Abstract: An end cap for an H-shaped header bar used to secure a corrugated hurricane shutter attachable to a window frame and having a generally inverted U-shaped pocket adapted in size to receive an upper margin of the hurricane shutter and the end cap at each end of the header bar. The header bar cooperates with a lower support channel also attached to the window frame to support and secure the hurricane shutter over the window. An end cap is positionable and attachable within an inner upright side of the pocket to engage with the upper corner of the hurricane shutter preventing substantial lateral expansion movement or corrugation deformation from being struck by flying objects during heavy hurricane wind.

Abstract: A Fibreglass or UPVC construction (1) which will vary in shape and size according to which type of entrance i.e. door, window, airbrick etc, it is to cover. When fitted properly to the outside of the building and over the entrance, the rubber seal (4), which will vary In size depending on what type of surface it is to be secured to, will create a watertight seal, and therefore protect the inside of the property from water damage.

Abstract: This invention refers to a device with protection net and assembly procedure, suitable as a barrier for every kind of opening. It uses profiles especially designed and made up of plastic material (polyamide) with fiberglass, thus allowing mass production and easy handling. It also counts on assembly and tie means integrally related to a safety mesh-like net to be used as a retaining barrier in balconies, terraces, windows, and stairways preferably. It will reduce the risk of children and/or careless people falls in a safe, economical and esthetical manner.

Abstract: An inflatable barrier system for a doorway or other opening comprising a front side envelope of rectangular front elevation and dog bone shaped horizontal plane cross section, inflatable with gas and fillable with a hardening foam, combined with an inflatable back side array of tubular air beams configured with self sealant, both connected to a source of gas for inflating the fabric envelope and the back side array of tubular air beams. The front side envelope is configured for frontal resistance to predetermined levels of push, cut, puncture, flame, chemical, and ballistic attack. The system is used as a method for closing a doorway to such attacks by erecting and inflating the system within the opening such that the edges on either side of the opening are gripped between the lobes of the respective ends of the dog bone profile of the front side envelope.

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: The present invention is a strong, safety barrier that can be affixed to the inside of a wood or metal-framed opening at a construction site so as to prevent passage and resulting injury while permitting installation of finished walls and flooring. In particular, the safety barrier consists of a material, in a substantially planar shape, that attaches to the lower, inside area between the rough opening of a passage way in the area of a building that is under construction and not safe for human passage, which when properly installed, will prevent human passage and resultant injury and also provide a written warning of danger, with universally recognized signage.

Abstract: A screen for a skylight which is mounted on a substantially flat roof and which includes a frame having spaced apart vertical walls extending upwardly from the roof. The screen includes a plurality of longitudinal bars and a plurality of transverse bars secured thereto so as to form a plurality of rectangular openings. The transverse bars having a central portion forming an arch that is adapted to overlie the skylight. The transverse bars also include end portions having a substantially vertical section merging into the central portion and a substantially horizontal end section extending outwardly. The end sections are adapted to act as a foot allowing said screen to rest on and be supported by the roof. The transverse rods also include an intermediate section between the vertical section and the horizontal section that is spaced from the corner formed between the roof and each of the vertical walls of the skylight frame.

Abstract: A window insulation panel and method of constructing the window insulation panels is provided. The window insulation panel includes an exterior insulation panel, an interior insulation panel and a plurality of enclosed chambers disposed therebetween. The plurality of enclosed chambers are filled with aerogel.

Abstract: A storm shutter assembly for a building structure has a frame assembly configured for securing around an opening in the building structure. The frame assembly has a top frame member, a bottom frame member coupled to the first frame member, a first side frame member coupled to the top frame member and the second frame member, and a second side frame member coupled to the top frame member and the second frame member opposite said first side frame member. One or more shutter panels are configured for fitting within the frame assembly when the frame assembly is secured to the building around a window or door opening. The shutter panel may be secured by hinges or locks with sliding pins and easily put up or taken down in case of a hurricane or tornado.

