Abstract: A utility distribution apparatus comprises an inner wall removably mounted on an outer wall within a building structure. The inner and outer walls create a chase for air flow. A floor surface forms a generally closed corner with the outer wall. The inner wall is spaced apart from, and above the floor. One or more horizontally oriented utility conduits are supported from the floor surface or the outer wall and are positioned below the chase. A utility cover is fixed to the inner wall and extends to the floor surface for hiding the utility conduits. A lower and an upper apertures in the outer wall are positioned for receiving and expelling an air flow through the chase.

Abstract: A bullet resistant glass panel comprising a plurality or parallel glass sheets arranged adjacent to each other. Each glass sheet includes at least one layer of a transparent polymeric film on a first side and at least one layer of a transparent polymeric film on a second side of the glass sheet. The total thickness of the or each layer of transparent polymeric film on the second side is greater than the total thickness of the or each layer of transparent polymeric film on the first side. The first sides are arranged to face a direction from which the impact of a bullet is expected. The thickness of the or each further glass sheet is less than or equal to the thickness of a preceding glass sheet.

Abstract: A storm protection device (20) to be attachable over a window (21) or other opening of a building (22) includes a header (26), a bottom sill (25) and side frames (23, 24) extending between the ends of the header (26) and the sill (25). The header (26) carries a tube (53) which has one end of a curtain assembly (27) attached thereto. The curtain assembly (27) is biased by a spring (54) to be normally coiled on the tube (53), but the curtain assembly (27) may be manually moved along the frames (23, 24) to the sill (25) to cover the window opening (21). A bar (31) is formed at the other end of the curtain assembly (27), and the bar (31) carries a guide and lock assembly (110) which rides in and can engage at least one of the side frames (23, 24) to guide and selectively hold the curtain assembly (27) at any selected position along the side frames (23, 24).

Abstract: Telescoping hurricane shutters protect a window during a storm but eliminate the need for pre-sized storm shutters. The interchangeable storm shutters are made up of individual panels slidably connected to one another. The panels may be extended to cover an exposed area of window. The storm shutters may be interlocked together in order to fit a particular window and may be held in place by brackets, quick tapping screws, or threaded rods and nuts that allow for quick installation and removal.

Abstract: A vertical glazing frame system for building curtain walls includes a sill assembly having a subsill shaped and dimensioned for direct attachment to a support structure and a sill shaped and dimensioned for receipt within the subsill for ease of installation and movement relative thereto. The system also includes a head assembly having a head receptor shaped and dimensioned for direct attachment to a support and a head shaped and dimensioned for receipt within the head receptor for movement relative thereto. The system further includes a jamb assembly and flashing plate extending over the sill assembly and the head assembly, the flashing plate including a first end coupled to the sill assembly and a second end covering the head assembly.

Abstract: Concealed retaining channel for attaching upper edges of storm shutters in front of windows. The concealed retaining channel can be installed within a soffet portion of a roof overhang, and remains unseen with or without a storm shutter attached thereto. The concealed retaining channel can have a lower facing channel opening for receiving an upper edge of the storm shutter, and can be attached with removable fasteners to an exterior wall above the window being protected by the shutter and above the soffit portion of the roof overhang. A front portion of the concealed retaining channel can have a horizontal planar sleeve with an interior facing groove for receiving an upper leg of an elongated piece of trim, such as J-shaped decorative trim, so that only a portion of the decorative trim hangs down exposing a front facing groove.

Abstract: A light transmitting storm shutter system for homes, buildings and the like includes a combination of full width corrugated aluminum and half width clear polycarbonate panels arranged in alternating adjacent and partially overlapping relation over a given window or door opening. The aluminum panels provide structural integrity while the polycarbonate panels provide light transmittance. The combination of full width aluminum panels and half width polycarbonate panels provides a storm shutter system that is substantially stronger and more resistant to impact deflection than the light transmitting storm shutters disclosed in the background art, and eliminates the need for additional hardware, supports, and bracing.

