstract: A storm panel for covering a building opening includes, in combination: a series of one-piece, substantially horizontal, substantially identical plate members each having two lateral edges and a main body portion, a first hinge member formed on one lateral edge of each plate member, and, a second hinge member on the opposite lateral edge of each plate member, the first and second hinge members being formed to matingly and pivotally engage the opposite hinge member on an adjacent plate member to form a hinge, the main body portion of each plate member is being joined to each of the lateral hinge edges, the main body portion of each plate member being essentially uninterrupted from the first hinge edge to the second hinge edge and substantially identical with adjacent plate members, the plate members being formed and proportioned along with the hinge members so that when the hinges are hinged to each other to form a panel, the panel is pleatable and the spacing between the plate members when the panel is pleate

Abstract: An accordion shutter system comprising a plurality of continuously extruded, substantially rectangular accordion shutter blades having opposing vertical sides wherein one vertical side of each the shutter blade consists of a male end and the opposite vertical side of each the shutter blade consists of a female end such that the male end of adjacent the shutter blades interlocks with the female end of the shutter blade therein forming a triple interlocking hinge; means for laterally deploying and stacking the accordion shutter system; means for connecting the shutter blades to each other when the accordion shutter system is fully deployed; and means for connecting the shutter blades to a horizontal or vertical surface.

Abstract: A rolling shutter assembly having a shutter support member and a shutter coupled to the shutter support member. The shutter has a plurality of individual slats and a plurality of hinges interconnecting the slats. Each of the slats has a pair of end portions, and the slats include a first set of slats and a second set of slats, each of the slats in the first and second sets being alternated so that each of the hinges is connected to one of the slats in the first set and one of the slats in the second set. The shutter further includes a plurality of extension members extending from the slats and/or the hinges. The shutter assembly has a pair of shutter tracks and an arrangement for rolling the shutter from an extended position in which the end portions of the slats are disposed in the shutter tracks to a retracted position in which the shutter is rolled up on the shutter support member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a strong, light weight accordion shutter system that increases strength while decreasing weight, and is especially resistant to hurricane force winds and flying objects when used to cover doors, windows or openings. More specifically, this invention relates to a shutter system comprising a plurality of connectable subsystems of shutters that are connected via a shutter mating system which provides sufficient strength to obviate the need to drill locking holes during installation and connection. This accordion shutter system also offers a unique ability to secure doors, windows and openings of any size from forced entry and enables the user to operate from either side of the shutter system. This invention further provides a unique and improved elongated header and extruded sill which come into contact with and provide greater support to the shutter blade while reducing load upon the guide pin.

Abstract: A rolling shutter assembly having a shutter support member and a shutter coupled to the shutter support member. The shutter has a plurality of individual slats and a plurality of hinges interconnecting the slats. Each of the slats has a pair of end portions, and the slats include a first set of slats and a second set of slats, each of the slats in the first and second sets being alternated so that each of the hinges is connected to one of the slats in the first set and one of the slats in the second set. The shutter further includes a plurality of extension members extending from the slats and/or the hinges. The shutter assembly has a pair of shutter tracks and means for rolling the shutter from an extended position in which the end portions of the slats are disposed in the shutter tracks to a retracted position in which the shutter is rolled up on the shutter support member.

Abstract: A novel deployable and stackable accordion shutter system includes an overhead header presenting a track and a laterally disposed abutment surface. The system includes a plurality of trolley supported shutter members which are rotatable about a vertical axis adjacent one edge portion thereof. The system further includes a sill having a guide slot which is disposed beneath the track in alignment therewith. The sill also has an abutment surface disposed in alignment with the abutment surface of the header. The shutter members carry abutment contacting elements disposed for coming into contact with the abutment surfaces to rigidify the structure when the shutter system is deployed. Additional abutment surfaces are provided adjacent the edge of the shutter which is supported by the trolley for further strength. The shutter members are specially configured to facilitate close stacking of the system.

Abstract: A high impact shutter capable of withstanding high impacts from flying debris, including large debris, for use on exterior wall openings such as doors and windows, particularly suited for use in violent storms such as hurricanes. The high impact shutter can be retrofit to existing shutter systems using products already installed, or used in entirely new installations. The high impact shutters may be made into panels that include a plurality of interconnected parallel slats held together by a perimeter framework. The shutter slats may or may not have small openings to provide ventilation and to allow passage of light.