Abstract: A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, provides thermal and acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a stairwell, or the opening at one end of a stairway, or an opening in a generally vertical wall that is not necessarily associated with a stairway. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components.

Abstract: Described are a new type of storm windows, along with an easy way (and less expensive) of installing the press-fit storm window, on existing frames or windows, without the hassle and expense of replacing the whole window (to save time, cost, and inconvenience), to increase R-value (insulation efficiency) for the windows (i.e. reduce energy waste). This relates to the construction and installation and use of easily installed low cost interior or exterior storm windows, which are attractive and effective in reducing heat and noise transmission. Different approaches and variations to implement this are shown here.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a storm window having a controlled blowout mechanism. In some embodiments a blowout from wind pressure is controlled by the shape and orientation of a rigid window panel. Other embodiments include a venting portion with the storm window. Other embodiments rely on variation in restorative force within resilient material used to make the storm window.

Abstract: A strap for securing a shutter to a track using bolts and fasteners, the track having a thickness and width for receiving the bolts, the shutter being used to protect a building opening, and the strap comprising: a rectangular-shaped flexible material; and a plurality of openings within the material for holding the bolts, wherein the openings are equidistant from each other and the same size. The shutters are typically used to protect windows and doors during periods of bad weather. The shutters may also be used for security purposes.

Abstract: A partition assembly kit including a receptacle, a sheet of material of a sufficient size to cover a standard-sized entry way, a roll of double-sided tape comprising a carrier material having a high-tack adhesive material on a first side of the carrier material and a low-tack adhesive material on a second side of the carrier material, wherein the first side of the carrier material has a peel adhesion greater than the second side of the carrier material, and at least one zipper having a length greater than 50% the height of the standard-sized entry way.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an opening of a building comprising a plurality of rectangular panels. The panels are sized such that when they are stacked for storage, the panels nest together.

Abstract: A system for protecting building penetrations is disclosed. The system can include a screen comprising flexible, strong fabric-like material suitable for resisting high winds, driving rain, and wind-driven missiles. The screen can further include loops sewn, or otherwise manufactured, into the span sides of the screen. The system can further include one or more retention channels having an internal hem rod. The loops in the screens can slide over the hem rod to guide and retain the screen in the retention channels. The hem rod can include a tapered end and a loop opener to facilitate the loops sliding over the end of the hem rod. The system can further include an enclosure for housing a take-up roll and a powered or manual rotating system. The system can include a deflection device to enable the screen to unroll off the take-up roll smoothly and vertically.

Abstract: The FIRESHIELD approach presented herein is unique and designed as a barrier-like device capable of preventing wildfire embers from entering a structure's attic through its air vents while preserving the mold-resistant qualities as that of an open air vent. Modifications of air vents to a rooftop's attic are to be made with the retrofitting of an oversized FIRESHIELD panel that is externally mounted with a narrow ‘standoff’ gapped region. This panel acts as a barrier to wildfire driven embers and also forms an inner air channel pathway that accommodates air ventilation to the attic. This unique design is called a FIRESHIELD device and covers the typical air vent with an external attachment device consisting of a low cost, sheet-like panel (such as an aluminum sheet) with attachment to the rooftop air vent so as to provide a narrow ‘standoff’ air gap for maintaining ventilation.

Abstract: A fastener device for releasably securing an object within an opening formed in a structure comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a pair of legs which are oriented at an angle relative to one another. A coupling element is movable along one of the legs of at least one of the first and second fastening members. One leg of each fastening member is inserted into a hole formed in the structure surrounding the opening allowing the other leg to pivot, preferably in a trochoidal motion, until the pivoting legs align with one another at which time the coupling element may be moved into engagement with the two pivoting legs to releasably connect the fastening members together in position to secure the object relative to the opening.

