Abstract:
A retractable storm shutter for protecting a fenestration is disclosed. The retractable storm shutter includes a base panel coupled to a wall surrounding the fenestration and extending lengthwise across a side of the fenestration. The retractable storm shutter further includes a plurality of planar panels arranged adjacently so as to cover the fenestration. The retractable storm shutter further includes a plurality of hinges, wherein at least one hinge couples each adjacent pair of planar panels and wherein at least one hinge couples a first planar panel to the base panel. The retractable storm shutter further includes a means for fastening each of the plurality of panels to outer edges of the fenestration. Each of the plurality of panels may be rotated about the plurality of hinges so as to stack the panels and place them lengthwise across a side of the fenestration so as to unfetter the fenestration.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     Not Applicable.  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable.  
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC  
       [0003]     Not Applicable.  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     This invention relates to storm shutters for windows and other fenestrations, and more particularly to retractable storm shutters.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     Southern states, especially Florida, are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes. Historically, during the hurricane season, i.e. June to October, these southern slates may be subjected to up to a dozen hurricanes, and damage from the hurricanes can run into billions of dollars. The 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons both saw four hurricanes landing in Florida with the later year ending in the destruction of New Orleans. Traditional construction practices do not provide the security and protection to homeowners that can lower the costs associated with storm damage.  
         [0006]     Conventional awnings, or shutters, typically have a perimeter framework with a plurality of horizontal louvers or slats. The louvers include openings between individual louver slats to allow air and sunlight to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, and to permit persons within the structure to see out. The frame can be attached at the top by a hinge to the top, or side, of a window or other opening. The protective awning or shutter is presized in length and width to cover the entire window or other opening. In the case of an awning, the awning can be rotated about the hinge, with the lower portion of the awning moving in an arc relative to the hinge, and away from the lower portion of the window. The awning can thus be positioned at some desired angle relative to the window. The lower portion of the awning can be held away from the window by one or a pair of support arms. The arms can be removable and/or include a release mechanism to permit the lower portion of the awning to be moved toward the window to a closed position substantially parallel to the window to provide security or storm protection.  
         [0007]     However, because the awning or shutter louvers have openings between the louver slats to allow air and sunlight to enter the structure, the protection provided is limited by the strength of the individual horizontal louver slats. Individual louver slats having an opening between adjacent slats cannot provide sufficient protection against large magnitude storms such as hurricanes.  
         [0008]     Subsequent to hurricane Andrew hitting South Florida in August of 1992, several Florida counties have begun to require minimum building code standards for storm shutters. For example, in the Miami, Florida area, Dade County standards require the shutter to withstand certain tests including a large missile impact test consisting of a length of 2″×4″ wood weighing about 9 pounds shot from an air cannon at approximately 34 miles per hour directly into the shutter. Conventional Bahama awnings, or shutters, having openings between adjacent slats fail to pass these tests. Recognizing the need to provide protection, especially to meet this severe impact test, several approaches to this problem have emerged.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,688,351, to Torres, teaches a conventional frame for a jalousie type window that is made secure against passage therethrough by individuals by the insertion of bars through the openings in the side frame members normally utilized by the jalousie support brackets which are then pivoted on the bars. The ends of the bars, where they project through the side frames members of the jalousie frame, are rigidly connected, such as by welding to a respective one of a pair of bars parallel to the outer side of the side frame members. The bar ends extend beyond the second bars for embedment in a masonry surrounding a window opening adapted to receive the frame. The brackets and jalousie slats are controlled in a conventional manner.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,509, to Storey et al., discloses a high security grating which resembles a conventional wooden window shutter. The shutter uses crossbars which extend across a door or window into a shutter frame. A tie rod extends through bores in the crossbar ends to tie the crossbars together and hold them in place. A metal frame covers the tie rods and shutter blades cover the crossbars. The shutter blades can be pivoted using an operator rod. The shutters are mounted inside a building using heavy duty hinges and deadbolts which allow them to be alternatively closed over a door or window or folded away to the side.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,353, to McLaughlin, relates to an elegant plantation security shutter assembly for a window in a wall of a building that consists of a casing with components for reinforcing the casing. Structures are for mounting the casing onto the wall behind the window. A pair of shutters are provided, with elements for reinforcing each shutter. Paraphernalia is provided for securing each shutter within the casing, so as to stop a thief from an unauthorized entry through the window into the building, by preventing the thief from breaking the shutters and the casing.  
