Abstract:
A garage door bracing system for rapid bracing of a garage door includes brackets that attach to the header and floor with the brackets attached to each end of a structural member.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/705,392 filed Aug. 4, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates to protection and security panel systems and braces for windows and doors.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     There are several panel systems or bracing systems commercially available; however, many are heavy systems, others are very costly, others require a significant amount of time to install, and others require a multitude of anchor holes adversely affecting the house appearance. Those using plywood end up with the deterioration of the plywood during storage and a subsequent waste of money. What is needed is a system that can be installed in a matter of a few minutes.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     In one embodiment of the invention, a removable storm panel system is designed for interior or exterior use. The panel can be put in place inside or outside a building window. The main frame is mounted on the interior or exterior extension of the wall. The main frame is designed with a lip to seal all around the panel.  
         [0005]     Each panel is preferably broke on all sides for adding rigidity and for sealing against wind intrusion. A plurality of latching levers secures the panel in place against the main frame inside channel. A stiffener acts as a stiffener for the panel interlock latches to secure each latch which gives full panel support to protect the window.  
         [0006]     In another embodiment, a central latch lever is included as a main lever which is linked to each of the latches so that upon activation of the central mechanism, all or at least some multiple latches engage the frame member and seals the panel in the frame.  
         [0007]     In another embodiment for sliding glass doors, other large door ways or for large windows, tubing or a longitudinal structural member with upper flanges for bolting into the building wall and a pin or barrel bolt type of mechanism for inserting a pin into a predrilled hole in the floor or ground surface is used. One such assembly is used on each side of the door and two panels are used where one side of each panel wraps around each opposing structural member and the other sides of the panels are secured together with bolts or sheet metal screws or similar fasteners. Intermediate panels may be used where each side is in turn fastened to the end panels. It is preferred that the panels have on or more cross breaks near the joining portions of the panels to add rigidity to the panels being joined. In some counties like Miami-Dade county, it may be required to include a stiffener, for example, a ¼ inch flat bar stiffener against the outwardly protruding break portion near the joined area of the panels. Typically, this may be required when using about a 1/16 inch thick aluminum panel, but it should be noted that it is only intended to minimize flexure at the joint area.  
         [0008]     Another invention is a brace system for garage doors. The basic system is designed to have a bracket attached to the header of the door. The bracket has a latching hook design for catching and engaging an opposite shaped hook attached near the upper end of a vertical structural member such as a 2×6 or 2×4 framing member or a metal tubing form. At the lower end of the structural member is another bracket attached to the structural member incorporating a pin or barrel bolt system where the pin is insertable in a predrilled hole, preferably located behind the structural member. One system can be installed near the center of the garage door or two or three such systems may be installed spaced along the door. If desired to further limit any flexure of the garage door from the wind forces, one or more intermediate brackets can be installed on the structural member placed between the ends of the garage door where the intermediate bracket is attached on one end to the structural member and the opposite end of the intermediate bracket is configured to overlap the sides of one of the garage panel hinges and a pin is placed through an aperture on one side of the bracket, through the aperture in the hinge and through the aperture on the other side of the bracket. This intermediate bracing bracket should significantly reduce the flexure in the center of the garage door, if it is a concern to an end user.  
         [0009]     In another embodiment, a storm panel is made to completely cover the outside of a window with perimeter attachments to wall anchoring fasteners on an exterior wall surrounding the window. The panel is shaped at its perimeter portion so as to have an angular portion. The angular portion has spaced-apart apertures through which the wall anchor fasteners extend for fastening with a wing nut or other female threaded nut. Because the base of the nut will tighten against the angular portion, most of the pressure is applied to the inside surface portion of the angular portion and the angular portion thereby acts as a spring locking washer, so separate washers are not needed to be handled while attempting to mount the storm panel. Handling both washers and nuts can become cumbersome when mounting panels, especially when the storm is approaching and winds are already being felt. The storm panel preferably has breaks in it to form a bowed X-shape on its exterior surface. The perimeter portion has a flatten portion exterior to the angular portion that is configured to rest against the surface of the exterior wall surrounding the window being covered.  