Abstract: A storm panel of high strength fabric is constructed, reinforced, and installed in such a way as to comply with the building codes as a large missile impact system. When not in use, the fabric can be rolled and stored and placed in an attractive cover without disassembly.

Abstract: A structural system that is capable of absorbing high impactive and impulsive loads comprises of the following elements: (a) Main Structure: should be one of certain types of structures such as: containments, reservoirs, tanks, storages, etc. (b) Crushable Filling Layer: a layer made of crushable, thermally isolating and fire resisting material surrounding the outer walls of the main structure and filling a space between the main structure and an outer shield. (c) Outer Shield: an outside hardened structure fixed by an anchorage system and resting on a sliding-plane. (d) Anchorage System: a set of anchors that hold the outer shield in place and collapses if the impactive or impulsive load exceeds certain level allowing the outer shield to slide crushing the filling layer and absorbing substantial amount of energy.

Abstract: A shutter having a unitary frame formed by four perimeter rails, each having a receptacle at each of its distal ends, with four connection members, each having structure inserted into and secured within one receptacle of each of two of the perimeter rails. Optionally, a latch pin is movable through a guide hole formed in one of the corner connection members. A further option is louvers extending through a center support.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of attaching storm panels over window and door openings with end fastenable H tracks. Each of the tracks can have H cross-sectional shapes with elongated opposite facing C shaped channels back to back along the elongated tracks. At the upper and lower ends of the tracks can be outwardly protruding tabs having through-holes for allowing the tracks to mounted into frame edges about the window and door openings. Rectangular shutter panels such as plywood, metal and plastic sheeting can have side edges that slidably fit into the C channel openings of the H tracks so that the only fasteners to attach the panels over the building openings are through the track tabs. Stop flanges can prevent the panels from sliding out of the channels. The track, brackets can be mounted horizontal and parallel to one another as well as be mounted vertically and parallel to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an opening of a building comprising a plurality of rectangular panels. The panels are sized such that when they are stacked for storage, the panels nest together.

Abstract: A quick emergency escape mechanism for a shutter assembly for a building external opening has an engaging wall member adapted to be secured to a base coupled to a building structure in the vicinity of a building opening. The engaging wall member has an engaging part and a part for securing to the building structure. An engaging shutter member is adapted to be secured to a shutter panel and has an engaging part and a securing part for securing to a shutter panel. An engaging sliding latch member fastens and locks the engaging parts of the wall and shutter members and has fastening means and locking means.

Abstract: The folding storm shutter provides a shutter for protecting a window during inclement weather, and shade similar to that provided by an awning when window protection is not required. The folding storm shutter has an upper shutter panel and a lower shutter panel pivotally attached to the lower edge of the upper shutter panel so that the lower shutter panel can be extended to cover the entire window, and, alternatively, the lower shutter panel can be placed in a folded configuration against the upper shutter panel when not needed for window protection. A latching mechanism is provided for selectively retaining the lower shutter panel in the folded configuration. Hinges pivotally attach the upper shutter panel to the window frame. A rod removably supported by brackets on opposite sides of the window may be used to support the shutter in the folded configuration.

Abstract: A fire protection system for homes and other structures including a pliable multi-layered shroud of fire-resistant material having an inflatable support structure embedded therein. The inflatable support structure includes a web of inflatable channels for rapid deployment from a folded configuration to an inflated configuration in which the fire-resistant material partially envelops a structure. The shroud is packed in an enclosure having a bi-fold top panel for ease of access. The enclosure also has one or more air hose couplings to which the inflatable support structure is connected for rapid inflation and deployment out of the enclosure. A plurality of tethers are also provided as tie-downs, which anchor the heat resistant shroud. The system affords ample rapid deployment protection from neighboring fires and heat exposure therefrom.

