Abstract:
The awning and shutter system serves as both a storm shutter when closed and a deck or patio awning when opened, and is designed with a counterweight making for effortless operation. Furthermore, some embodiments of the awning and shutter may feature a third position, substantially reducing the projection of the awning when in the opened position. This unique feature allows the system to sustain high wind conditions while maintaining interior view, shade and daylight.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    A problem that exists in the market with regards to awnings and storm shutters, especially in high wind and storm prone locations such as the New Jersey shore, the Emerald Coast or any shoreline, are the corrosive affects of the salt air environment, the damaging affect of high winds, the force of rain as it is driven horizontally at 60 miles an hour for days at a time during a Northeaster or hurricane, and the impact that the sun&#39;s rays have upon the interior of homes and business with large expanses of glass. 
         [0002]    There are products available that at least partly address a subset of the afore-mentioned problems, but there are no products or disclosures that address all of them in a single, effective embodiment. The most widely used products in this industry are the rolling storm shutter and the retractable awning. The rolling storm shutter provides storm and sun protection to interior spaces typically installed over glass openings and provides an additional thermal barrier as such. The retractable awning provides rain and shade protection to outside living spaces such as decks and patios. Both these products offer functions that are very desirable on both the residential and commercial markets. However, each of these products are installed directly over the door or window, so in a sense, they are mutually exclusive. You can have one or the other but not both. 
         [0003]    Other storm protection systems include rigid and fabric panels that must be installed when the threat of adverse weather is eminent, and then removed later once the threat has passed. While these panels are substantially lower in cost, they are labor intensive to install, can be dangerous to install and require storage when not in use. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The various embodiments of the awning and shutter system presented herein serve as both a storm shutter when moved into a closed position or state, and a deck or patio awning when moved into an open or deployed position or state. Embodiments may be constructed using industry standard awning and marine fabrics, which are stretched across an aluminum frame, as a non-limiting example. Rigid materials can also be used in some embodiments. Further, embodiments may be available in both a one-piece and a multi-piece system. The various embodiments may operate using gas springs, regular springs, servomotors, manual, hand cranked or other mechanisms. Embodiments of the one-piece system may utilize one set of ‘extension’ gas springs, while embodiments of a two-piece system may utilize a set of ‘extension’ gas springs and a set of ‘retraction’ gas springs and multiple piece systems may use a set of extension and retraction springs for each component of the awning panel. As was previously stated, the awning and shutter embodiments may exist in either the closed (or down) position, providing storm and sun protection to interior space, or in the open (or up) position providing sun and rain protection to exterior living spaces. The two-piece system allows for a third position whereby while in the up position, the Awning/Shutter can be folded back to nearly half it&#39;s projection. This unique feature allows the system to sustain high wind conditions while maintaining interior view, shade and daylight. 
         [0005]    In one particular embodiment, the awning panel may include a back panel and a front panel that are substantially rectangular in shape and are pivotally connected along a longitudinal edge when the panels are adjacent, although in some embodiments, the panels may be square or rectangular and connected along the longer edge or the shorter edge. The awning panel defines a front edge and a back edge and the back edge of the awning panel is pivotally associated with a structure, such as being connected directly to the structure or to a bracket that is connected to the structure. 
         [0006]    A spring mechanism is used to move the awning panel from a closed position to an open position and may have sufficient force to hold the awning panel in any position. One end of the spring mechanism is pivotally associated with the structure (such as being connected to the structure or to a bracket that is attached to the structure) and the second end is pivotally attached to the awning panel such that when the spring mechanism is in a first position, the awning panel is in a closed state that is substantially parallel with the structure and when the spring mechanism is in a second position, the awning panel can be in an open state that can be approximately 45-90 degrees relative to the structure or at any angle relative to the structure. 
         [0007]    Further, the front panel can be pivoted to extend from the back panel in the same plane or underneath the back panel when the awning panel is in the open state. Further, in some embodiments, can be pivoted above the awning panel. 
         [0008]    Thus, the awning system can include one or more brackets that are attached to the structure and, the awning panel can be pivotally attached to an upper side of the bracket. The spring mechanism can be attached to a lower side of the bracket. It should be understood that the brackets may be in two pieces with each piece attached to the structure. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the back panel and/or front panel may be constructed of a rigid frame with a material attached to the frame. 