Abstract: A hurricane shutter system for providing a permanent storm shutter that is affordable and aesthetically pleasing. The hurricane shutter system includes a pair of brackets, a pair of telescoping arms pivotally attached to the brackets, and a shutter structure attached to the telescoping arms. The shutter structure is comprised of a first side member, a second side member and a plurality of bar members extending between the side members. A plurality of reinforcing members are attached to the bar members. A plurality of securing bolts are securable to the building structure with a pair of corresponding securing tabs securable about the securing bolts for retaining the shutter structure closed upon the window.

Abstract: An improved curtain wall casing bead for installation on buildings having stucco or similar curtain wall exteriors. The improved curtain wall casing bead incorporates a mesh attached to at least the front wall of the casing or starter bead, which mesh extends beyond the height of the front wall and provides additional area for the infiltration of over-applied stucco finishes or the like. Such additional infiltration, after drying of the over-applied layer provides a more adherent, higher quality and more durable attachment of the stucco finish to the casing bead and the overall wall structure is achieved.

Abstract: A blast-resistant window assembly is provided. The assembly has a window, and first and second brackets. The window is fitted within an opening having at least one wall. The first bracket has a brace located adjacent the window, and a stop located adjacent the wall. The second bracket is located adjacent the wall and is configured to receive the stop. During an explosion, force created therefrom causes the window to engage the brace of the first bracket to cause the stop of the same to be received by the second bracket.

Abstract: An impact-resistant shutter does not fracture upon impact from debris. The shutter includes a decorative panel and a support panel. The decorative panel has an outer surface and an inner surface and includes a first chemical composition. The support panel has a first surface and a second surface and includes a fiber composition. The fiber composition is incompatible with the first chemical composition. A second chemical composition is integrated into the support panel at the first surface. The second chemical composition is compatible with the first chemical composition. Due to this second chemical composition present at the first surface, the fiber composition in the support panel can be bonded to the inner surface of the decorative panel. The fiber composition provides impact resistance to the decorative panel to prevent fracturing of the decorative panel upon impact from debris.

Abstract: A flood protection barrier is disclosed that can be deployed in the event of an immanent flood risk. The barrier comprises a shield having a sealing element and securing means for securing the shield in place to at least partially close an aperture in a wall of a building. The sealing element forms a fluid-resistant seal between barrier and the periphery of the aperture thereby resisting passage of water through the aperture. The barrier can be secured by securing means that require no modification to the building. The securing means may include clip assemblies or, in alternative embodiments, wedges or other suitable components.

Abstract: A window and door treatment complex characterized by base pairs of hook and fastener strapping units removably affixed to a window to which units there is removably affixed via hook and fastener strapping affixed to a rear side of a first coverlet, a first coverlet made up of insulating fabric about which there is sewn an outer fabric and into which insulating fabric and outer fabric a through hole has been cut and affixed to near the top border and near the bottom border of the frontal side of which first coverlet there is hook and fastener material removably affixable to hook and fastener material attached to a rear side of a second coverlet made up of an insulating material about which there is sewn an outer fabric, the front side of which, near lateral borders thereof and near top and bottom borders thereof, is characterized by the presence of hook and fastener material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exterior window shutter that is made of thermoplastic resin, has functional louvers, but is still hurricane resistant. The shutter includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a transparent impact resistant member. This impact resistant member is permanently affixed to the perimeter framework to increase structural stability. Additionally, this invention provides a method to make a high strength and structurally stable hurricane resistant louvered shutter.

Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly includes a plurality of slats or boards arranged in a row presenting a decorative surface with side flanges projecting rearwardly. At least one cross member overlays each of the slats and presents a decorative cross surface with side cross flanges projecting rearwardly. Each cross slat includes at least one mating member affixed behind the cross slat decorative surface having a mating wall affixed to each of the decorative surfaces for affixing the plurality batten slats to the cross slat.