Abstract: An inexpensive device is provided for quickly and efficiently securing protective panels such as, for example, plywood and the like, to exterior surfaces of buildings to protect windows, doors and/or other vulnerable features from wind and flying debris. The device comprises a stationary base, and a clamping member attached to such base. At least one device of the present invention is mounted to a building in general proximity to a window, door or other feature to be covered with a protective panel; the clamping member(s) secure the protective panels in place against the building. When not in use, the present invention can be maintained in a stowed position.

Abstract: An environmental protection apparatus for protecting an opening such as windows, doors, airbricks, cat flaps, tumble dryer vents, meter cupboards, etc. against flood water. The apparatus includes a removable envelope arranged to surround the opening, a seal for sealing the envelope to the opening, and an attachment for releasably securing the envelope to the opening. The envelope is a box having a open side, positioned adjacent to the opening. The seal peripherally surrounds the open side of the box. The seal is a compressible material arranged to be compressed between the box and the opening. The attachment is an apertured plate securable to the opening. The releasable attachment is a hook arranged to be secured to the opening and an inter-engageable aperture in a portion of the box structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of door protectors are described. One typical embodiment comprises front and rear corrugated cardboard panels that are draped over a door by way of one or more pieces of saddle tape that join the panels along their respective top edges. A plurality of folds, perforations and cutouts are provided on the faces of the panels to permit access to the door's hardware. Accordingly, the door can be operated in a traditional manner while providing impact and damage protection to the door. The panels include a plurality of widthwise folds that permit the door protector to be folded for transport and storage. In variations, the edge straps are provided often comprised of hook and loop material to both secure the protector in a folded configuration and to an associated door.

Abstract: A flood protection system for a building employs waterproof flexible sheeting (26) of a size at least sufficient to cover a region to be protected on one or more faces of a building. The sheeting is capable of withstanding water pressure at least with a head as great as the difference in height from the lowest to the highest point of the region. The sheeting has a first side and an opposite side on the side of the sheeting opposite the first side. The first side is arranged to bear against the surface of the building at least around the periphery of the region and an opposite side. A frame of similar dimension to the sheeting is used to mount the sheeting with its first side against the face of the building. The frame co-operates with compressible sealing means (23, 24) which bear against the opposite side of the sheeting to thereby press the first side against the face of the building. Fixing means mount the frame to the surface of the building without the fixing means piercing the sealing means.

Abstract: A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, provides thermal and acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a stairwell, or the opening at one end of a stairway, or an opening in a generally vertical wall that is not necessarily associated with a stairway. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components.

Abstract: An assembly for reducing ice damming along a roof is provided including at least one tabular panel having an upper surface and an opposing lower surface shaped in a rectangular shape. Each panel includes a plurality of holes extending entirely through the panel. A plurality of pads is attached to the opposing surface of said tabular panel for spacing the tabular panel from a substrate such as a roof surface. Each panel further includes a “U” shaped offset member attached to an interconnecting member which in turn is attached to the assembly.

Abstract: Edge stiffened corrugated polymeric sheet material can be utilized as storm panels for mounting about a perimeter surface of an opening so as to protect the opening from wind and impact loads. The panels can include a corrugated sheet material having a corrugated contiguous band horizontally extending at about an end of the top and the bottom, wherein the corrugated contiguous band is complementary and contiguous to the plurality of corrugations of the corrugated sheet panel. The complementary and contiguous corrugated band can be configured to sandwich the sheet material. The panel may also include, individually or in combination, a contiguous band sandwiching the polymeric sheet material at a terminal end of each side and extending vertically from the top to the bottom. The panels provide wind and impact load protection for the opening.

Abstract: An insulating construction. The construction is formed from a blank construction having a square or rectangular central portion and a side section attached to each side of the central portion. Two wing sections are attached to each of two opposing side sections. The wing sections are attachable to an adjacent side section free of a wing section. Then the blank construction is folded in a three dimensional configuration, it supported by a rod construction.

