WALL-INTEGRATED WINDOW PROTECTION SYSTEM

Window protection systems having a housing defining an interior space installable above a window, and a spool having a storm shutter wound thereon and contained within the interior space of the housing, the storm shutter configured to deploy from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the first position, the storm shutter is wound about the spool and contained within the interior space, and, in the second position, the storm shutter is deployed from the housing to protectively cover the window.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to window protection systems and, more particularly, to wall-integrated window protection systems.

Historic windows are an important character-defining feature for historic structures (e.g., houses, school buildings, libraries, etc.), and therefore preserving and maintaining historic windows, sashes, and other features of an historic structure is desired. Historic window details may contribute to the overall character and quality of the windows and the historic structure as a while. For example, features of historic windows that may contribute to the character and quality include, but are not limited to, the original configuration of sash and/or sash lights, the original material (e.g., wood), the original structure of the window (e.g., single-glazed, double hung sash with individual lights set in true divided muntins), the original profile of the window and surrounding structure (e.g., putty bevels on the exterior muntins, stiles and rails, and molded interior profiles), and the original finish material (e.g., a painted surface). Both the interior and the exterior characteristics may be of import in maintaining and preserving historic windows.

In many cases, historic windows may be successfully preserved through repair and maintenance. However, in certain instances, the historic windows may need to be replaced, rather than repaired. For example, some common problems that may lead to consideration of replacing a window and/or window sash may include: the historic windows are missing, replacement of non-historic (later installed) windows to restore the historic appearance, replacement of damaged or deteriorated historic windows, lead paint hazards and considerations, thermal efficiency, and maintenance and operation (e.g., ease of use for opening/closing).

If historic windows have previously been replaced, and new historic windows are desired to be installed, replacements may be found that match the historic window as closely as possible. For example, replacement taken from other structures of a similar design and time period may be found and installed as a restored historic replacement window.

If an historic window becomes damaged or deteriorated, such that repair may no longer be feasible, a replacement “in-kind” may be used. A replacement “in-kind” means that the original configuration of sash lights, the original material, the original structure, the original profile, and the original finish may be replicated in a newly manufactured window. In some instances, original finish materials may be removed, such as in the case of lead paint. Various other repairs, replacements, and other operations may be conducted to maintain and preserve historic windows.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, window protection systems are provided. The window protection systems include a housing defining an interior space installable above a window, a spool having a storm shutter wound thereon and contained within the interior space of the housing, the storm shutter configured to deploy from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the first position, the storm shutter is wound about the spool and contained within the interior space, and, in the second position, the storm shutter is deployed from the housing to protectively cover the window.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include that the housing is a window header and fits within a wall of a structure and hide the storm shutter within the interior space when in the first position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include a motor configured to drive the storm shutter from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include that the motor is housed within the spool.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include a controller configured to control the motor to deploy the storm shutter from the first position to the second position and retract the storm shutter from the second position to the first position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include that the storm shutter and the spool form an integral unit.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include a window frame, wherein the housing forms a header of the window at a top of the window frame.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include at least one shutter track within the window frame and configured to enable the storm shutter to move within the shutter track when moving between the first and second positions.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include a sill at a bottom of the window frame, wherein the storm shutter is configured to extend from the header to the sill.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include that an end of the storm shutter sealingly engages with the sill when in the second position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include that the storm shutter is manually operable between the first and second positions.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include a mechanism to stop the storm shutter from deploying from the first position to the second position if an object obstructs the movement of the storm shutter when moving from the first position to the second position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include that a portion of the housing matches a characteristic of a structure into which the housing is installed.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include that the characteristic is at least one of a material, a finish, a design, or an architectural characteristic.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the window protection systems may include that the housing includes a first face and a second face, wherein the first face matches an exterior of a structure to which the window protection system is installed and the second face matches an interior of the structure to which the window protection system is installed.

According to another embodiment, windows for structures are provided. The windows include a window frame having a header and a sill, at least one sash installed within the window frame, and a window protection system installed within the header. The window protection system includes a spool having a storm shutter wound thereon, the storm shutter configured to deploy from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the first position, the storm shutter is wound about the spool and contained within the header, and, in the second position, the storm shutter is deployed from the housing to protectively cover the at least one sash.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the windows may include a motor configured to drive the storm shutter from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the windows may include that the motor is housed within the spool.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the windows may include at least one shutter track within the window frame and configured to enable the storm shutter to move within the shutter track when moving between the first and second positions.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the windows may include that an end of the storm shutter sealingly engages with the sill when in the second position.

Technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include a window protection system that is integrated into a wall of a structure such that a storm shutter is not visible from the exterior of the structure. Further technical effects include automatically or manually operated window protection systems that are configured to be hidden from view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown and described herein, various features of the disclosure will be presented. Various embodiments may have the same or similar features and thus the same or similar features may be labeled with the same reference numeral, but preceded by a different first number indicating the figure to which the feature is shown. Thus, for example, element “a” that is shown in FIG. X may be labeled “X##” and a similar feature in FIG. Z may be labeled “Z##.” Although similar reference numbers may be used in a generic sense, various embodiments will be described and various features may include changes, alterations, modifications, etc. as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, whether explicitly described or otherwise would be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

FIG. 1is a partial schematic illustration of a window100that may employ embodiments described herein. The window100includes a first or upper sash102and a second or lower sash104. Each sash102,104may be configured to move (e.g., slide or translate) within a frame106. The frame106may include guides (not shown) to enable movement of the sashes102,104within the frame106. The top of the frame106, as shown, is configured having a jamb108that stops or prevents the sashes102,104from moving above a specific height or level. Similarly, the bottom of the frame106, as shown, is configured as having a sill110. The sill110defines a lower limit of the movement of the sashes102,104within the frame106. The guides of the frame106can extend through or along at least a portion of the frame106that extends vertically between the sill110and the jamb108. The frame106, in some configurations, can be configured to be installed and fit within a wall of a structure (not shown), such as a house, building, etc.

Each sash102,104, as shown, includes one or more sash lights112. Sash lights112, as used herein, are one or more glass or other material panes that are installed within the window100. In the window100, shown inFIG. 1, muntins114are provided to support the sash lights112within each sash102,104. The muntins114may be configured as bars or rigid supporting strip or structures that are positioned between adjacent panes of glass or other material (e.g., adjacent sash lights112). In some embodiments, the muntins114can be merely aesthetic, with a single large sash light112within the first and second sashes102,104, i.e., a single pane of glass or other material is fit within the respective sashes102,104.

It may be beneficial to protect the sash lights112and the other structures and/or features of the window100. For example, in historic structures, maintaining the character of the windows may be desired, and thus protecting the windows (e.g., sash lights, muntins, etc.) from damage may be beneficial. One method for protecting windows can be by providing a shutter or other device that covers the window in the event of weather phenomena, such as storms, hurricanes, tornados, hails, etc.

Turning toFIGS. 2A-2C, schematic illustrations of a window configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.FIG. 2Ais an elevational schematic illustration of a window200having a window protection system installed therewith and as described below.FIG. 2Bis a side cross-sectional elevational illustration of the window200as viewed along the line B-B shown inFIG. 2A.FIG. 2Cis a top down, cross-sectional plan illustration of the window200as viewed along the line C-C shown inFIG. 2A.

As shown inFIG. 2A, the window200includes a frame206that houses a first sash202, a second sash204, and a third sash216. A jamb208is positioned between the first sash202(e.g., an upper sash) and the third sash216. Each of the sashes202,204,216, as shown, includes one or more sash lights212. The first sash202and the second sash204are configured to move vertically within the frame206between the jamb208as an upper limit and a sill210as a lower limit, with the first and second sashes202,204movable within and along one or more guides in the frame206. The third sash216is configured as a stationary sash that is bound by the vertical portions of the frame206, the jamb208, and a housing or header218.

In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the header218contains a window protection system226therein, as shown inFIG. 2B. The window protection system226can be a manually or automatically operated storm shutter system that operates from a first or stowed position (e.g., as shown inFIG. 2AandFIG. 4) to a second or deployed position (e.g., as shown inFIG. 2BandFIG. 5). In the first position, portions of the window protection system226may not be visible from the exterior or the interior of the structure and, in some embodiments, may be completely hidden from view. For example, on the interior of the structure, molding or other coverings may be provided and/or installed over portions of the window protection system226. In other embodiments, the window protection system226may be completely hidden or contained within a framing of the structure. When deployed to the second position, a portion of the window protection system226provides protection to the window200.

Turning now toFIG. 2B, a side, cross-sectional elevation view of the window200is shown as viewed along the line B-B shown inFIG. 2A. The frame206is installed or integrated into and, as shown, relatively flush with a wall220of a structure, such as a house. As shown, the sill210provides an interface between the window200and the wall220at a lower end, and similarly the header218provides an interface between the window200and the wall220at an upper end.

