Patent ID: 6755231
Filing Date: 2004-06-29
Classification: E06B

Abstract:
A combination shutter system and architectural feature being one of a window and a door, said shutter system and architectural feature unitized in a rectangular bracket for use in a building opening, comprising:said rectangular bracket having guide members and channels to secure the shutter system and architectural feature in a single unit for insertion within the building opening; a main shutter body comprising a series of unitary horizontal substantially identical plate members each having two longitudinal edges and an intermediate portion and terminating in two ends; a first hollow hinge member with inwardly projecting stop flanges on one said longitudinal edge of each said plate member; a second hollow hinge member with outwardly projecting stop flanges having a gap therebetween on the opposite said longitudinal edge of each said plate member; each of said hollow hinge members being formed to matingly and pivotally engage the opposite said hollow hinge member on an adjacent such plate member in a hinged joint; said plates being curvilinear in longitudinal cross-section such that each said plate member nests into an adjacent said plate member when the storm panel is retracted upwardly with the curvilinear portions of adjacent plates uniformly spaced apart; said hollow hinge members stop flanges being proportioned as to prevent the curvilinear plate members from deploying past a pre-determined angle extensions from each of the hinged joints; a further extension proportioned for extending from a mid-portion in each of said plates at the mid-portion on no less than every other plate; one of said extensions having rolling means secured at the end of its plate and within a track with yieldable means urging the rolling means to put its secured plate in tension; and all of said rolling means filling a mid-position supporting member, and said supporting member being proportioned within the tracks in the channel so that when the panel is fully employed in the unfolded configuration each of said members is constrained within the channel; whereby internal support at the ends of the plates adds additional strength to resist bending or impact of the panel when in the fully operating unfolded configuration.