         [0010]    The awning system may include a second spring mechanism for moving the front panel relative to the back panel. One end of the second spring mechanism is pivotally attached to a side of the frame, or to a bracket on the side of the frame of the back panel and a second end of the second spring mechanism is pivotally attached to a side of the frame, or a bracket on the side of the frame of the front panel. Thus, the front panel can be moved between a position under the back panel to a position extending outward from the back panel and in the same plane or even over the back panel in some embodiments. 
         [0011]    These and other embodiments, features and aspects are more fully described in the detailed description that follows. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully deployed or open awning position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a partially deployed awning position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully closed shutter position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a conceptual diagram of the back or underside view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a photograph of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a partially deployed awning position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a photograph of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully deployed awning position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a photograph of an underside of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully deployed awning position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a photograph of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a partially deployed awning position that is positioned over an opening such as a garage door. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a photograph of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully closed shutter position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    The various embodiments of the awning and shutter system were initially designed for waterfront residences and residences exposed to excessive amounts of sunlight. The embodiments effectively assist patio doors and windows in protection against the natural elements of driving rain, wind, salt, sand and damaging sun when closed, and provides beautiful patio or deck shade when opened. The various embodiment of the awning and shutter system also provide an additional thermal barrier to glass surfaces and may also minimize the need for interior window treatments, providing 99% filtering or shade protection from the sun&#39;s damaging rays to interior spaces. These features equate to substantial savings in energy costs. 
         [0022]    In addition to providing storm protection, sun infiltration, shade and rain protection to outside living areas, and a thermal barrier, the various embodiments of the awning and shutter system is a perfect solution for screen porches, providing an extended shade footprint, protection of porch furnishings during inclement weather and privacy. The embodiments also operate as an ideal closure for clear openings such as concession stands, cabanas, and other applications were high security is not a factor. 
         [0023]    Some embodiments of the awning shutter system are designed as a DIY (do-it-yourself) product. Such embodiments can be shipped, such as by UPS, unassembled or shipped assembled via common carrier. Assembly of such embodiments takes approximately one (1) hour and approximately 30 minutes to install. An instruction manual may be included with each embodiment of the awning and shutter system. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully deployed or open awning position. The illustrated awning system  100  includes a two-piece awning panel  110  that includes a back panel  112  and a front panel  114  joined together along a hinged seam  116 . The front panel  114  is illustrated as including two handles  118 A and  118 B. The back panel  112  is pivotally attached to a set of wall brackets  120  (only one is visible in  FIG. 1  but two or more may be utilized) at pivot point  122 . The awning panel may be connected to the brackets by a variety of techniques. A non-limiting example is utilizing a pin that extends through a left bracket and through a left side frame of the awning panel and a pin that extends through a right side bracket and through a right side from of the awning panel such that the awning panel can be pivoted downward and upward (i.e. such as 0 to 180 degrees relative to a support structure). In other embodiments, the back edge of the awning panel could be hinged to the structure and/or the brackets. Other techniques may also be employed as long as the connection mechanism enables the awning panel to pivot as described herein. It should also be appreciated that multi-directional pivoting techniques may also be employed. For instance, the awning panel could be pivoted to a fully closed position substantially parallel to a structure, and then a side of the awning panel could be pivotally connected to the structure and then pivoted to create a wall or divider. The brackets  120  are affixed to a surface, such as wall  132  using any of a variety of techniques known to those skilled in the art. The back edge of the awning panel may include a flap, flange or other structure that can be attached to the structure to prevent water or debris from passing through an area between the back edge of the panel and the structure. 
         [0025]    An extension arm  124  is pivotally attached to a lower end of the bracket  120  at pivot point  134  (one may be attached to only one bracket or two or more of the brackets may include an extension arm  124 ) and attached to the back panel  112  at pivot point  130 . It should be appreciated that the attachments at the pivot points could be any of a variety of connections including pins, rods, wheels, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension arm includes a base  126  and an extension  128 . The extension arm may be a spring, spring gas, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other type of extension arm and in the various embodiments it may be used only as support, as a biased force to help raise the panel  110  to an open position and/or as a biased force to help retract or slow down the retraction of the panel  110  into a closed position. Further, the extension arm  124  may also have sufficient force to hold the awning panel in any of the positions that it may pivot into from parallel to the structure (0 degrees) to any position up to 180 degrees but preferably at least 90 degrees relative to the structure. 
