Patent ID: 7900408
Filing Date: 2011-03-08
Classification: E06B

Abstract:
1. A storm panel for effectively protecting windows and doors in wall structures during high winds such as those accompanying hurricanes comprising: (a) a woven panel of high strength translucent fabric formed primarily from yarns selected from the group consisting of yarns formed primarily of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, yarns formed primarily of ultra high molecular weight aramids, yarns formed primarily of ultra high molecular weight polypropylene fibers, and yarns formed primarily of blends thereof, said fabric having upper and lower edges and side edges and of such size and shape as to extend across the corresponding window or door; (b) a fabric hem formed along at least the upper and lower edges of the panel; (c) a relatively flat reinforcing bar formed of a material selected from the group consisting of metal and plastics and inserted in each hem and extending substantially the length of the hem; (d) a series of holes at spaced points through each hem and reinforcing bar, a grommet surrounding each of the holes in the fabric layers and reinforcing bar; and (e) a plurality of anchors for installation through the holes and grommets in each hem and bar and into the adjacent wall structure; (f) a low density polyethylene film laminated to at least one side of the fabric; (g) the tenacity of the fibers in the yarns being ≧20 g/d and the denier of the yarns being in the range of 600-1200; (h) the weight of the fabric being ≦20 oz/yd (i) wherein the storm panel with its fabric, hem, reinforcing bar, and anchors being effective to pass the hurricane force wind requirements of the 2004 Florida Building Code and the 2003 International Building Code requirements for a large missile impact system.