Abstract:
A locking shutter assembly includes a pair of shutters for attachment to a building structure. A pair of retention brackets extend between a first and a second end. One of the retention brackets are attached to a respective shutter at each end with a pair of opposing clips. Each retention bracket defines a passage and a rigidity member is slidably disposed in the passage to interconnect the retention brackets and restrain movement of the shutters with respect to the structure during inclement weather.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/865,663, filed Nov. 14, 2006, the entire specification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The subject invention generally relates to a shutter assembly and more particularly to a reinforced shutter assembly having a sliding T-lock for withstanding inclement weather. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Various locking assemblies for shutters are known in the art. It is generally known that locking assemblies are utilized, when necessary, to lock pairs of shutters in a closed position on a dwelling. Shutters are used for both aesthetic and functional purposes on the dwelling. In the closed position, the shutters function to protect windows, doors, and other openings of the dwelling during inclement weather, such as precipitation storms, wind storms, and hurricanes. 
         [0004]    During such inclement weather, it is pertinent to lock, or retain, the shutters in the closed position such that the shutters can continue to provide adequate protection to the windows, doors, and other openings during and throughout the inclement weather. If the weather causes the shutters to open then the functional purpose of the shutters is defeated. 
         [0005]    Conventional assemblies for locking pairs of shutters in the closed position are deficient for many reasons. For instance, the locking assemblies of the prior art do not adequately retain the shutters in the closed position throughout the inclement weather. In these assemblies, wind either bends or breaks the assembly causing the shutters to open. Also, many conventional locking assemblies require excessive modification such as direct drilling into and through the shutters to adequately retain the shutters in the closed position. In these assemblies the fastener(s) extends through at least a portion of the shutters. As a result and to a varying degree, these conventional locking assemblies damage the shutters such that, after the inclement weather, the aesthetic purpose of the shutters is negatively impacted. 
         [0006]    Furthermore, some conventional locking assemblies, also referred to in the art as storm or locking bars, create an emergency egress issue that prevents occupants of the dwelling from escaping during an emergency, such as a fire. More specifically, a conventional storm bar is mounted across the shutters once the shutters have been closed. The storm bar is secured, typically screwed, into the dwelling on each side of the closed shutters to prevent the shutters from opening during the inclement weather. Screws are also used to connect the shutters to the storm bar such that the shutters can not be blown, or otherwise deflected, inward, i.e., toward the dwelling, during the inclement weather. With the storm bar screwed to the dwelling and the shutter screwed to the storm bar, the occupants of the dwelling cannot open a window or door from within the dwelling to release the storm bar and escape. 
         [0007]    Due to the deficiencies in the locking assemblies of the prior art, including those described above, it is desirable to provide a novel locking assembly for shutters that adequately retains the shutters in a closed position on a dwelling such that protection to a window, door, or other opening is maximized throughout any inclement weather. It is also desirable to provide a locking assembly for shutters that can easily be pre-arranged during installation to unlock and open from a pre-selected side and when unlocked is clear of the opening. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A first aspect of the invention provides a shutter sub-assembly for locking a first and a second shutter in a closed position on a structure. The sub-assembly comprises a first retention bracket extending between a first and a second end and defining a passage extending between the ends with the first retention bracket for attachment to the first shutter and a second retention bracket extending between a first and a second end and defining a passage extending between the ends with the second retention bracket for attachment to the second shutter with the first end of the second retention bracket for disposition adjacent the second end of the first retention bracket to align the passage of the first retention bracket with the passage of the second retention bracket. A rigidity member extends longitudinally and is for sliding engagement within the passage of the first and second retention bracket to interconnect the first retention to the section retention bracket and restrain movement of the shutters with respect to the structure. 