         [0026]    A retraction spring  136  is illustrated as being pivotally attached to a side edge of the back panel  112  at bracket  140  and then pivotally attached to a side edge of the front panel  114  at bracket  138 . Either or both of the attachments of the retraction sprint  136  at brackets  138  and  140  may be quick or easy release connections to allow the retraction spring  136  to be disconnected. In addition, either or both brackets  138  and  140  may be slideably attached to the edge  142  of the awning panel  110  such that as front panel  114  is raised or lowered (relative to back panel  112 , one or both of the brackets can slide in a grove or other structure to allow panel to move, and/or the retraction spring may simply retract to allow for the movement as well. The retraction spring may be a spring, spring gas, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other type of arm and can be used only as support, as a biased force to help raise or lower the front panel  114  and/or as a biased force to help in the movement or slow down the movement of the back panel  114 . Further, the retraction spring  124  may also have sufficient force to hold the front panel in any of the positions that it may pivot into from in the same plane as the back panel (0 degrees) to any position up to 180 degrees (parallel and underneath the back panel). 
         [0027]    The hinge  116  between the back panel  112  and the front panel  114  may be configured to only allow the front panel  114  to swing in one direction relative to the back panel  112 , such as up or down, or the hinge  116  may be configured to enable the front panel  114  to swing in two directions. In addition, the hinge may be bi-directional to allow the front panel to swing from parallel and below the back panel to parallel and above the back panel. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a partially deployed awning position. In the illustrated embodiment, the awning panel  120  is shown as being folded under itself with the back panel  112  remaining substantially perpendicular to the wall  132 , and the front panel  114  being folded under at hinge  116 . The retraction spring  136  is shown as still connected between brackets  138  and  140 . The retraction spring  136  may be configured such that it has sufficient strength to hold the front panel  114  in this position or, in other embodiments a lock or fastening mechanism may be used in addition or in lieu of the retraction spring  136 . 
         [0029]    The illustrated embodiment also show bracket  142  that can be used similar to bracket  138 , to hold a second retraction spring (not shown). 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully closed shutter position. In the illustrated embodiment, the awning panel  110  is full closed with the back panel  112  and the front panel  114  in the same plane, and typically parallel with a wall or opening behind it. In the illustrated embodiment, connectors  150  are illustrated on opposing sides of the front panel  114 . These connectors  150  may be utilized to secure the awning panel into a closed position. 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a conceptual diagram of the back or underside view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . In the illustrated embodiment, it is shown that the dimensions of the awning panel  110  can vary but in the illustrated embodiment, the height can be up to 10 feet and the width up to 14 feet, although it is understood that these dimensions may be increased or decreased in various embodiments. The back panel  112  is shown as including a frame  402  and the front panel  114  includes a frame  404 . As presented in more detail under the construction heading, a skin fabricated from cloth, rigid, plastic, vinyl, fabric, aluminum, wood, composite or other material  406  can be attached to the back panel frame  402  and another skin  408  can be attached to the front panel frame  404 . Thus, the back panel frame  402  and the front panel frame  404  support a skin affixed at or proximate to the perimeter. The back panel frame  402  and the front panel frame  404  can be constructed of a structural material such as aluminum, steel, wood, PVC, rigid plastic or other suitable material. The back panel frame  402  and front panel frame  404  are shown as being joined together with three hinges  116 . Although the illustrated embodiment includes 3 hinges, it will be appreciated that any number of hinges of any size could be utilized. As a non-limiting example, a single piano style hinge could extend over substantially the entire joint between the back panel frame  402  and the front panel frame  404 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  is a photograph of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a partially deployed awning position. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a photograph of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully deployed awning position. 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  is a photograph of an underside of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully deployed awning position. 
         [0035]      FIG. 8  is a photograph of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a partially deployed awning position that is positioned over an opening such as a garage door. 
         [0036]      FIG. 9  is a photograph of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully closed shutter position. 