Abstract: A device is provided which enables an object such as a window protection device to be secured to a structure, where the device passes through a hole in one or more structures located between the object, and the structure to which attachment is desired. The device can be screwed, or otherwise attached, to wood structural framing which is concealed beneath veneer, such as bricks and other masonry. The other end of the device receives a tool which allows such an installation, and also the removal of the device. The other end also receives a fastener, such as a bolt, which secures the material or the track to the end of the device, the end of the device being substantially flush with the exterior veneer surface. The end of the device is flared to seal the hole in the veneer and increase the stability of the device in the hole.

Abstract: A portable fire curtain system to provide a cloak to cover a vented opening. When deployed it will alleviate the incoming wind, which is fueling the fire. The fire curtain is made of one sheet of a fire resistant or fire proof material that is folded and sewn together. Encapsulated within the fire curtain are 6 bars of high-tempered aluminum running laterally. Each corner of the fire curtain has holes that are drilled through the top and bottom bars. Four 5 foot cable leaders with loops, (one to each corner) will be secured to these holes. Two 40 foot ropes with snaps on all ends will be connected to these cable leaders to be used in the deployment. The ropes are packed in two rope deployment bags in order to prevent the ropes from tangling.

Abstract: A shutter for covering a window that includes a rigid member and a foam body. The foam body has a shutter form and is adjacent to at least one side of the rigid member. A hard impervious coating surrounds the foam body and the rigid member. A structure allows the shutter to move between a first position and a different second position. A lock selectively holds the shutter in the first position.

Abstract: An adjustable length bracing device can be installed in a window frame or door frame to secure a sheet of covering material that is positioned to protect the window or door from flying debris resulting from a hurricane, tornado, or other storm. The brace device consists of two independent and moveable bars, which can be adjusted to fit the inside of a window or door opening. The adjustment is made by the use of a metal clip attached to one bar and inserted into a notch on the other bar. The ends of each bar have rubber pads to help prevent marring the window or door opening or frame and to prevent any slipping of the bracing device assembly. Once the assembly is in position, a locking metal ring holds both independent bars together to prevent movement.

Abstract: A system and method for installing a construction component, such as a window unit, in proper position within a construction component opening, such as a framed opening, of a structure or building. The system employs a position securing means attached to the periphery of the construction component. The position securing means may be a strap of flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid material or combination thereof, or a self-locking device. The position securing means is adapted for attachment to a construction component opening when the construction component is in proper position. In the method of the invention, a construction component carrying a position securing means is placed in proper position within a construction component opening. Once in proper position, the position securing means is attached to the construction component opening, securing the component in proper position.

Abstract: A self-adhesive laminate for sealing window frames includes an aluminum layer having a first side and a second side, a polyester layer adhered to the first side of the aluminum layer, an adhesive layer adhered to the second side of the aluminum layer, and a release paper overlying the adhesive remote from the aluminum layer. This laminate reduces or eliminates the overheating problems common in prior art tapes.

Abstract: An attic cover apparatus comprising a base, an insulating member, a panel, and a flange creating a decorative frame.

Abstract: A shield panel support, for providing a vertical side edge support for a shield panel, comprises a transparent shield panel support pillar.

Abstract: A light transmitting storm shutter system for homes, buildings and the like includes a combination of full width corrugated aluminum and half width clear polycarbonate panels arranged in alternating adjacent and partially overlapping relation over a given window or door opening. The aluminum panels provide structural integrity while the polycarbonate panels provide light transmittance. The combination of full width aluminum panels and half width polycarbonate panels provides a storm shutter system that is substantially stronger and more resistant to impact deflection than the light transmitting storm shutters disclosed in the background art, and eliminates the need for additional hardware, supports, and bracing.