         [0012]     While the foregoing prior art recognize the need for security and protection to structures, especially single family dwellings, in the high risk areas of southern United States, the proposed solutions set forth complex and costly systems. Furthermore, the approaches described above require the permanent placement of a support apparatus on the window or fenestration, thereby fettering the opening to the window.  
         [0013]     Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above, and particularly for a more efficient way for activating and retracting storm shutters on a window or other fenestration.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     Briefly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a retractable storm shutter for protecting a fenestration is disclosed. The retractable storm shutter includes a base panel coupled to a wall surrounding the fenestration and extending lengthwise across a side of the fenestration. The retractable storm shutter further includes a plurality of planar panels arranged adjacently so as to cover the fenestration. The retractable storm shutter further includes a plurality of hinges, wherein at least one hinge couples each adjacent pair of planar panels and wherein at least one hinge couples a first planar panel to the base panel. The retractable storm shutter further includes a means for fastening each of the plurality of panels to outer edges of the fenestration. Each of the plurality of panels may be rotated about the plurality of hinges so as to stack the panels and place them lengthwise across a side of the fenestration so as to unfetter the fenestration.  
         [0015]     In another embodiment of the present invention, a retractable storm shutter for protecting a window is disclosed. The retractable storm shutter includes a vertical bar coupled to a left or right side of a wall surrounding the window and a plurality of vertical planar panels arranged adjacently so as to cover the fenestration. The retractable storm shutter further includes a plurality of hinges, wherein at least one hinge couples each adjacent pair of planar panels and wherein at least one hinge couples a first planar panel to the vertical bar. The retractable storm shutter further includes a means for fastening each of the plurality of panels to outer edges of the window. Each of the plurality of panels may be rotated about the plurality of hinges so as to stack the panels and place them vertically across the left or right side of the window so as to unfetter the window.  
         [0016]     In another embodiment of the present invention, a retractable storm shutter for protecting a window is disclosed. The retractable storm shutter includes a plurality of planar panels placed adjacently and vertically so as to cover the window and a plurality of hinges coupling each adjacent pair of planar panels and a first planar panel to a wall surrounding the window. The retractable storm shutter further includes a plurality of orifices located along outer edges of each of the plurality of planar panels and a plurality of fasteners for fastening each of the plurality of panels to the wall using the plurality of orifices. The plurality of panels may be rotated about the plurality of hinges as to be stacked and unfetter the window.  
         [0017]     The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and also the advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Additionally, the left-most digit of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a perspective view of a retractable storm shutter, according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of a perspective view of the retractable storm shutter of  FIG. 1  in a closed position.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a perspective view of the retractable storm shutter of  FIG. 1  with one panel in an open position.  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of a perspective view of the retractable storm shutter of  FIG. 1  with two panels in an open position.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a perspective view of the retractable storm shutter of  FIG. 1  with all panels in an open position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0024]     The present invention provides a retractable storm shutter that comprises existing storm shutter panels arranged that are hingably coupled to allow retraction and storage of the storm shutter along side the fenestration, or window, it protects. The apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of storm shutter panels that are coupled using hinges and includes orifices along the edges of each panel for coupling to a wall. When in a closed or protective position, the apparatus of the present invention allows the storm shutter panels to be fastened to the wall surrounding the fenestration, or window, it protects. The apparatus of the present invention allows the storm shutter panels to be retracted about its hinges away from the fenestration it projects such that the fenestration is not occluded by the storm shutter panels. When in an open or stored position, the apparatus of the present invention allows the stacked storm shutter panels to be fastened to the wall along side the fenestration it protects.  
         [0025]     The features of the present invention are advantageous as they allow for the quick and easy installation of storm shutter panels around a fenestration, requiring only the rotation of the panels about its hinges from an open or stored position to a closed or protective position. The present invention is further beneficial as it allows for almost effortless retraction and storing of the storm shutter panels, requiring only the rotation of the panels about its hinges from the protective position to the stored position. The present invention also allows for uncomplicated securing of the storm shutter panels to the wall surrounding the fenestration it protects, utilizing orifices in the storm shutter panels to which fasteners secure the panels to the wall in either the stored or protective position.  