       Construction 
       [0037]    Various embodiments of the awning and shutter system may be constructed of a lightweight and rigid frame with industrial fabric. For instance, in some embodiments, the frame may be constructed of 1′×2′ aluminum pipes or tubes with industry standard awning or marine fabric stretched across and affixed, similar in appearance to an artist&#39;s canvas but much heavier in construction. The tubing may be have a cross-section that is round, square, rectangular, triangular as well as a variety of other shapes. The tubes may be constructed from a lightweight material and the hollowed area of the tube may vary in diameter depending on the various needs of the embodiments. Further, the tubes may be augmented by the use of a rigid surface material, which may operate to provide additional rigidity and support or, a more flexible tube can be utilized and rigidity introduced through the use of the rigid surface material. Some embodiments may also use a solid rod, angle iron, angle aluminum, etc. Further, in some embodiments, the rigid surface material may be utilized as the sole source of rigidity and even in some embodiments eliminate the frame all together. The various embodiments may exist in many shapes and sizes but typical embodiments are designed to be approximately 1-3 feet wider than the opening or covered area and 0.5 to 1.5 feet higher than the opening or covered area. For instance, some embodiments are designed to be 2 feet wider than the opening (meaning one foot on each side of the opening) and one foot higher than the opening. However, it will be appreciated than different embodiments may be sized according to the specific application. When fabric is used, the fabric may be affixed to the frame using an industry standard pocket and spline system around the entire perimeter. In other embodiments, the fabric may be snapped over the frame, elastic may be used to hold the fabric to the frame, as well as a variety of other techniques including, but not limited to, rivets, clamps, slide insert locks, tubing similar to a screened window, etc. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the awning shutter system includes an aluminum bracket that is affixed to the upper right and left corners of the frame. As a non-limiting example, the aluminum bracket may be approximately 1½″ and 12″ in length and affixed to the upper right and left corners of the frame using a 5/16 bolt secured to the bracket then penetrating into corners of the aluminum frame. Four #10 2″ stainless steel screws may be used to attach the bracket to the structure as a non-limiting example. Also, in some embodiments a ball joint is attached to the bracket. The ball joint accepts an extension gas spring. It should be appreciated that although most embodiments are described as utilizing a gas spring, other embodiments may utilize a regular spring, a hydraulic plunger, adjustable arms, motorized lift arms, or other mechanisms to help lift and hold the awning and shutter in position. Further, in some embodiments, legs or stands may also be pivotally or hingedly attached to the frame such that when the frame is moved into an open position, the legs or stands may be pivoted into a position to provide additional support. The legs may also be telescoping legs that can be adjusted to accommodate different opening positions. In addition, a support element may be attached to the top of the frame at various positions from the front towards the rear and then angled to an attachment position on the structure to which the awning and shutter is attached. For instance, when the awning and shutter is moved to the open position, the support mechanisms can be pivoted from a position of being flat against the structure to one of a plurality of positions along the frame and then attached to the frame using a variety of techniques, such as pins or hooks as non-limiting examples. Further, the support legs may be removably attached to the awning and shutter system such that the legs can be attached when the awning is in the open position and then removed prior to closing the awning and shutter. Further, the legs can be pivotally attached to the frame such that in one configuration, the legs may operate to support the awning and shutter from the ground, in another position they can be pivoted upward and attached to the mounting surface at an angle to provide upper support or even pivoted below the awning and shutter and mounted to the back surface of the structure at an angle to provide underneath support. 
         [0039]    In the two-piece embodiments of the awning and shutter system, the two panels are hinged together using elements such as butt or piano hinges. The lower panel, once the system is opened, can be folded under the upper section, reducing the projection by nearly half. This may be accomplished in a variety of manners and one non-limiting example is through the use of two ‘retraction’ gas springs, attached to steel-plate mounting brackets that are affixed to the upper and lower panels at each side. Ball joints may be affixed to the brackets and then the gas spring may then be snapped over the ball joints. Magnetic latches may be positioned at either side near the bottom to hold the awning and shutter in the down position. In addition and for added security, a ¼″ steel pin can be slid through a bracket and into the side of the frame at approximately 2′ from the bottom. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, the frame can be constructed out of plastic, wood, PVC, composite or any of a variety of materials. Further, the wall or cover can be constructed from cloth, canvas, plastic, PVC, wood, tin, aluminum, screen, fiberglass, or any of a variety of materials. The system can be fabricated in a variety of shapes and sizes. For instance, as non-limiting examples, the awning shutter system can be round, oval, rectangular, square, trapezoidal, semicircular, animated animal shapes, as well as any of a variety of shapes. The various embodiments of the awning and shutter system can be a solid unit, a bi-fold unit or even a multifold unit. Trim can be attached to and hang from the ends for decorative looks or additional sun/wind blocking. Further, panels may also be attached to the embodiments to create an enclosure, such as vinyl panels, opaque panels, see through panels, mosquito netting, screens, etc. The cover can be opaque, translucent or transparent. A gutter system may be included to channel water to one end or the other. 