Abstract: A storm panel is formed of a film material for providing protection to the frangible portions of a structure during extreme weather conditions, especially protecting the frangible portions against debris carried by high winds. The panel comprises at least two laminated sheets of the film material, and in one embodiment further including a layer of reinforcing fibers disposed therebetween, and further comprising supporting track members on opposing sides of the laminated sheets. Installation as the extreme weather approaches is relatively easy as the storm panel is light and readily attached to the structure adjacent the frangible portion using the track members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective device for openings in a structure, e.g., windows and doors, from storms and hurricanes. The present invention also relates to the aforesaid devices in combination with the frames of openings. The present invention device provides for removably installing protective boards in structural openings as needed, such as when tornadoes, high winds, extreme rain and snowstorms or hurricanes are threatening a building. These devices rely upon and include rotating U channels that receive the protective board, and are then shut and secured. After the threat has passed, the device is unsecured or unlatched, the board is removed from the U channels and may be stored remotely so as to not interfere with the function or view of the opening, window or door.

Abstract: A window and door treatment complex characterized by base pairs of hook and fastener strapping units removably affixed to a window to which units there is removably affixed via hook and fastener strapping affixed to a rear side of a first coverlet, a first coverlet made up of insulating fabric about which there is sewn an outer fabric and into which insulating fabric and outer fabric a through hole has been cut and affixed to near the top border and near the bottom border of the frontal side of which first coverlet there is hook and fastener material removably affixable to hook and fastener material attached to a rear side of a second coverlet made up of an insulating material about which there is sewn an outer fabric, the front side of which, near lateral borders thereof and near top and bottom borders thereof, is characterized by the presence of hook and fastener material.

Abstract: An insulated attic access cover which is easily installed from below the attic access opening and includes a flat panel with a central insulation portion, flanges which carry a seal and attachment points to secure the cover to the ceiling.

Abstract: A plastic shutter level is formed by a cap assembly which fits into the bottom of a vertical stile of the shutter. The cap assembly includes a cap body and an adjustable member which threads into the cap body. The adjustable member has a cam shaped bottom face which cams over the shutter frame to provide an automatic leveling adjustment of the shutter when in its closed position.

Abstract: A framed panel (1) consists of a panel (2) mounted in a frame (3). In order to secure the panel, a shock cord (4) is fastened across the panel (2), one or both ends of the shock cord (4) being held in a cleat (6a, 6b), so that the panel (2) is arrested when subjected to shock.

Abstract: An entranceway barrier apparatus for blocking floodwaters from entering an entranceway. The entranceway barrier apparatus includes a frame assembly for selectively mounting in a lower portion of the doorway. The frame assembly has a main channel extending therein. The frame assembly includes a pair of L-shaped sections that are telescopically couplable. A plurality of locking members selectively locks each of the sections of the frame assembly together in a desired position when the sections are telescopically coupled. A main channel gasket is positioned in the main channel of the frame assembly. A severable panel member is positionable in the main channel of the frame assembly adjacent to the channel gasket to seal between the panel member and the frame assembly. A frame gasket seals between the frame assembly and the doorway.

Abstract: A frame apparatus for a storm window, screen window, or like application which securely engages the existing window frame or other structure in which it is disposed without alteration of that frame or structure, and removed without damage. A minimum of tools and techniques are necessary to install or remove the frame, which will be amenable to use in frames or structures in a wide variety of sizes and shapes.

Abstract: An improved and inexpensive flood and debris protection device “The Door Damm” (FIG. 2) provides consumers with an easily installed and removable waterproof and debris barrier for exterior windows and doors for temporarily protecting a structure against flood water and debris from entering a building or structure. The Door Damm is designed to be installed over all exterior material and structural surfaces however, for further protection the device can also be installed over wet or dry surfaces areas. The “Door Dam” (FIG. 1) main components consist of a rectangular frame pipe of a square steel metal or other suitable material (7), aluminum cover or panel (8),) secured to each other and bolted to the structural frame tightened by a spring-loaded tension bar (9) and sealed with a waterproofing putty like sealant.

Abstract: An attic scuttle for providing a means of accessing the attic which is easily installed, fire-rated, and forms a tight, insulating seal. The attic scuttle includes a sleeve with a perimeter wall, and a hinged door positioned within the base portion of the sleeve for facilitating access to the attic from a room below.

