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 at locations such as the New Jersey shore 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, 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 above-mentioned functions, 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. 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. 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. As was previously stated, the awning and shutter embodiments may exist in either the down position, providing storm and sun protection to interior space, or in the up position provide 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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully deployed or open awning position. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a partially deployed awning position. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully closed shutter position. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a conceptual diagram of the back or underside view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a photograph of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a partially deployed awning position. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a photograph of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully deployed awning position. 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is a photograph of an underside of an embodiment of the awning and shutter system in a fully deployed awning position. 
           [0012]      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. 
           [0013]      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 
       [0014]    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 assists 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. 
         [0015]    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. They 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. 
         [0016]    Some embodiments of the awning shutter system are designed as a DIY (do-it-yourself) product. Such embodiments can be shipped 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. 
       Construction 
       [0017]    Various embodiments of the awning and shutter system may be constructed of a light weight 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. Further, in some embodiments, the rigid surface material may be utilized as the sole source of rigidity. 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 and 0.5 to 1.5 feet higher than the opening. 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. 
         [0018]    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 removable 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. 
         [0019]    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 projector 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. 
         [0020]    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. 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. 
         [0021]    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. 
         [0022]    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. 
         [0023]    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. 
         [0024]    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. Similar, 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. 
         [0025]    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. 
         [0026]    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. 
         [0027]    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. 
         [0028]    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 opened 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. 
         [0029]    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. 
         [0030]    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. 
         [0031]    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. 
         [0032]    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.