Abstract: An attic access apparatus comprises an access frame with sidewalls extending upward from a flange member and configured to extend upward into an attic opening between structural members forming the attic opening. A recessed groove along inner surfaces of the sidewalls is configured such that fastening screws can be located in the groove. A trim flange extends outward from the sidewall to cover fasteners used to fasten the ceiling to the bottom of the structural members, and a support flange extends inward from the sidewalls to form a support flange. An insulated lid drops into the access opening formed by the inner surfaces of the sidewalls and rests on the support flange, and a seal member provides a seal between the lid and the access frame to prevent air movement between the lid and access frame.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an air conditioner cover having at least two posts, a plurality of slats, and a plurality of obstructions used to properly distance the slats from the ground. The air conditioner cover also has connectors disposed between said posts and said slats in some embodiments. The air conditioner cover is designed to surround an air conditioner unit in order to hide it from sight and to protect the air conditioner unit from various types of damage. The present invention is specifically designed to ensure appropriate ventilation, as the uniquely shaped slats have in order to provide a spacing gap for ventilation purposes, while still providing a barrier to the air conditioner unit.

Abstract: A fastener device for releasably securing an object within an opening formed in a structure comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a pair of legs which are oriented at an angle relative to one another. A coupling element is movable along one of the legs of at least one of the first and second fastening members. One leg of each fastening member is inserted into a hole formed in the structure surrounding the opening allowing the other leg to pivot, preferably in a trochoidal motion, until the pivoting legs align with one another at which time the coupling element may be moved into engagement with the two pivoting legs to releasably connect the fastening members together in position to secure the object relative to the opening.

Abstract: A temporary protective system provides for minimizing storm damage to selected framing systems of a structure, such as door or window openings, while also eliminating the permanent installation damage common to such structures when conventional plywood covers, shutters, or metal shielding are installed. The protective system incorporates an inflation system and an attachment or securing system for securing the inflation system relative to the selected framing or structural system without damage. The multiple proposed systems allow a user to install each protective system from a convenient position and to uninstall the system without causing structural damage for later compact storage. An additional rigid shielding member, or a series of rigid shielding members, may be incorporated to provide additional protection.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated panels of light transmitting plastics sheet material each have longitudinally extending parallel spaced ribs and longitudinally extending co-planner opposite edge portions. An elongated support member for each panel has a base portion secured to the opposite edge portions of the panel adjacent the upper end portion of the panel and includes a hook portion adapted to engage a hook-shaped support rail mounted on a building over a window or door opening. Each hook portion has end surfaces recessed inwardly from opposite edge surfaces of the panel and provide for overlapping edge portions of adjacent panels. The lower end portion of an outer panel is supported by a sill bracket mounted on the building under the opening and receives a U-shaped track member secured to the panel. The bracket and track member are connected by pull pins located within the ribs of the outer panel.

Abstract: A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, provides thermal and acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a stairwell, or the opening at one end of a stairway, or an opening in a generally vertical wall that is not necessarily associated with a stairway. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components.

Abstract: A system and method which provides a means to install a hurricane shutter panel in a manner which enables release of the panel from the inside of the structure, thus providing means of egress through the opening on which the panel is installed. There are four preferred embodiments of the invention to correspond with the four primary means for installing hurricane shutter panels; namely angle track, F-Track, direct mount systems using wall anchors and direct mount systems using direct mount studs permanently mounted into a structure. The various embodiments require little or no modifications to the components of the various industry standard installation systems. The invention can be used with new installations or adapted to existing installations.

Abstract: A composite material includes lithium hydride particles dispersed within lithium to form a lithium-lithium hydride composite. The lithium-lithium hydride composite has increased strength over pure lithium and similar soft X-ray transmission characteristics as pure lithium. A soft X-ray blast window may be made from the lithium-lithium hydride composite with increased reliability and cost effectiveness. A method for making a composite material includes dispersing lithium hydride into lithium metal using a variety of dispersion techniques.

Abstract: An assembly, method, and kit particularly adapted for use in mounting a window film structure in spaced apart and juxtaposed relationship to a window of a window assembly.