         [0009]    A second aspect of the invention provides a locking shutter assembly. The assembly comprises a first shutter for attachment to a building structure and a first retention bracket extending between a first and a second end and defining a passage extending between the ends with the first retention bracket disposed on the first shutter. The assembly also comprises a second shutter for attachment to the building structure, adjacent the first shutter and a second retention bracket extends between a first and a second end and defines a passage extending between the ends with the second retention bracket disposed on the second shutter with the first end of the second retention bracket disposed adjacent the second end of the first retention bracket such that the passages of the first and the second retention brackets are aligned to form a single continuous passage. A rigidity member is disposed in the single continuous passage of the first and the second retention bracket and interconnects the first retention bracket to the second retention bracket and restrains movement of the shutters with respect to the structure. 
         [0010]    A third aspect of the invention provides a method of locking shutters in a closed position to cover an opening on a structure. The method comprises the steps of attaching a first retention bracket to a first shutter where the first retention bracket defines a passage, attaching a second retention bracket to a second shutter where the second retention bracket defines a passage, and sliding an elongated rigidity member through the passages of both of the first and the second retention bracket to lock the shutters in the closed position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shutter assembly embodying the present invention and applied in the environment of a dwelling 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an inside view of the shutter assembly in a closed position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the shutter assembly; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an outside view of the shutter assembly in the closed position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the shutter assembly; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the shutter assembly in the closed position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a clip of a locking device of the shutter assembly; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the clip; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an end view of a bracket of the locking device; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged partial view of the bracket taken from circle  10  of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is an end view of a rigidity member of the locking device; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  an enlarged perspective view of the assembly taken from circle  12  of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a perspective side view of a clip of the locking device secured to the shutter via a fastener extending through a hole in the clip; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a partial perspective view of the clip of the locking device secured to the shutter via the fastener extending through a notch in the clip; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a modified assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0027]    Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a locking shutter assembly  20  of the present invention has a French door or shutter set  22  preferably having a first shutter  24  and a second shutter  26 . The shutters  24 ,  26  preferably mount pivotally to the exterior of a structure  28  such as an industrial building or dwelling to cover an opening  30  of the structure  28  such as a window. Alternatively, the shutters  24 ,  26  may slide open and closed similar to that of a traditional sliding French door arrangement and/or similar to that disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/428,739, titled: “Shutter Assembly,” filed Jul. 5, 2006, assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0028]    When the shutters  24 ,  26  are in an open position  32  during mild weather conditions, they preferably lay flat to the structure  28  so as not to obstruct the opening. When in a closed position  34 , the shutter assembly  20  covers the opening  30  and protects the windows and/or doors in the opening from inclement weather, such as precipitation storms, wind storms, and hurricanes. To accomplish this protection, the shutter assembly  20  has a locking device  36  that reinforces and locks closed the shutter set  22  of the assembly  20 . 
         [0029]    The shutters  24 ,  26  preferably pivot in opposite directions to one-another and along a respective axis  38 ,  40  when closing to cover the opening  30  during inclement weather. The locking device  36  of the assembly  20  is generally integrated directly into both the left and right shutters  24 ,  26  and preferably is free of the structure  28  so that when the shutters are in the open position  32 , and thus the device is generally or substantially removed, the opening  30  in the building  28  is not obstructed by any portion of the assembly  20  including the device  36 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 2-5  and when the set of shutters  22  are in the closed position  34 , each shutter  24 ,  26  has and carries a respective first or inside surface  42  and a respective second or outside surface  44  