CN112459691A - Storm protection system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a protection system for an opening in a building. The system includes a pair of side rails, wherein each pair of side rails has a pair of offset elongated protrusions contained within cavities of the side rails. Further, at least one slat extends between the pair of side rails, the slat being adapted to connect with offset projections within the pair of side rails. In most embodiments, a plurality of slats are provided to roll up when not in use. A clip is attached to the distal end of the blade which is adapted to be directly connected to an offset elongated projection within the cavity of the side rail.

Description

Storm protection system

Technical Field

A storm protection system includes a roll cover for a building opening. The cover is formed of a plurality of overlapping slats having opposed end support clips which are slidably engaged within opposed tracks of the building secured to adjacent spaced sides of the opening. The clip and slats are configured to move between extended/covering and rolled/nested positions relative to the opening without prying the rail open due to undue forces exerted between the clip and the rail, including the occurrence of hurricanes acting on the slats. The clip design further provides each slat with a fixed-end clip to nest neatly with one another in a rolled position, thereby preventing the individual slats from being off-center with respect to one another.

Background

It is known in the art to provide roll-up storm protection systems over openings in buildings, including windows and doorways. However, when rolled up, the system is prohibitively bulky. The various slats and components of previously known furling systems are bulky and therefore difficult to store in the furled position. Another problem associated with known blind assemblies is the tendency of misdirected forces due to the mutual displacement movement of the slat end support clips within the respective tracks, including those associated with storms and hurricanes, to pry open the outer closed ends of the tracks, disengaging the clips, and causing the blind assembly to fail.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a roll-up wind protection shutter protection system for installation over a structural opening. A pair of rails is adapted to be secured to the structure adjacent the opposite extending side edges of the opening. Each track includes inner and outer partition walls separated by end walls to define an accessible cavity.

A pair of projections project from the wall within the cavity such that the projections cancel each other. A plurality of slats are supported between the tracks, each slat having a curved body in the profile.

A pair of clips are attached to each end of each slat so that the clips are supported within the track. Each clip includes a first linear portion extending from the connecting end of the slat and between the inwardly projecting end surfaces of the offset projections.

Each clip further includes an offset support surface extending laterally from the linear portion and such that both the linear surface and the lateral support surface are guided along the track at the end surface and adjacent side surface of each offset projection of the first position and a second offset support position for orienting the slats for movement along the track between a first extended condition and a covering condition over the opening and a second rolled condition showing the opening nestingly supporting the slats from the opening in a spiral and overlapping manner.

The rails may each include a second cavity having a cover for covering an opening to the second cavity. The fastener is adapted to extend from the first cavity and through a portion of the cover connected to the second cavity. The cap may include an elongated leg. Screws are passed through the elongated legs to further secure the elongated rail to the building. The fastener may be positioned at least partially within the cavity such that the fastener extends through one of the sidewalls for connection to the building, and the cover covers an opening to the second cavity to hide the fastener from view.

In one embodiment, the cover includes an elongated leg that is connected to a secondary fastener to secure the cover to the side rail. Further, a pair of offset elongated protrusions may be included in at least one of the cavities. Although it is often used for storms, wind, debris, rain. …, etc. Protection, the structure of the slats may also provide solar and heat reflective properties to reduce heat build-up within the building.

Drawings

Referring now to the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, when read in conjunction with the following detailed description, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an environmental view of the storm protection system of the present invention in an installed and roll-down position;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the clip of the windshield system of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the clip of the storm protection system of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a slat of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the slat of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the clip mounted on the slat when the slat is in a rolled-up position;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a side rail of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a side rail of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the side rails and slats with integrally formed clips;

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the side rail and slat having an alternative embodiment of an integrally formed clip;

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the slat assembly connected together and in a rolled up position;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a storm protection system according to another preferred embodiment and illustrating modified clips incorporated into the ends of the slats, offset seating surfaces along the inner surfaces in contact with each clip, and slidably seated along offset inner projections associated with the rails;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the selected track and internal support clip/slat arrangement shown in FIG. 13, with the offset and laterally extending portions of the clip supported on each of the inwardly extending track convex sides;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 14, showing the variation of the grippers and tracks having a tapered profile along each track projection and the opposing support surface of the gripper that contacts the track projection;

FIG. 16 is a top view of another version of a clip and track, wherein the inwardly extending and offset track protrusions and opposing clip support surfaces each show opposing extending hook or bayonet portions;

FIGS. 17-18 are a pair of first and second rotated perspective views of a selected clip separated from a support rail, illustrating the edge projections associated with each of the angled versions of FIG. 15 and the bayonet or hook versions of FIG. 16, respectively;

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a nesting arrangement between a plurality of opposing end support clips, such as in a rolled-up position, by which the clips maintain proper linear alignment of the slats in the track, and when the slats are retracted in a top storage position.