Abstract: A hurricane-resistant storm window assembly including at least one window pane member which consists of a first lami-glass substrate which is substantially {fraction (9/32)} of an inch (2.7 mm) thick; a second lami-glass substrate which is substantially {fraction (9/32)} of an inch (2.7 mm) thick; and a vinyl layer which is substantially 0.060 of an inch laminating the first lami-glass substrate and the second lami-substrate together. A window frame surrounding an outer perimeter edge of the at least one window pane member.

Abstract: A blast resistant window system comprising a reinforced window pane defining an in-side and an out-side and being supported by a window framework for mounting at an opening in a wall. The window system fiber comprises at least one pane-engaging member transversally extending adjacent an in-side surface of the window pane and secured at respective ends thereof to opposite construction elements. Each of the pane-engaging member is fitted with at least one energy dispensing device for converting axial force within the pane-engaging member into mechanical work.

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: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an awning that permits light and air to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The awning includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a removable rigid support plate. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The shutter includes modular louver sections that have an integral rigid backing plate.

Abstract: A plastic dust cover for upright freestanding metal shelving units. The dust cover comprises integral top panel, side panels and rear panel together with vertically zippered front panels which are preferably transparent. A Velcro closure system is provided for securing the top of the front panel. Magnets are sewn into the bottom edges of the front panels to cause them to adhere to the bottom front of the shelving unit.

Abstract: A reinforced storm shutter for protecting doors and windows of buildings from high winds of severe storms and hurricanes. The shutter is comprised of heavy-gauge components, including tubular members having a plurality of aligned, slotted openings and louvers mounted in the aligned openings. The louvers are welded to the tubular members, preferably on the inside surface of the tube, with the weld completely sealing each slotted opening. The tubular members are then welded around the entire periphery of the tube ends to the remaining frame members of the shutter to hermetically seal the tubular members and protect the welds securing the louvers from continuous weathering conditions. The tubular members are formed of mating channel members that are sealingly secured together after the louvers have been welded in place.

Abstract: A frameless window module allows operable windows to be placed in any location of a wood stud frame wall without compromising the load bearing capability of the studs thereof. By using lift-off pivot hinges, two (2) panes of glass are respectively pivotally mounted to the exterior and interior surfaces of the wood stud frame wall. Pneumatic gaskets enable to controllably regulate the air interspace captured thereby to provide a variable-insulation aperture. Interconnection hinges cause the two (2) glass panes of a module to move in concert and/or serve to securely lock them in their closed position.

Abstract: A portable screen door for positioning in an apartment doorway. The portable screen door includes a frame having a first side bar, a second side bar, a top bar and a bottom bar. A screen extends between and is attached to the first side bar, the second side bar, the top bar and the bottom bar. The screen extends along each of the bars. A first support holds the frame in a doorframe. The support is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The first side bar of the frame is hingedly coupled to the support. At least one biasing member removably biases the support against the doorframe. The biasing member is removably extendable from one of the ends of the support.

Abstract: A system for boarding up a store front window, and more specifically a corner bracket for use in removably supporting a panel respective an opening formed by a store front frame having corners. The panel temporarily closes the opening while avoiding damage to the frame, and preventing intrusion through the store front frame. The corner bracket has spaced parallel flanges connected by perpendicular load bearing wall members. One bracket is received at each corner of the store front frame and the load bearing wall members bear against adjacent frame members that form a corner. One of the flanges engage an interior surface of the frame while the opposed flange is attached to the panel. This causes the corner bracket to urge the panel against the exterior wall surface of the frame. The panel can be of an area greater than the area defined by the inner periphery of the frame to bring the marginal edge of the panel into engagement with the exterior frame face.

Abstract: A building fixture protection apparatus that covers and quickly connects and disconnects from an existing building fixture, such as windows and doors, to protect the building fixture from damage due to vandalism, hurricanes, tornados, high winds, or other types of dangerous storms. The building fixture protection apparatus comprises a panel member that is sized to cover a portion or all of the building fixture, and a plurality of connecting members provided at select portions of the panel member. The plurality of connecting members quickly connect and disconnect the panel member to and from a plurality of mating connecting members provided in the periphery around the building fixture. The building fixture protection apparatus easily fits over the building fixture in a minimal amount of time, facilitating the process of safeguarding a building fixture prior to the arrival of vandals or a dangerous storm.