As shown, the window protection system226is configured and housed within the header218. The window protection system226includes a spool222that is rotatable to extend a storm shutter224over an exterior of the window200to protect the window200(e.g., muntins214, sash lights212, etc.). In some embodiments, the spool222is a round rod or structure that can be rotatably driven to wind and unwind the storm shutter224that is wound thereabout. However, in other embodiments, the spool222and the storm shutter224can be integrally formed such that the spool222is a portion of the storm shutter224that is driven to rotate and deploy or retract the storm shutter224as described herein. In one non-limiting embodiment, the storm shutter224can be configured to withstand hurricane force winds up to 140 miles per hour (62.6 m/s). Various other embodiments can be configured such that the deployable storm shutter is selected to withstand and/or protect against other wind speeds and/or natural phenomena such as ice, hail, debris, etc.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A-2C, the window protection system226is configured with a motorized storm shutter224that is integrated into the structure of the window200. Accordingly, the window protection system226includes the spool222, the storm shutter224, and other components including, for example, a motor, a controller, etc. that enable motorized and/or automatic operation of the window protection system226. The storm shutter224is wound about or coiled about the spool222such that the storm shutter224is housed within the header218.

During a deployment operation, the storm shutter224is unspooled from the spool222and extends downward from the header218. The deployment of the storm shutter224can be guided along shutter tracks228(as shown inFIG. 2C). The storm shutter224is deployable from the header218to along the shutter tracks228to the sill210at a lower end. The storm shutter224is configured to sealingly engage with the sill210. As such, the storm shutter224is retained within and/or to the frame206within the shutter tracks228to provide a seal with the sill210such that portions of the window200may be protected from an exterior environment. Deployment moves the storm shutter224from the first or stowed position to the second or deployed position. The reverse operation can be performed to restow the storm shutter224within the header218.

Although described herein as an automatic and/or motorized operation, window protection systems in accordance with the present disclosure can be configured to be manually operated, such as by crank or other handle. The manual operation can be the sole mechanism for operation, or in some embodiments, the manual operation can provide a backup mechanism for operation (e.g., if the motor fails, etc.).

In one non-limiting example, the window200is an historic window and is configured with true divided sashes202,204(e.g., separate sash lights) built to replicate historic windows. The muntins214may be molded to look like glazed windows but in fact the entire exterior may be formed of wood. This can allow designs that are desired without restrictions imposed by a window built of hurricane glass and applied dividers (e.g., the glass and structure may be heavy, etc.).

In some embodiments, the window protection system226is installed such that the shutter track228is located behind an exterior casing232of the frame206, e.g., an exterior portion of the frame206, as shown inFIG. 2C. Because the shutter tracks228are configured within the frame206or at least behind the exterior casing232of the window200, the storm shutter224may be able to cover and protect the exterior surfaces and features of the window200when the storm shutter224is deployed into the second or deployed position.

In some embodiments, the operation (e.g., opening and closing) of the window protection system226may be done remotely and tied into a home automation program or system. For example, with a smart home or other internet connected features, a user can remotely control the window protection system226through a web-based application or mobile device application. In some embodiments, the window protection system can be installed on various opening or portals in a building or other structures, such as windows, doors, etc. In such configurations, the window protection system226can be configured to provide security against break-ins and/or vandalism.

Turning now toFIG. 3, a partial cross-sectional cut-away view of a window300having a window protection system326installed within a structure336is shown. As shown, the window protection system326is shown in a partially extended or deployed position, with a storm shutter324partially covering the window300. Further, as shown, the storm shutter324is operated within shutter tracks328which are contained within a frame306of the window300.

As shown, the window protection system326includes a header318that houses a spool322with the storm shutter324wound thereabout. The header318also forms a portion of the aesthetic of the window300. For example, the header318includes a first or exterior face318awhich is exposed to an exterior of the structure336. A second or interior face318bof the header318is exposed to an interior of the structure336. In some embodiments, the first face318aof the header318may be configured to match features of the exterior of the structure336and the second face318bmay be configured to match features of the interior of the structure336. Thus, in some embodiments, the window protection system326may be hidden from view both from the interior and the exterior of the structure336. In some embodiments, one or both of the first face318aand the second face318bare selected to match a characteristic of a structure into which the housing318is installed. For example, in some embodiments, the one or both faces318a,318bof the housing318can be configured to match a characteristic such as a material, a finish, a design, or an architectural characteristic of the building or structure into which the housing318is installed.

