Patent ID: 8375634
Filing Date: 2013-02-19
Classification: E06B

Abstract:
1. A modular, framed assemblage for the manual or automated, operation of shutters in controlling air flow, temperature, static pressure, and insulation within a poultry house, comprising an interlocking frame mechanism comprising an upper horizontal rail, a lower horizontal rail, two slotted vertical rails, two upper couplers, and two lower couplers; a plurality of planar shutters of approximate dimensions comprising 48 inches in length by 14 inches in width, by 1.5 inches in thickness, having length-wise beveled edges and further, having an end cap affixed to the left and the right end of each of said shutters a plurality of L-shaped hinges having a hinge arm constructed with a protruding wheel at the longer end of said L-shape and having a bracket orthogonally affixed to the shorter end of said L-shape, wherein the diameter of said protruding wheel is of a dimension allowing insertion into the slot of said vertical rail; a means for attaching the bracket of said hinges proximate each end of each of said shutters; a tie bar bracket, constructed with two symmetrical flanges affixed to the midpoint of each said shutters, proximate the beveled edge; and a plurality of hinge spacers, each comprising (a) a lateral dimension providing for a longitudinal fit within the slot of said vertical rail, (b) an upper notch so as to provide rotational guidance to the circumference of the protruding wheel of a first said hinge, (c) a lower indent so as to provide rotational stabilization to the circumference of the protruding wheel of a second said hinge, and (d) a longitudinal dimension so as to provide an exact amount of vertical separation between the horizontal edges of adjacent shutters; and further, four of said hinge spacers are installed within the rail slot of each the left and the right vertical rail; said shutters, with hinges attached, are assembled in a parallel, edge-abutting horizontal arrangement wherein the protruding wheels of said hinges, are placed into the slot of each of said vertical rails, in an alternating sequence with said hinge spacers, so as to provide for spacing between successive shutters and to further assist in the simultaneous, coordinated movement of all shutters to and from a vertical closed position to a horizontal open position, or any intervening position.