separated generally by a shutter thickness or length  46 . The thickness  46  of the shutters  24 ,  26  is generally equal to the width of respective distal edge faces  48  carried by the respective shutters and that face one another and define an elongated and substantially vertical gap  50  between one-another when the shutter set  22  is in the closed position  34 . Each shutter  24 ,  26  also has an opposite edge face  51  that generally co-extends with respective pivoting axis  38 ,  40 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 2-6  and  7 - 8 , the locking device  36  has a first sub-assembly  52  for the first shutter  24  and a second sub-assembly  54  for the second shutter  26 . Each sub-assembly  52  has opposing clips  56 ,  58  and an elongated retention bracket  60 . Each clip  56 ,  58  preferably has a web portion  62  that spans between inside and outside leg portions  64 ,  66  of the clips  56 ,  58 . The inside and outside leg portions  64 ,  66  and the web portion  62  cooperate to define a cavity  98  for receiving one of the edge faces  51  of the respective shutter  24 ,  26 . A hole  68  is substantially centered in each web portion  62  and a pair of notches  69  in each leg portion  64 ,  66  are located in the clips  56 ,  58  for selective receipt of a fastener  70  such as a screw to secure the clips  56 ,  58  firmly to the shutters  24 ,  26 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 2-6  and  9 - 10 , the retention bracket  60  is preferably made of extruded aluminum and has an inner channel  72  defined between a mid plate  74  and at least one and preferably two base plates  76  generally located directly against the shutters. An elongated passage  78  of the retention bracket  60  communicates longitudinally or axially through at least the inside ends of the bracket  60 . The passage  78  has a first segment  80  disposed generally planar to the channel  72  with the mid plate  74  located there between and a second segment  82  orientated substantially perpendicular to the first segment  80  and communicating laterally inward with the first segment  80  and opened laterally outward. The first segment  80  of the elongated passage  78  is defined between the mid plate  74  and a substantially parallel outer plate  75  that is bisected longitudinally by the second segment  82 . The second segment  82  is defined between parallel lips  77  that project laterally outward from the outer plate  75 . The mid plate  74  carries a series of longitudinally extending ribs  83  that project laterally into the first segment  80  of the passage  78  for providing a slip fit of a rigidity member  84  of the locking device  36 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  11 , the elongated rigidity member  84  is preferably T-shaped in lateral cross section having a substantially planar first portion  86  and a transverse second portion  88  projecting laterally outward from a mid point of the first portion  86  and to a distal edge  90  of the second portion  88 . 
         [0034]    During assembly of the locking device  36 , only one individual is generally required to assemble the assembly  20  and thus lock the shutter set  22  in the closed position  34 . For ease of explanation, assembly of sub-assembly  52  to shutter  24  will be described with the knowledge that assembly of sub-assembly  54  to shutter  26  is generally the same. Moreover and as illustrated, sub-assembly  52  will be described as mounted to the outside of shutter  24  when closed. However, a similar procedure may be followed to mount on the inside. 
         [0035]    To assemble, the retention bracket  60  of sub-assembly  52  is preferably field cut from extruded stock and to an appropriate length that is slightly less than the width of the shutter  24 . Prior to closing the shutter set  22 , the sub-assembly  52  is attached to shutter  24  by first engaging the outside clip  56  to the shutter  24  at the outside edge face  51  (see  FIG. 13 ). Alternatively, and preferably with the shutter  24  closed, the outside clip  56  can be secured to the shutter  24  by partially screwing the fastener or screw through the outside surface  44 . The clip  56  is then slid downward until the threaded shank portion of the screw  70  is received through the open end of the bottom notch  69  (generally see  FIG. 14 ). One skilled in the art would now know that the clips  56 ,  58  are interchangeable and the notches  69  allow the clips to be hung from either the inside or the outside of the shutters  24 ,  26 . When so selectively engaged, the inside leg  64  is held against the inside surface  42  of the shutter  24  and the web portion  62  is held by the installer against the outside edge face  51  until the screw  70  is inserted through hole  68  and threaded or screwed into the shutter  24  through face  51 . 
         [0036]    When clip  56  is secured, the outside leg  66  is spaced slightly from the outside surface  44  of shutter  24  by a distance equal to or slightly less than the thickness of the base plate  76  of the retention bracket  60 . The installer then urges the open end of the pre-cut bracket  60  against the projecting leg  66 . Preferably, the leg  66  slightly flexes resiliently outward to orientate itself into the channel  72  of the bracket  60  and in a press fit arrangement. When so assembled, a portion of the base plate  76  is located directly and snugly between the outside surface  44  of shutter  24  and the outside leg  66  of clip  56 . 