Abstract: A retractable window protection device is disclosed that can be extended to cover a window when needed, for example during a severe storm with high winds. The retractable window protection device incorporates at least one housing mounted to the building adjacent the window. A shutter assembly is housed in the housing and includes plural panel members that are extendable out of the housing to cover the window. An engagement device is also provided and is displaceable between disengaged and engaged positions. The engagement device includes an engagement surface that complements the configuration of the panel members when extended from the housing.

Abstract: A rolling shutter assembly having a shutter support member and a shutter coupled to the shutter support member. The shutter has a plurality of individual slats and a plurality of hinges interconnecting the slats. Each of the slats has a pair of end portions, and the slats include a first set of slats and a second set of slats, each of the slats in the first and second sets being alternated so that each of the hinges is connected to one of the slats in the first set and one of the slats in the second set. The shutter further includes a plurality of extension members extending from the slats and/or the hinges. The shutter assembly has a pair of shutter tracks and an arrangement for rolling the shutter from an extended position in which the end portions of the slats are disposed in the shutter tracks to a retracted position in which the shutter is rolled up on the shutter support member.

Abstract: Storage device having two storage spaces whose volume can be changed by an adjustable separating wall, particularly on a convertible or the like, is provided. The separating wall has three plate-shaped elements, a center element of which on opposite end areas, in each case swivellably about an axis, being connected with an exterior element which in each case, swivellably about a stationary swivelling axis is fastened on the exterior end area, whereby the elements form a four-bar mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a strong, light weight accordion shutter system that increases strength while decreasing weight, and is especially resistant to hurricane force winds and flying objects when used to cover doors, windows or openings. More specifically, this invention relates to a shutter system comprising a plurality of connectable subsystems of shutters that are connected via a shutter mating system which provides sufficient strength to obviate the need to drill locking holes during installation and connection. This accordion shutter system also offers a unique ability to secure doors, windows and openings of any size from forced entry and enables the user to operate from either side of the shutter system.

Abstract: The opposite vertically elongated edges of a series of pivotly connected slats forming an accordion type folding shutter are provided with integral tubelike connector members. The slat integrally joins its outer member along a plane which is tangent to the outer surface of the outer member so that the extended adjacent pair of slats form a roughly ninety (90.degree.) degree angle when the shutter is extended. Thus, the forces of impact applied against the shutter is absorbed by the crushing of the outer member towards and against and then with the inner member, in engagement between the adjacent inner and outer member beads and the partial transmission of forces through the adjacent portions of the slats for resisting separation of the adjacent slats and penetration of the force applying object.

Abstract: A shutter blade comprising a center portion having a receiving and a hooking end. The receiving end has a first opening which connects with a hooking end of another shutter blade. The first opening surface fits into and conforms with the first opening and there is continuous contact therebetween when the hooking end of the other shutter blade and the first opening surface are in a folded state. Alternatively, whether the first opening surface is of opposite shape as the hooking end surface or not, the receiving end can have a second opening separated from the first opening by a common wall. The shutter blade contacts a track mechanism through the second opening. Such shutter blades can be used in a shutter blade assembly in which a plurality of shutter blades are foldably connected in series and movably connected to the track mechanism.

Abstract: The hurricane shutters are formed from double-skinned panels that are strengthened by including a rod extending through the end channels. The panels are mounted side by side to cover the expanse of the window or door being protected. In another embodiment a cable is attached to the ends of the rod and tightened to bow the rod and panels. The ends of the panels on the extremity are left unbowed if air flow through the space between the window and panels is not desired. In other embodiments the ends of the panel are constructed to form a hinge to receive the rod which then acts as a hinge and the structural enhancement member and may extend beyond the end of the panel and serve as an attachment in a retracting and deployment mechanism.

Abstract: A rolling shutter includes a plurality of elongated shutter elements each having a plurality of alternate ribs and valleys formed on each side thereof is pivotally coupled by a plurality of link elements interleaved between the shutter elements. The shutter element and link array thus formed includes a repeated subset combination of coupling links and shutter elements which facilitate the pivotal motion of a shutter element pair about a common link to form a reinforcing portion of the shutter element array. A tractor drive mechanism includes a plurality of drive belts having engaging teeth for coupling to the alternate ribs and valleys of the shutter elements to provide positive drive force in either direction. A spring-biased take-up roll is supported in proximity to the tractor drive to receive the portion of the shutter element array withdrawn into the tractor drive.