Abstract: An improved method and system of temporarily attaching a frame to a masonry building structure. A circular base mount is inserted into a circular sleeve, that has been pre-drilled into masonry by a coring bit. The masonry core is left in place. The circular base has contact with the inner surface of the core, the outer surface of the core, and the top of the core. Adhesive is used to permanently cement the base mount to the masonry core, providing abundant surface area for extra holding power. The base mount has a hooked top web for permanent or temporary connection to a female mount that is held in place to the base mount by rotation and locking. The female mount can be attached to a shutter, providing protection against hurricane winds.

Abstract: A storm panel of high strength fabric is constructed, reinforced, and installed in such a way as to comply with the building codes as a large missile impact system. The panel includes a zippered opening for access through the panel when in use. When not in use, the fabric can be rolled and stored and placed in an attractive cover without disassembly.

Abstract: A do-it-yourself non-permanent hurricane panel supporting and securing device designed to allow property owner selection and installation of a variety of readily available storm panel materials over glass doors and windows as a means of protection from hurricane winds and associated flying debris. The system provides a base plate device for supporting and securing the lower edge of plywood and other hurricane panel materials available following hurricane alerts or warnings. Readily available owner selected channels or tracks engage the upper edge of the panel materials. The system is designed to allow property owners of multi-level apartments and condominiums to install hurricane panels over glass doors and windows with provisions for the installer to complete the installation from inside the glass door or window being protected.

Abstract: The folding storm shutter provides a shutter for protecting a window during inclement weather, and shade similar to that provided by an awning when window protection is not required. The folding storm shutter has an upper shutter panel and a lower shutter panel pivotally attached to the lower edge of the upper shutter panel so that the lower shutter panel can be extended to cover the entire window, and, alternatively, the lower shutter panel can be placed in a folded configuration against the upper shutter panel when not needed for window protection. A latching mechanism is provided for selectively retaining the lower shutter panel in the folded configuration. Hinges pivotally attach the upper shutter panel to the window frame. A rod removably supported by brackets on opposite sides of the window may be used to support the shutter in the folded configuration.

Abstract: A demountable barrier (8) for substantially preventing access of water into premises (2) through an access region (4) provided in a wall (6) of the premises. A frame member (10) has a longitudinal channel (20) in a first face (22) open towards the wall of the premises. A resilient membrane (30) is secured to the frame member and framed by the frame member and overlying and closing the longitudinal channel. A non-return air valve (28) extends to the longitudinal channel from a second face (24) of the frame member and is sealed through an aperture provided in the frame member. A compressible sealing member (38) is located between the frame member and the wall of the premises and pump means (40) provides pressurised air into the longitudinal channel through the non-return air valve, to effect ballooning of the resilient membrane overlying the longitudinal channel and compression of the compressible sealing member, whereby a substantially water-tight seal is effected between the frame member and the wall.

Abstract: A curved brace edge connection fitting and a curved brace window sash edge connection fitting and a window structure are provided. A coupling intensity of existing modular edge connection fittings can be heightened to simultaneously enhance air-tightness and heat insulation and to further provide effects of curved design and easy cleaning. The curved brace window frame edge connection fitting and the curved brace window sash edge connection fitting are used in a push-to-open window called a slider and a rotate-to-open window called a casement.

Abstract: A storm panel is provided for shielding a structure. The storm panel includes at least one corrugation, and comprises a first wall and a second wall disposed in spaced-apart relation. An angled wall is disposed between and connected to the first wall and the second wall to support the second wall away from the first wall. At least one ridge is disposed proximate the point of connection between the second wall and the angled wall, and may have a shape configured to strengthen the panel proximate the point of connection between the second wall and the angled wall. In addition, a storm panel assembly is provided comprising at least one storm panel and a mounting extrusion for attachment to the storm panel to provide support for the storm panel on a mounting surface, such as the side of a building.