Abstract: A Replacement Window Installation and Flashing System consisting mainly of an Interior Jam Liner and an Exterior Cap. The Interior Jam Liner is of an elongated extruded shape; it is designed for installation around the perimeter of a window opening that has been prepared by collapsing and removing the original window frame. After being cut to the desired length the Interior Jam Liner is installed on all 4 sides of the window opening so that a vertical member on the Interior Jam Liner is positioned in the area that was previously occupied by the original windows nailing fin. An opposed vertical member at the back of the Interior Jam Liner forms a stop with which to set a new replacement window against. After the new replacement window is positioned against this stop and fastened into place, the Exterior Cap, also an elongated extruded shape, is cut to length, assembled as a rectangle, and mated with the Interior Jam Liner by a male-female self-securing connection.

Abstract: A system for boarding up a store front window, and more specifically a corner bracket for use in removably supporting a panel respective an opening formed by a store front frame having corners. The panel temporarily closes the opening while avoiding damage to the frame, and preventing intrusion through the store front frame. The corner bracket has spaced parallel flanges connected by perpendicular load bearing wall members. One bracket is received at each corner of the store front frame and the load bearing wall members bear against adjacent frame members that form a corner. One of the flanges engage an interior surface of the frame while the opposed flange is attached to the panel. This causes the corner bracket to urge the panel against the exterior wall surface of the frame. The panel can be of an area greater than the area defined by the inner periphery of the frame to bring the marginal edge of the panel into engagement with the exterior frame face.

Abstract: A stabilized window structure includes a window frame, a shattered window pane disposed in the window frame, and a layer of unifying material bonded to the window pane to form a cohesive mass removable from the frame as one or more integral and unitary pieces. A method of stabilizing and removing a shattered window pane from a window frame includes the steps of applying a layer of unifying material to an exterior surface and/or an interior surface of the shattered window pane, bonding the layer of unifying material to the window pane to form a cohesive mass therewith, and removing the cohesive mass from the window frame as one or more integral and unitary pieces.

Abstract: A stabilized window structure and method for stabilizing a window structure having a window frame entirely or substantially entirely devoid of glass includes a patch removably secured over the window frame to cover the opening in its entirety and a body of unifying material disposed over and bonded to the patch to form a cohesive mass therewith. Alternatively, a pre-formed, polymeric foam panel is removably secured over the window frame to cover the entirety of the opening. A method of removing a shattered window pane involves using pre-existing cracks in the pane to define the formation of separately removable, disconnected cohesive masses. A method of removing shards from a track of a window structure involves removing the shards as part of a single cohesive mass, as pieces of a single cohesive mass or as separate, disconnected cohesive masses.

Abstract: The invention comprises a ventilator for a glass block window that includes a window frame, a window sash pivotably mounted in the window frame and a screen also pivotably mounted in the window frame. The window sash is pivotable between a closed position and an open position such that when the window sash is in the open position, rain and snow and the like are resisted from passing through the ventilator and into the building which has the glass block window. The invention also encompasses providing a ventilator as described above without the screen. Finally, a screen for a window is also provided. The screen is pivotably mounted to the window frame of the window. This screen can be used not only for the ventilator but also for other types of windows.

Abstract: A storm cover for protecting a building's exterior glass includes a resiliently rigid protective storm panel connected directly to the glass so as to substantially cover the glass surface. The protective storm panel is connected to the glass by shock absorbing connectors positioned to hold the panel on the glass and spaced apart therefrom, to substantially protect the glass from impact by distributing the force of an impact. The protective storm panel is made of a substantially resiliently rigid material such as wood, plastic, or light gauge metal, and the exterior glass is preferably a glass window or glass door. The protective storm panel may be sized so as to overlap a frame surrounding the window or door to thereby provide added protection.