Abstract: A rolling shutter assembly having a shutter support member and a shutter coupled to the shutter support member. The shutter has a plurality of individual slats and a plurality of hinges interconnecting the slats. Each of the slats has a pair of end portions, and the slats include a first set of slats and a second set of slats, each of the slats in the first and second sets being alternated so that each of the hinges is connected to one of the slats in the first set and one of the slats in the second set. The shutter assembly has a pair of shutter tracks and an arrangement for rolling the shutter from an extended position in which the end portions of the slats are disposed in the shutter tracks to a retracted position in which the shutter is rolled up on the shutter support member.

Abstract: The opposite, vertically elongated edges of a series of pivotly connected slats forming an accordion-type folding shutter are provided with integral tube-like connector members. One of the connector members is of a smaller diameter than the other to form an inner member which co-axially fits within the next adjacent outer member of the next slat. The inner members are connected to their respective slat edges by a narrow strip, extending the full length of their respective slats and arranged at an obtuse angle to the remainder of their slats, with the narrow members fitting through a slot in the adjacent outer member. The strip pivots within the slot of its outer member and engages beads integrally formed on the edges defining the slot in the outer member.

Abstract: An accordion storm shutter assembly includes a frame for installation in an opening in a building wall and a pair of folding shutters which can be drawn together across the opening. Each shutter is formed from a number of blades articulated along vertical edges so that the blades can fold flat when the shutter is open. When the shutter is closed, the blades make a substantial angle with one another, so that the shutter has a corrugated configuration for high impact resistance. Neighboring blades are interconnected by continuous extruded linear hinges, each including a socket which is substantially an arc of a cylindrical shell having a lengthwise gap, and a knuckle adapted to turn within the socket and having a blade arm extending therefrom through the gap. The shutter is intended to provide protection against winds and debris in tropical storms.

Abstract: An accordion fold panel closure, formed of numerous, vertically extending, narrow, hingedly connected blades is suspended from an upper track and has its lower edge engaged within a lower guide track. An extruded channel is formed to function either as an upper or lower track. The channel includes a base, integral side walls, and opposing flanges which partially cover the mouth of the channel. One of the flanges is provided with a laterally opening groove. The lower edges of the panel, at the hinge points, are provided with guide pins that extend into the lower track. The guide pins have laterally extending washers which fit into the groove of one of the flanges and are overlapped by the opposite flange. The track also includes interior wheels receiving channels so that support members having a pair of wheels may be arranged within the upper track for suspending the panel therefrom.

Abstract: An accordion storm shutter assembly includes a frame for installation in an opening in a building wall and at least one folding shutter supported by the frame. The shutter is made up of plural blades articulated along their vertical edges so that the shutter can fold from a closed position in which the blades made a substantial angle--about 75.degree.--with one another so as to have a corrugated configuration blocking the opening, to an open position in which the blades are substantially parallel to one another. Neighboring blades are interconnected by continuous, extruded linear hinges, each having a socket which is substantially an arc of each cylindrical shell having a vertical axis. A knuckle formed along one edge of a neighboring blade pivots in the socket.

Abstract: A reinforced, accordion-type folding shutter is formed of a substantial number of generally flat, narrow slats that are pivotally joined together, edge-to-edge, for folding and opening the shutter. The adjacent edges of the slats are formed with integral tubes extending substantially their full lengths, but with each of the tubes being notched to form relatively short, co-axially aligned, spaced apart loops. The loops of each pair of adjacent slat edges are interfitted and co-axially aligned and a rigid rod is extended through the aligned loops to form a hinge pin for pivoting each pair of slats relative to each other and, simultaneously, to form, with the surrounding tube loops, a rigid, composite reinforcing bar. A bar is formed at each of the adjacent edges of the slats so that a series of relatively closely spaced bars are formed along the width of the shutter. The bars reinforce the shutter against penetration by wind hurled objects or other forcibly applied impacts.

Abstract: A security and hurricane shutter of greater strength and stability than available shutters using blades which are longitudinally pivoted to each other. The angle between adjacent blades is adjustable to provide for greater strength and stability at smaller angles, i.e., more blades per linear foot of the shutter, at smaller angles, and larger angles using fewer blades per linear foot for shutters, such as smaller width shutters which would require fewer blades per linear foot. The shutter can use either pulleys or direct mechanical drive mechanisms. The pulley systems or direct mechanical drive mechanisms can be powered by an installed electrical motor, a portable motor, or a hand crank for shutters of smaller size or to back up the installed electrical motor in case of power failure or motor failure.