In some embodiments, a mechanism to stop the storm shutter324from deploying if an object obstructs the movement of the storm shutter324when moving from the first position to the second position may be provided. For example, when deploying from the stowed position to the deployed position, if a portion, such as a lower end, of storm shutter324contacts a person or item that obstructs the storm shutter324from fully deploying, the window protection system326may stop the deployment operation. In some embodiments, when an object is contacted that obstructs the full deployment of the storm shutter324, the window protection system326can be configured to automatically drive the storm shutter324back to the first/stowed position. Such safety mechanisms can include optical sensors, pressure sensors, electrical and/or mechanical switches, etc. as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, for example, the safety mechanism can be an auto-reverse that occurs when resistance is detected during deployment.

The shutter and window protection systems of the present disclosure can be made from various materials. For example, the storm shutter may be aluminum, steel, or other metal that is selected to provide protection to the window. In some embodiments, the storm shutter may be made of composite materials, cloth, fabric, or from other materials, which can be selected, for example, to provide protection to the window. The header that contains the spooled storm shutter may be made of various materials such that the header can aesthetically match the structure into which the window protection system is installed. In some embodiments, the first, exterior face of the header may be a different material than the second, interior face of the header.

Turning now toFIG. 4, a schematic illustration of a window protection system438in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The window protection system438may be similar to the window protection systems described above. As shown inFIG. 4, the window protection system438is in a first or stowed position.

The window protection system438includes a storm shutter440that is wound or wrapped about a spool442. The spooled storm shutter440is contained within an interior space445of a housing444(e.g., a header as described above). The shutter440includes a shutter end446that is configured to provide sealing engagement with a sill of a window, such as described above. The shutter end446can further include one or more features to enable engagement with and operation with shutter tracks to enable easy and accurate sealing deployment to protect a window.

As shown, the housing444is shown in partial cut-away for clarity of illustration. The housing444can have one or more faces as described above that can be configured to aesthetically match a portion of a structure (e.g., interior, exterior, etc.). The housing444includes a deployment gap448through which the storm shutter440can be deployed. The deployment gap448can be aligned with shutter tracks (e.g., as described above) within a frame of a window, such that the storm shutter440extends through the deployment gap448and into and along the shutter tracks.

As shown inFIG. 4, the window protection system438includes a motor450that is contained within a motor housing452. In some embodiments, the motor housing452is integrally part of the housing444and is indistinguishable therefrom. As shown, the motor450is disposed at an end of the window protection system438. The motor450is operably connected to the spool442such that operation of the motor450will drive the spool442to rotate and deploy or retract the storm shutter440wound on the spool442.

In some embodiments, the motor450can be controlled through a switch, such as a light switch in a house that is proximate to the window protection system438, or otherwise located. Additionally, or in the alternative, the motor450can be driven through commands received from a remote locations, either wired or wirelessly. For example, the window protection system438can be integrated into a home automation system such that a web-based application, remote controller, mobile application, computer, etc. can be used to control the window protection system to deploy or retract the storm shutter.

Further, in some embodiments, the motor can be contained within the spool, such that the motor is not at an end of the window protection system/housing. For example, turning toFIG. 5, a partial cross-sectional illustration of a window protection system554in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The window protection system554includes a storm shutter556that is wound about a spool558. The spool558, as shown, includes a motor cavity560that is configured to receive and house a motor (not shown). The motor is configured to rotatably drive the spool558to deploy and retract the storm shutter556.

As shown inFIG. 5, the window protection system554includes a housing562defining an interior space563that contains the storm shutter556, the spool558, and the motor. The housing562has a deployment gap564through which the storm shutter556can be deployed. Also shown inFIG. 5is a portion of a frame566that includes a shutter track568along which the storm shutter556can be guided.

Further, as shown inFIG. 5, the storm shutter556is formed of a number of shutter segments570. The shutter segments570can be sized and shaped to wrap about the spool558for storage and deployment and also selected to provide sufficient protection to a window when fully deployed. In other embodiments, the storm shutter may be a continuous or unbroken material that can be spooled and deployed.

Advantageously, embodiments described herein provide a window protection system that may be integrated into a structure such that the window protection system may not be visible from the exterior of the structure. Further, embodiments provided herein enable the protection of historic windows with a shutter that does not detract from the historic character of the window and/or structure into which the system is installed.

The window protection systems of the present disclosure can be preinstalled and configured with manufactured windows, such was built-in to a frame and header of such windows. However, in some embodiments, the window protection systems of the present disclosure can be retrofit into existing structures. For example, the window protection system shown inFIG. 4can be a stand-alone unit that can be installed into an existing structure, with the framing and/or structure modified to receive the window protection system.