Patent ID: 6176050
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: E04B,E04H,Y02A

Abstract:
A flexible protective barrier device for protecting a frangible portion of a structure from the force of wind and objects carried thereby, said device comprising:a flexible screen having a predetermined strength and being characterized by interstices, said interstices being constructed and arranged so that said screen substantially reduces the velocity of wind passing through said interstices;a first anchoring means for attaching said screen to an overhanging boundary of said frangible portion, said overhanging boundary extending from said structure;a second anchoring means for attaching said screen to an underlying boundary of said frangible portion, said second anchoring means cooperating with said first anchoring means to selectively maintain said screen in a use orientation;whereby when said screen is in said use orientation, said first and second anchoring means maintain said screen in a spaced apart relationship with said frangible portion, thereby allowing for deceleration of objects impacting said screen;said first anchoring means includes a rigid strip for extending laterally along a mounting surface of said overhanging boundary, said strip being positioned to maintain a first mounting edge of said screen against said mounting surface;at least one fastening member constructed and arranged to secure said strip to said overhanging boundary;said second anchoring means includes at least one fastening member adapted to link said second mounting edge of said screen with said underlying boundary when said screen is in said use orientation;a support means for adjustably positioning said screen second mounting edge with respect to said underlying boundary, said support means includes at least one pulley for mounting on said overhanging boundary;and at least one corresponding flexible member operatively associated with said pulley, said flexible member having a first end for attachment to said overhanging boundary and a free second end, said first and second ends being spaced apart by a middle portion, said middle portion adjustably supporting said pole,whereby when said second end is pulled with respect to said pulley, said middle portion travels about said pulley, thereby producing vertical motion of said pole and said screen second mounting edge.