Detailed Description

The present system relates to a storm protection system for an opening in a building. This embodiment has a thinner clip and offset elongate projection incorporated into the side rail, allowing the joined slats to rest against each other and thus be smaller and less bulky than the prior art.

The system includes a pair of side rails having a pair of offset elongated projections contained within the side rails. At least one slat extends between the pair of side rails, wherein the slat is adapted to connect with an offset protrusion contained within the pair of side rails. In this embodiment, the slats are connected to the side rails by clips fixedly connected to the distal ends of the slats and are adapted to be securely connected to a pair of offset projections contained within the side rails.

An environmental view of the system 100 installed on a building 102 is shown. The building 102 includes an opening or window 104. A pair of side rails 106 are provided on opposite sides and are generally vertically secured to the building 102. A plurality of slats 108 are connected to the side rails to cover the window 104. Fig. 1 shows the slats in a closed position to protect the window from storm damage. When not in use, the plurality of slats 108 are rolled up and can be stored on the window 104.

The system 100 is further illustrated in the perspective exploded view of fig. 2. The system generally includes a slat 108 having two clips 110 at either end of the slat 108. After installation and rolling down, the clip 110 is adjusted to slide into the side rail 106 and the cavity 170 of the side rail 106, as indicated by directional arrow 105.

The slat 108 includes a first distal end 124 and a second distal end 126. Distal ends 124 and 126 each include a pair of apertures 116 adapted for connection with clip 110. The distal ends 124, 126 each include a generally planar surface that is smoothly connected to the clip 110.

Note that in one embodiment, the slats may be extruded from or include an outer coating or film of heat reflective material and solar reflective material, as the extruded aluminum heat transfer properties of the slats will produce the opposite effect. The preferred material for forming the slats is a heat absorbing material, such as a special polycarbonate material, rather than aluminum extrusion, which complicates the heat and solar transfer energy amplification into the building. Alternatively, a light reflective and heat reflective coating may be applied to the concave outer surface of the slats to achieve a similar effect, reflecting heat and light to the interior of the building.

The clip 110 includes various attachment features 130, 120 that allow the clip to be easily nested within one another. The clip 110 also includes corresponding apertures 114 to receive the pins 112. A pin 112 extends through the holes 114 and 116 to connect the clip 110 to the slat 108. The raised portions 120, 122 encourage the clips to nest with one another in the rolled position.

Various views of the clip 110 are shown in fig. 3 and 4. The clip also includes an upper surface 128 adapted to register with the lower surface of the clip 110. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the slats 108 are connected together by connectors. The connectors of fig. 5 and 6 are interconnected according to the requirements and space constraints of the system. The connector shown in fig. 5 includes a hook 106 adapted to couple with a corresponding hook 132, 134. Fig. 5 shows the hook 136 connected to the hook 134 in the extended position 136a and the rolled-up position 136 b.

Also, fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a connector having a hook 138 and a connector portion. The opposite distal end of the connector portion 142 is connected to the hook 138. Fig. 6 illustrates the hooks in the extended position 138a and the rolled position 138 b.

A plastic or other polymer plate 140 may also be provided that is attached to the connector, as shown in fig. 5, to provide additional strength and resiliency. In the present embodiment, the plastic plate 140 is placed on the outside. The watch portion 140 may be placed in the inner portion (in a similar arrangement, similar to that shown in U.S. patent 8365801). Alternatively, multiple plastic panels may be arranged and attached to the system to provide enhanced protection. Further, various materials may be selected to be used instead of the plate material. For example, insulating foam may be used to fill the gap and further isolate the system. Alternatively, an insulating liquid may be used. Furthermore, alternative insulators may be used in addition to foam and incorporated into the system.

An example of a side rail 108 is shown in fig. 8. The side rails are typically extruded metal, such as aluminum or steel, but may also be made of strong plastic, plastic-like, polymer, or polymer-like materials, so long as it provides sufficient resilience and strength during a storm. The side rail 108 includes a first cavity 170 and a second cavity 172. The first cavity 170 includes a pair of offset elongated projections 180, 182. For purposes of this description, the illustrated offset projections 180, 182 each include a linear inner profile (which may also be reconfigured into other shapes, as described subsequently in FIGS. 15-16). And extend inwardly from elongate side wall portions 183 and 184 (see again figure 8) of the track, the connecting portions 186 of these portions being adjacent the inwardly facing open ends thereof. The closed outer end wall 185 (again fig. 8) is structurally supported by the inner surface mounted side wall portion 183.