         [0010]     Typical thickness of storm panels is about 1/16 inch thick, made from aluminum, stainless steel or galvanized steel. Certainly, as high strength composite materials are developed, such materials could also be used with the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     In the accompanying drawings:  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective conceptual view of one embodiment of the present invention with multiple latches in an engaged position with the panel frame;  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective conceptual view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with multiple latches in unlatched position;  
         [0014]      FIG. 3 a  perspective conceptual view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the storm panel separated from the frame;  
         [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4B  is a conceptual cross-section plan view depicting the invention mounted inside the window opening and on the outside of the building window;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4C  is a conceptual cross-section plan view depicting the invention mounted inside the window opening and on the interior side of the building window;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5A  is a conceptual depiction of one example of providing a common or central mechanism to simultaneously latch and unlatch multiple latches in position;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5B  is a depiction of the embodiment of  FIG. 5A  with the storm panel being separated from the frame;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6A  is a conceptual depiction of another example of providing a common or central mechanism to simultaneously latch and unlatch multiple latches in position;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6B  is a depiction of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A  with the storm panel being separated from the frame;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6C  is a depiction of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A  with the central control mechanism being on the opposite side of the storm panel latches for use in operating the latches from inside the house;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is another example of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  mounted so as to protect a shaped window (not viewable in depiction), in this case, a circular shaped window;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  is a depiction of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  with the storm panel separated from the frame;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an example of another embodiment for sliding glass doors and large windows;  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the depiction of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  is a conceptual depiction of another embodiment designed to cover a window and any associated decorative moldings or trim around the windows;  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11  with the storm panel separated from the frame;  
         [0029]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , with the panel covering trim or molding around at least a portion of the window;  
         [0030]      FIG. 14  is a perspective of another embodiment of the invention which is configured to brace and secure a garage door as shown in a bracing position; and  
         [0031]      FIG. 15  is a perspective exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]     In the embodiment related to the bracing of a garage door, the invention herein and as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15  is a bracket system  10  for use in bracing a garage door  12   a  for security and for prevention of damage during wind storms, the system comprising first bracket means  14  for bracing an upper end  16   a  of a vertically oriented elongate structural member  16  to an inside garage surface  12   b  of a header of a garage door opening; and second bracket means  18  for bracing a bottom end  16   b  of the vertically oriented elongate structure member  16  to a floor  12   c  of a garage.  
         [0033]     The first bracket means  14  comprises a first bracket portion  14   a  attachable to the header  12   b . The first bracket portion  14   a  is configured to have an upwardly directed offset  14   b  to form a gap  14   c  between the header surface  12   b  and the first bracket portion  14   a  wherein a distal end  14   e  of a second bracket portion  14   d  projecting from the upper end  16   a  of the vertically oriented elongate structural member  16  can drop down into said gap  14   c  to interlock with said first bracket portion  14   a . The second bracket portion  14   d  has one end fixed to the upper end  16   a  of the vertically oriented elongate structural member  16  and its distal end  14   e  extending from the vertically oriented elongate structural member  16   a  predetermined distance sufficient to drop into and engage the gap  14   c  formed by the first bracket portion  14   a.    
         [0034]     The drawings depicted are merely an example of making a bracket that will secure the upper end of structural member  16  to the header surface  12   b . The essence of the interlock provision is that the upper end has an appendage that essentially hooks into the gap  14   c . Therefore, the second bracket portion can be separately fastened to the member  16  as shown, it can be integral therein, for example if member  16  was made from a polymeric fiberglass reinforced material and if member  16  was metallic, it could be welded thereto.  
         [0035]     The second bracket means  18  for bracing the bottom end  16   b  of the vertically oriented elongate structural member  16  to the floor  12   c  of the garage comprises a bracket portion  18   a  fixed to the bottom end  16   b  of the vertically oriented elongate structural member  16 , and a vertically depending elongate member  18   b  attached to said bracket portion  18   a  and having a predetermined length sufficient to be dropped into a hole  12   d  in the garage floor  12   c.    
         [0036]     Again, this bottom bracket can be fastened as depicted and fabricated from plate material, it can be integral to the member  16  or it can be welded if the member  16  is metallic. The depending elongate member is essential configured to serve as a pin that can be dropped into the hole  12   d  in the garage floor  12   c.    
         [0037]     As an option for those end users who desire additional central bracing of the garage door and for additional security as well, the bracket system  10  can include a third bracket means  20  for bracing an intermediate portion  16   c  of the vertically oriented elongate structural member  16  to a hinge  12   e  of two adjacent garage door panels  12   f . A bracket portion  20   a  is fixed to the intermediate portion  16   c  of the vertically oriented elongate structural member  16  and a distal end of said bracket portion  20   a  extends from the intermediate portion  16   c  of the vertically oriented elongate structural member  16  and has two parallel vertically oriented sides  20   b  with apertures  20   c  therein configured to align with a central aperture  12   g  of the panel hinge  12   e . An elongate retention member  20   d  of sufficient length and size is insertable through the apertures  20   c , 12   g  in the sides  20   b  and the hinge  12   e  for interlocking the intermediate portion  16   c  of the vertically oriented elongate structural member  16  with the garage door hinge  12   e . One or more such intermediate bracket to panel hinge devices may optional be used.  