         [0037]    With the bracket  60  secured to clip  56 , the installers hands are free to attach the clip  58  in a similar selective fashion to the opposite end of the bracket  60  and against the inside edge face  48 , outside surface  44 , or inside surface  44  of shutter  24 . Alternatively, the provided clip  58  is snugly fitted sufficiently to withstand forces of gravity. In this embodiment, a fastener is optional for holding the respective bracket  60  end up for later alignment with the rigidity member  84 . 
         [0038]    With both sub-assemblies  52 ,  54  assembled, the rigidity member  84  of locking device  36  is preferably field cut to length from extruded stock preferably made of aluminum. The length of member  84  is preferably slightly less than the widest of the two shutters  24 ,  26 . Because shutter pairs are typically of equal widths, the length of member  84  is slightly less than the length of either bracket  60 . Prior to completely closing the shutter set  22 , the rigidity member  84  is slid completely into the passage  78  through an open, inside, end of the bracket  60  of either sub-assembly  52 ,  54 . When inserted, the first portion or flange  86  of the rigidity member  84  is snugly and slidably fitted in the first segment  80  of the passage  78  and the second portion or fin  88  projects laterally outward from the second segment  82  of the passage  78 . 
         [0039]    The shutters  24 ,  26  are then closed thus forming the gap  50  between inside edge faces  48 . The width of gap  50  is slightly greater than twice the thickness of the web portion  62  of inside clips  58 , thus providing sufficient clearance for the clips so that the shutters can close. The installer then grasps the distal edge  90  of the fin  88  that projects laterally outward from the bracket  60 . The rigidity member  84  is then slid partly into the other of the two brackets  60  thus crossing over the gap  50  of the shutter set  22 . Preferably, the rigidity member  84  is centered across the gap  50  so that half the longitudinal length of the member  84  is in the bracket of the first sub-assembly  52  and the other half is in the bracket of the second sub-assembly  54 . This means that the rigidity member  84  interconnects the retention bracket  60  of the first sub-assembly  52  to the retention bracket  60  of the second sub-assembly  54 . 
         [0040]    With the rigidity member  84  centered, at least one pin  92 , preferably having a pull-ring is inserted through aligned holes  94 ,  96  in the parallel lips  77  of the respective bracket  60  and rigidity member  84 . It should be appreciated, however, that other fasteners known to those skilled in the art can also be used. The snug fit of the clips  56 ,  58  to the shutters  24 ,  26  and the brackets  60 , and the snug fit of the rigidity member  84  in the brackets  60  prevents excessive rattling of the shutter set  22  during inclement whether. The limited length of the rigidity member  84  is ideal when portions of the building  28  project further outward and about the opening  30  than the sub-assemblies  52 ,  54  themselves. One skilled in the art, however, would now know that if the building  28  is generally receded inward from the brackets  60  (i.e. the brackets are located outward the exterior wall of the building  28 ), the length of the rigidity member  84  may be substantially equal to the length of both brackets  60  combined. Moreover, one skilled in the art would also know that use of fasteners  70  may not be required if the resilient strength of the clips  56 ,  58  is strong enough to prevent the locking device  36  from slipping downward, and/or if the shutters carry protuberances to prevent such slippage. 
         [0041]    When the shutter set  22  is in the open position  32 , the rigidity member  84  can be slid completely into either bracket  60  for storage and secured in place with one of the two pins  92  when holes  94 ,  96  are re-aligned. The other pin  92  may be stored in the other bracket  60  of the other shutter by inserting the pin  92  into hole  94 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 15  a second embodiment of an assembly is illustrated wherein like components to the first embodiment have like identifying numerals except with the addition of a prime symbol. In the second embodiment, the shutter set is replaced with french doors and two locking devices  36 ′ are used instead of one. Preferably, the first locking device is placed in the center of the french doors  22 ′ and the second locking device  36 ′ is placed about one third of the way up from the bottom of the french doors  22 ′. 
         [0043]    Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed, various changes and modifications may be made thereto by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For instance, the locking device  36  is interchangeable between opposite surfaces  42 ,  44  of the shutter set  22 . It can thus be installed from either the inside or outside of the building  28 . It is also understood that the terms used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.