The offset tabs 180, 182 allow for the use of a smaller clip 110. The previous segments are relatively bulky and therefore result in a relatively bulky configuration when the slats are in the rolled-up configuration. The improved thinner clip 110 of the present invention is adapted to nest and closely abut one another as shown in fig. 7. The offset configuration of the projections 180, 182 allows for a smaller clip to be contained within the side rail 106 while still providing a tight configuration. In addition, the offset configuration of the projections 180, 182 allows an installer to install the screw 152, as shown in FIG. 8. The screws 152 provide an additional safety measure for securing the cover 160 covering the second cavity 172.

The second cavity 172 allows a user to secure the side rail 108 to the building 102. Screw 150 extends through a screw hole in cavity 172. A cover 160 is used to connect and cover the cavity 172 for aesthetic and protective reasons. The cover 160 includes an outer portion 168 having a clip portion 166, the clip portion 166 engaging an end profile 167, the end profile 167 being mounted in an inwardly facing direction spaced from an outer end wall 185, the cover also having an extending leg 162. The extension leg 162 includes an aperture 164 adapted to be connected to the screw 152 by an intermediate inner wall 189 adjacent the leg. The screw 152 is mounted from the first chamber 170 to the second chamber 172 through the inner wall 189 and the leg 162. The offset nature of the inner extensions and elongated protrusions 180, 182 makes it easier for an installer to access the hole 164 and install the screw 152. After the cap is installed, the screw 150 is inaccessible to a thief. Thus, the cover 160 and corresponding screws 152 provide an additional safety measure when mounting the side rails and the wind protection system.

Fig. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of side rail 208. The side rail 208 also includes elongated projections 280, 282 adapted to be connected to the clip 110. Similarly, the side rail 208 includes a clip 260 having shorter legs but still adapted to cover the second cavity 272.

In other alternative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the slat 308 is integrally connected with the clip portion 310. In the embodiment shown in fig. 10, the clamping portion includes a plurality of curved portions 312, 314 adapted to engage and wrap around the pair of offset tabs 380, 382. Screws 350 may also be used to connect the side rails 306 to the building. A not shown channel for the cover fixing screw 350 may also be used. The lid is configured similarly to the lid shown in fig. 8 and 9.

Another alternative embodiment is shown in fig. 11, where the slats 408 are integrally connected with a clip portion 410 having a protruding portion 412414. Tabs 412414 are adapted to extend and connect with a pair of elongated tabs 480482. Similarly, a screw 450 is used to connect the side rail 406 to a building. In addition, a cap similar to that shown in fig. 8 and 9 will also be used in this embodiment.

Figure 12 illustrates a plurality of slats connected together and in a rolled-up position, such as may be stored within a housing, generally represented by a quadrilateral box-type structure, supportable over an opening of the structure, the box-type structure including suitable slots or edges through which the slats are moved between an extended position and a rolled-up position. This embodiment has a thinner clip and offset elongate projection incorporated into the side rail, allowing the joined slats to rest against each other and thus be smaller and less bulky than the prior art.

Referring now to fig. 13, an exploded perspective view is shown generally at 500 of the storm protection system, according to a further preferred embodiment. The reconfigured clips, shown at 502 and 504, are secured to the other end of the slats, previously shown at 106.

As shown in the top view of fig. 14, a selected clip 502 is depicted in slidable support within the track 106. The clip may be constructed of any suitable material (e.g., without limitation, durable plastic or metal) and includes a linearly extending body 506, e.g., having a sleeve shape. The body 506 may be hollow and adapted to receive an externally mounted screw 508, the screw 508 adapted to extend through the clip body and engage an aligned bore end of a given slat 106. Without limitation, the linearly extending main portion 506 of the clip may alternatively be secured to the end of the slat by any other fastener, or may be integrally formed with the slat in a given embodiment.