         [0038]     Again this third bracket can be made in a number of ways and by way of example of one method, a bracket was made by bending a plate material to engage and fasten to the sides of a structural member  16 . The end attaching to the hinge is merely widened or flared out and then straightened out to be slightly wider than the hinge. Apertures are added on the straightened portion at a location so that when placed in position the holes in the bracket will line up with the hole in the hinge so that a retention pin can be inserted.  
         [0039]     Another storm protection system is a removable storm panel system  100  as shown in  FIGS. 1-8  for windows  112 . In one of the depicted embodiments, the invention  100  comprises a frame  114  that is mountable to an inside surface of a side wall portion  116  extending from a window  112 , the frame  114  being adapted to be installed a predetermined distance from the window glass around a perimeter of the window  112 ; the frame  114  being formed generally tubular in cross-sectional shape with one side of the tubular shaped frame having a sealing lip portion  114   a  and an opening  114   b  for insertion of a storm panel  118 , wherein the frame  114  when in use is anchored to the inside surface of the side wall portion  116  with the sealing lip portion  114   a  directed outwardly; and the storm panel  118  having a bent break portion  118   a  forming a lip around outer edges of sides of the storm panel  118 . The storm panel  118  is sized so that when installed, the bent break portion  118   a  is inserted in the opening  114   b  of the frame  114 . To secure the panel  118  in place, latching means  120  are providing for interlocking the storm panel  118  with the frame  114  wherein the storm panel  118  is compressed against the sealing lip portion  114   a  of the frame  114 .  
         [0040]     The latching means  120  typically comprises two or more pivotable latches  120   a  attached at desired locations on the storm panel  118  adjacent to the frame  114  such that each latch  120   a  can be rotated to engage the frame  118  for interlocking therewith. As can be seen in the drawings, one example of such a mechanism is a plate that pivots about a point and one edge/side can be manually rotated about the pivot point such that it is slides into the frame opening. It is preferable that the plate be somewhat offset so that when engaged with the frame, it provides for a relatively snug or tight fit within the frame, thereby forcing the panel outer edge to compress against the raised edge of the lip of the frame. The latching mechanism is preferably reinforced at the area of pivoting; this can simple be done with a reinforcing plate welded to the panel as depicted in the drawings.  
         [0041]     It should be understood that other latching means are contemplated such as a simple spring loaded system where latches can slide in position or otherwise engage/disengage with the frame in another acceptable manner depending on the preference of the manufacturer or costs. The drawings herein are only intended to depict an example of one preferred method of latching.  
         [0042]     When multiple latches are provided, it may be desirable to have a central location or single mechanism (see  FIGS. 5A, 5B ,  6 A- 6 C) where all or multiple latches  120   a  can be operated simultaneously. In such a case, means  122  for controlling each latch  120   a  for engagement and disengagement with the frame  114  from a single location are provided. The means  122  for controlling each latch  120   a  from a single location comprises a pivotable handle or central control member or mechanism  122   a  being in mechanical communication with each of said latches  120   a  wherein when said handle  122   a  is partially rotated in one direction, the latches  120   a  are simultaneously engaged with the frame  114  and when said handle  122   a  is partially rotated in an opposite direction, the latches  120   a  are simultaneously disengaged from the frame  114 . Although there several ways that one skilled in the art can provide for this feature, one method is as shown conceptually in the drawings where linkages which can serve as a handle or central mechanism  122   a  in and of itself or where linkages are connected to a central mechanism  122   a  and connect each latch  120   a  on a particular side of the storm panel  118  and in turn these latches  120   a  are controlled by another link to the pivoting handle  122   a . As shown in  FIG. 6C , the central control mechanism  122  can be located on the opposite side of the latches for operation from inside a house. The depicted manner of doing this is intended to be by way of example only.  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the invention  100  can be used to protect shaped windows such as a circular-shaped window. The invention  100  can be installed in the interior of the house side to protect the window from inside the house but preferably, the invention in most cases, will be installed on the exterior of the building, either on the exterior wall surface around the window being protected on within the window opening side walls on the exterior side of the window.  