         [0041]    The various embodiments can be mounted on a house, trailer, an RV, a camper, a building, a balcony, shed a wall or any other structure. In addition, some embodiments may even be free standing or stands/anchors may be used. Some embodiments may be small for animal shelters or larger for homes. One embodiment may be associated or affixed to a grill to hide the grill, or other object, when not in use, and then shelter the user when the grill or object is in use. Some embodiments may include fold down flanges on the side, or drop down flaps. Some embodiments may include attachable curtains, nettings, enclosures, etc. Some embodiments may include pre-wiring for attachment of lighting, heaters or fans. Some embodiments may include hooks or other means for hanging plants, pictures, ornaments, fans, lighting, heaters, etc. Some embodiments may be paintable. Some embodiments may include interchangeable covers for different looks. Some embodiments may include protective coverings. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, the device may operate as a door, such as a garage door or a cabana door in one position, and then as an awning in another position. In other embodiments, the device may actually operate as a window and all or a portion of the cover part may be glass, Plexiglass or some other transparent material, LEXAN or similar material. In such embodiments, the device may include a seal for providing a substantially airtight, bug tight and watertight seal. In other embodiments, the window embodiment may be mounted in a recess thereby further facilitating the seal. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments the device may be permanently, or pseudo permanently mounted to a structure, such as using nails, bolts, screws, glue, etc. Yet in other embodiments, the device may be removeably attached to the structure using pins, cogs, etc. so that the device can be easily removed for repair, storage, painting, staining, changing the cover, etc. 
         [0044]    In another embodiment, two or more devices can be connected in tandem to provide flexibility in the size of the awning. In such an embodiment, the devices would be side by side. In the closed position, they would rest vertically. One or more of the side by side panels may then be moved to an open position and, the panels may be moved to different states of open. For a larger awning, multiple devices can be lifted and secured in position. In such an embodiment, the portions of the units adjacent to each other may include flaps to help provide water movement away from the joint between them. Similarly, a tongue and groove structure may also be employed to meet this need. For a smaller awning fewer devices can be lifted and secured. Or if two sides of a patio are to be covered but the middle remain open, in a three or more tandem embodiment, the end units may be lifted leaving the center unit(s) in a closed position. 
         [0045]    In another embodiment, two units can be secured back to back to create a two-sided wall. One side can be lifted and secured to create a covered space with back or, both sides can be lifted to create a larger covered space. For instance, this embodiment would be well suited for outdoor trade shows, markets etc. 
         [0046]    The various embodiments, in addition to lifting from a closed position to an open position, may also include a variety of settings between fully opened and fully closed. For instance, such an embodiment may allow a full 180 degrees of displacement or, can be secured at any one of a plurality of settings between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. 
         [0047]    In addition, various embodiments, in addition to movement between the closed and open position, may also provide a tilting feature so that the awning can be lifted to a desired angle, and then tilted to further control the shade casting. In such an embodiment, the device can be mounted on an axel and then a crank can be used to tilt the awning. In a tandem embodiment, the various units may be able to be tilted in unison or individually. 
         [0048]    Yet in other embodiments, the awning and shutter may be mounted with a rail system to allow the back portion of the awning and shutter system to be raised or lowered along vertical rails or slide left or right along horizontal rails. Further, various embodiments may include back hinges as well as side hinges. In such embodiments, the awning and shutter can be moved from a closed to an open position by pivoting the awning along the back hinge or, the awning and shutter system can be moved from closed to open position by pivoting along a side hinges. Thus, the operative hinge may include sliding pins to enable either the back hinge or the side hinge. Both hinges may be engaged in the closed position to provide additional securement of the awning and shutter in the closed position and then, the pins for the desired hinging structure can be left in position while the other pins removed or slide to disable the other hinging system. For a two-piece system, a left and right hinge or a side and middle hinge may be used to create French door or conference room door like openings. 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, the awning panel and/or brackets can be attached in such a manner that the awning panel and/or awning panel and brackets can be moved upwards relative to the wall approximately 1-3 inches. Further, such embodiments may utilize a lower bracket attached to the structure proximate to the floor, or attached to the floor proximate to the structure. In operation, this feature, which can be incorporated into any of the various embodiments, allows the awning panel to be moved towards the closed state and then, the awning panel can be lifted upwards and slid behind lower brackets  160  to securely hold the panel in position. 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, portions of the covering may be attached with a zipper, loop and hook, snaps, etc. such that an opening can be created in the awning and shutter. Further, such portions can be mounted over a transparent or translucent area of the awning and shutter system to allow a windowing effect when removed or a closed effect when replaced. Portions of the awning and shutter system may also include blinds like mechanisms to allow openings to be partially created. 
         [0051]    In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, “comprise”, “include” and “have”, and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements, or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb. 
         [0052]    The present invention has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of the present invention that are described and embodiments of the present invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art. 
         [0053]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims that follow.