As further shown in either clip version 502/504, and as best depicted in fig. 14 for clip 502, a pair of extended offset support portions 508 and 510 are provided that extend in generally opposite and offset directions relative to linear portion 506. Without limitation, the clip may be a molded or cast piece with the tubular or sleeve-shaped linear portion and the offset support portion being a single piece. The offset support portions 508 and 510 and the offset support portions shown in each of the subsequent clip designs of FIGS. 15-18 are sized to ensure that they are a single continuous body in contact with each portion (see interface row 512) it being understood that additional variations may include portions 508/510 that are spaced apart from each other along the linear portion 506.

Displacement of the clip along the track is facilitated by the sliding support profile established between the side surfaces of the offset portions, see page 514 for the selected portion 508 and page 516 for the further selected and oppositely extending portion 510. The inwardly offset protrusions 180 and 182 of the track 106 also include sides (see alternatives at 518 and 520) that slide adjacent to the surface 514/516 of the clip offset 508/510 when the clip and plank are supported in the track. At the same time, the end surfaces 522 and 524 of the projections 180 and 182 are also established in sliding motion adjacent the surface of the linear portion 506 (in the example of the end surface 522 of the first projection 180), or, in the example of the second projection 182, the end surface 524 thereof coincides with and is in sliding contact with the end surface 526 of the selected first offset portion 508.

The purpose of the clip design is to provide fairly close tolerances between the clip and the interior of the track and to limit sliding or rotational movement of the clip and the end of the slat within the relative track, which is a disadvantage of many prior art designs. With this design, the occurrence of excessive tilting or play between the clip and the track (and its internal projection) often results in excessive jamming or misdirection forces within the track that, when the number of clips/slats are added together, can cause the outer wall 184 of track 106 to pry away from inner wall 183, about interconnecting wall 189, causing clip 502/504 to disengage from the track. It is well known that strong winds (including impact forces generated by objects carried in the wind) can also cause the track to be pried open and the clip/slat to disengage.

In one embodiment, the clip design of the present invention is intended to avoid the disadvantages of prior art designs (particularly against prying or other structural failure) by providing a cleaner tolerance profile between the opposing and sliding bearing surfaces established between the clip and the clip.

In one embodiment, the clip design of the present invention is directed to avoiding the disadvantages of prior art designs (particularly against prying or other structural failure) by providing a cleaner tolerance profile between the opposing and sliding bearing surfaces established between the clip and the offset track projection.

As shown, this may include a continuous sliding contact established between the sides of the protrusion 180/182. And an offset clip support 508/510, the offset clip support 508/510 having a parallel and tight dimensional tolerance (e.g., in order of a few millimeters or less) between the end surface of the protrusion and the opposing linear support position of the clip. In this manner, current designs increase the design pressure and strength of the entire windshield/shutter assembly.

Beginning with fig. 15, a top view similar to fig. 14 shows a further variation of the clip 600 and track 106 ', showing opposing tapered profiles along each of the redesigned track projections 180' and 182' and the opposing seating surfaces of the clip in contact with the track projections. As shown, the clip 600 includes a linear portion 602 (generally the same as that shown in FIG. 14) and is mounted to the slats 108 by end screws 508.

The opposed extension portions 604 and 606 of the clip 600 are shown protruding from the linear portion 602 of the clip, these further including tapered side surfaces (at 608 and 610, respectively) that oppose the tapered side edge profile of the redesigned protrusions 180 '/182'. The opposing outer surfaces of portions 604 and 606 further exhibit a groove taper notch 609 of portion 604 and a groove taper notch 611 of portion 606. The back notch 609/6011 of a given clip or nest is in conjunction with the front notch 608/610 of the front or back clip to nest the clip in the retracted or wrapped position in a manner similar to that shown in the version of fig. 14 (see further fig. 19).

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a selected clip 600, separate from the blade 108, depicting the angled tapered profile 608/610 of the offset portion 604/606, and in the illustrated embodiment, extending in a common direction (as in the more radial profile of the side support surface of the clip portion 508/510 in fig. 14). Additional mounting structure, including lug 610 and pawl 612/614, is provided at the inner end of the linear portion 602 of the clip and facilitates mounting to a receiving slat end location (e.g., further assisted by end screw 508). The slats are further dimensioned so that the end-mounted clips each exhibit a profile, as shown. 14-16, the common face side support surface of the offset support portion of the clip closely aligns with the opposite side profile (straight or tapered) of the rail interior projection.

As with the variation of fig. 14, the end surfaces 522 'and 524' of the redesigned tabs 180 'and 182' are configured to closely mark the linear bracing location of the clip in such a way that any misalignment forces exerted on the clip by the slats are distributed over the tapered surface profile formed between the clip and the track projection, the closely dimensioned opposing end surfaces between the projections and the clip further helping to provide sliding support and limit the rotation or flexing of the clip within the track.