         [0044]     In still another embodiment of the present invention, a removable storm panel system  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , is provided for prevention of damage during wind storms to sliding glass doors, large door ways or large window areas. The system  200  comprises a longitudinal structural member  212   a  having a length to extend below and above an area to be protected, an upper bracket  212   b  configured to be attached to an upper end of the longitudinal structural member  212   a , the upper bracket  212   b  having a flange portion  212   c  for anchoring said flange portion  212   c  to a wall surface adjacent the area to be protected. A lower bracket  212   d  is configured to be attached to a lower end of the longitudinal structural member  212   a . The lower bracket  212   d  has a flange portion  212   e  for anchoring to a desired part of the building structure adjacent the area to be protected. As shown, the flange portion  212   e  is oriented horizontally for anchoring to a floor. In this case, a drop in retention pin  212   f  can be inserted into a predrilled hole (or 2 holes) in the flange and dropped into or fastened to the floor. Of course, another option is that the pin or retention member  212   f  can be welded or integral to the flange  212   e . Although not shown, it is understood that similarly, the flange portion  212   e  for the lower bracket  212   d  can be vertically oriented as in the top bracket  212   b  for anchoring the flange to the wall of the building.  
         [0045]     When in use, two longitudinal structural members  212   a  are typically installed, one on each side of the area to be protected. Two storm panels  214 , each configured and sized to cover a portion of the area to be protected are then installed. One side of each storm panel  214  is configured to engage the longitudinal structural member  212   a  and the storm panel  214  has a width such that an opposing side overlaps an adjoining storm panel  214  by a predetermined distance sufficient to allow for fastening of said overlapping storm panels  214  together. As shown in the drawings, one example of attaching or engaging the storm panel  214  to the longitudinal structural member  212   a  is to bend the edge of the storm panel  214  to form a cup or C-shaped channel such that it can overlap member  212   a.    
         [0046]     It is preferred that at least one storm panel  214  further be configured to have a raised bent break portion  214   a  at an edge of the storm panel  214  overlapping the adjoining storm panel  214  to provide additional rigidity to the storm panels  214  in the overlap area. In the drawings, both storm panels  214  have the bent break portion  214   a , although one may be sufficient. In certain counties which have a history of repetitive hurricane strikes, should there be a desire to further reduce any flexure at the center area of the overlapping panels to ensure that the flexing panels spaced-apart by three or four inches from glass does not touch the glass, then additional stiffening can be added by the addition of a flat bar along the bent break portion  214   a , such as a ¼ inch thick flat bar stock. This flat bar stock can be fastened or welded to the break portion.  
         [0047]     When relatively long window areas need to be protected and it is desired to have more than two panels, one or more intermediate storm panels  214  may be included between the two storm panels  214  attached to the longitudinal structural member  212   a . Each intermediate storm panel  214  overlaps a corresponding adjacent storm panel  214  a sufficient distance to allow for the fastening of said adjoining storm panels  214  together. The top and bottom of each panel  214  are preferably configured to have flanged edges similar to those depicted in  FIG. 11  herein to serve as a sealing effect against the wall surface above and below the window.  
         [0048]     In some cases, a storm panel is needed to cover odd shaped windows, such as windows with brows and circular windows, or windows with outwardly projecting trim or the like, or in areas where the installation of the frame/panel system  100  described above is impractical or not desired by the customer. In most cases such as this, a standard storm panel is needed. However, standard storm panels are typically anchored to the structure along a flat flange area. It is preferred that such an installation include a combination of a nut and a washer. Installing a storm panel when the winds have begun is hard enough, without having to hold onto washers that can easily be dropped. The inventor herein has designed a removable storm panel for a window where the design or configuration itself serves as the washer therefore requiring the use of a nut only. This storm panel system  300  comprises a storm panel  312  configured to be generally bowed  312   a  and have a flange portion  312   b  around a perimeter of the storm panel  312  such that the storm panel  312  can be placed over a window area to be protected. The storm panel  312  further has a portion  312   c  configured to include an angular profile immediately adjacent and inside to the flange portion  312   b . The angular profile portion  312   c  has a plurality of spaced-apart apertures  312   d  for inserting anchor fasteners  314 . A fastening nut  314   a  can be used without a washer due to a spring locking action provided by the angular profile portion  312   c  when the fastening nut  314   a  is tightened against the angular profile portion  312   c . This embodiment is very useful when windows have trim or decorative molding  316  around at least a portion of the exterior wall surface of the window. The storm panel  312  can be bowed out sufficiently to clear the trim  316  and allow for the fastening of the panel through the angular profile portion  312   c  of the storm panel  312 .  
         [0049]     It should be understood that the preceding is merely a detailed description of one or more embodiments of this invention and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The preceding description, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.