As shown in fig. 16, a top view of a further version of the clip 700 and track 106 "is shown, wherein the inwardly extending and offset track protrusions and the opposing clip support surfaces now both show opposing extending hook or bayonet portions. The clip has a linear portion 702, the linear portion 702 extending a pair of support portions 704/706 in an opposing and offset manner.

The support portions each include an extended ledge edge (at 708 for offset portion 704; 710 for offset portion 706) of the same orientation, which ledges are secured with further redesigned projections (at 180 "and 182"), respectively, further including bayonet or hook end portions 712 and 714. In this manner, the oppositely extending and overlapping configuration established between offset portion ledge edge 708/710 and rail projecting hook portion 712/714 provides similar tight dimensional support and pivot or flex-proof profile between the clip and the rail. Similar to the tapered groove shown on the back of the clip engaging portion in fig. 15, the selected offset portion 704 exhibits a cut-out profile of the vertical edge surface (see interior corners 709) and, in combination with the outer surface profile of the other offset portion 706 (at 711), provides a similar shrink/roll nesting relationship with each clip on the front and back of the adjacent slats when nested with the arrangement of the offset portion 706, selecting the version of fig. 14 in a manner similar to that shown in fig. 19.

Referring also to fig. 18, a version of the clip of fig. 16 is depicted removed from the slats. As shown, the alternating engagement profile established between the edge extension 708/710 of the clip portion and the re-engineered rail inner raised hook-shaped end 712/714 also limits the bending or rotation of the slats and grippers within each opposing rail, thereby minimizing prying forces applied to the rails.

Finally, fig. 19 is an illustration of the nesting arrangement between the plurality of opposing end support clips 502/504 as shown in fig. 13-14, e.g., as occurring in the rolled-up position (see again fig. 12) whereby the grippers maintain the proper linear alignment of slats 108 in the tracks and upon retraction in the top storage position. Without limitation, slats 108 are generally curved or arcuate (as previously described) and may be wrapped into a top positioned housing to store the slats when not in use. Alternatively, the slats may be retractable from the track into a variety of different storage configurations to reduce bulk.

This is further aided by the nesting pattern of each pair of offset support portions 508/510 and the nesting pattern of each pair of subsequent clips in the retracted position, as shown. On the other side of the slat 108, the clip 504 includes a mirror image arrangement of offset brace portions 508 '/510' that also establishes a nested arrangement with subsequent slat-end brace clips extending along that side of the assembly.

Claims (9)

1. A protective system for installation over a structural opening, comprising: a pair of rails adapted to be secured to the structure adjacent the opposite extending side edges of the opening; each of said tracks including inner and outer partition walls separated by end walls to define an accessible cavity; a pair of projections projecting from the wall within the cavity, the projections each having a side surface and an end surface, the projections offsetting each other; a plurality of slats supported between the tracks by clips connected to both ends of each slat, the clips being received within the tracks; each of said clips having a linear portion extending from said slat between said end surfaces of said projection, each of said clips further having first and second offset portions extending from said linear portion; the offset portion of the clip bears against and moves along the side surface of the projection, the linear portion simultaneously bears against and moves along the end surface of the projection to allow the slat and clip to transition the slat between first extensions and a covering position, the track covering the opening, a second retracted position of the track showing the opening, the slat bearing in a position away from the opening.

2. The protective system according to claim 1, the offset extension portion of the clip and the support side surface of the protrusion each further comprising a tapered surface.

3. The protective system according to claim 1, the offset extension portion of the clip and the supporting side and end surfaces of the protrusion each further comprising opposing tab edges and hooks.

4. The protective system of claim 1, the slats further comprising an arcuate cross-sectional profile, the slats and the clips being stacked upon one another when the slats are in a rolled position.

5. The protective system according to claim 1, the rails each further comprising a second cavity adapted to receive, when separated, a fastener for securing the rail to a building.

6. The protective system according to claim 5, further comprising an opening in the second cavity with a cover mounted thereon.

7. The protective system according to claim 6, further comprising a second fastener adapted to extend through each of the interior walls of the track, the track separating the cavity and engaging a portion of the cover connected to the second cavity.

8. The protective system according to claim 7, said cover further comprising an elongated leg.

9. The protective system of claim 8, the second fastener further comprising a screw passing through the elongated leg.

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