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a perspective view of a retractable storm shutter  100 , according to one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  shows the retractable storm shutter  100  secured to a wall so as to protect a fenestration or window  108 .  FIG. 1  shows a base plate  105  running vertically along the left side of the fenestration  108 . The base plate  105  includes a series of orifices  115  that may be used in conjunction with bolts to secure the base plate  105  to the wall surrounding fenestration  108 . It should be noted that although base plate  105  is arranged vertically, the present invention also supports the base plate  105 , and thus also the panels  101 - 103 , being arranged horizontally.  
         [0027]     The retractable storm shutter  100  includes three panels, panel  101 , panel  102  and panel  103 .  FIG. 1  shows that each panel may be corrugated, ribbed or grooved. Although the panels of  FIG. 1  are shown to be corrugated, the present invention supports any surface variation of panel that is consistent with the features of the present invention. Panel  101  is coupled to base plate  105  via a series of hinges  111 , panel  101  is coupled to panel  102  via a hinge  112 , and panel  102  is coupled to panel  103  via a hinge  113 . Although  FIG. 1  shows that hinge  113  and hinge  112  are continuous hinges that run the length of each panel, the present invention supports any hinge arrangement or coupling apparatus that allows each panel to rotate about the hinge point. Likewise, although  FIG. 1  shows that hinge  111  is a series of hinges placed at various locations on each panel, the present invention supports any hinge arrangement or coupling apparatus that allows each panel to rotate about the hinge point. In an embodiment of the present invention, hinges  111 ,  112  and  113  comprise any one of butt hinges, continuous hinges, barrel hinges or the like.  
         [0028]      FIG. 1  shows a series of orifices  121  along the top of panels  101 ,  102  and  103  that may be used in conjunction with bolts to secure the panels  101 ,  102  and  103  to orifices  122  in the wall above fenestration  108 . Also shown are a series of orifices  123  along the bottom of panels  101 ,  102  and  103  that may be used in conjunction with bolts to secure the panels  101 ,  102  and  103  to orifices  124  in the wall below fenestration  108 . In one embodiment of the present invention, bolts or screws are inserted into orifices  121  and  123  and affixed or screwed into threaded receptacle sleeves in orifices  122  and  124 , respectively. Also shown are a series of orifices  125  along the right side of the wall that may be used in conjunction with bolts to secure horizontal bars (not shown) to the wall surrounding fenestration  108 . Further shown are a series of orifices  126  in the base plate  105  that may be used in conjunction with bolts to secure the horizontal bars to the base plate  105 . Also shown are a series of orifices  128  along the left side of the wall that may be used in conjunction with bolts to secure the panels  101 - 103  to the wall surrounding fenestration  108  when in an open or storage position.  
         [0029]      FIG. 1  further shows a storage panel  106  that is arranged horizontally on the left side of the fenestration  108 . The storage panel  106  is affixed to the fenestration  108  via orifices  116  that may be used in conjunction with bolts to secure the storage panel  106  to the wall surrounding fenestration  108 . The storage panel  106  is used to support the weight of the panels  101 ,  102  and  103  when the retractable storm shutter  100  is in an open or storage position (now shown).  
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of a perspective view of the retractable storm shutter  100  of  FIG. 1  in a closed or protective position.  FIG. 2  shows that each panel  101 - 103  is closed over fenestration  108  such that the fenestration  108  is protected from wind, rain and other flying objects.  
         [0031]     It can further be seen that the series of orifices  121  along the top of panels  101 ,  102  and  103  have been aligned with orifices  122  in the wall above fenestration  108  such that bolts  202  can be inserted into the orifices  121 ,  122  to secure the panels  101 ,  102  and  103  to the wall. Further, the series of orifices  123  along the bottom of panels  101 ,  102  and  103  have been aligned with orifices  124  in the wall below fenestration  108  such that bolts  204  can be inserted into the orifices  123 ,  124  to secure the panels  101 ,  102  and  103  to the wall.  
         [0032]     Also shown are horizontal bars  210  and  211  that include orifices on either side. The orifices on the left side of the horizontal bars  210  and  211  have been aligned with orifices  126  in the base panel  105  such that bolts  206  can be inserted into the orifices  126  to secure the horizontal bars  210 ,  211  to the panels  101 ,  102  and  103 . Further, the orifices on the right side of the horizontal bars  210  and  211  have been aligned with orifices  125  in the wall such that bolts  208  can be inserted into the orifices  125  to secure the horizontal bars  210 ,  211  to the wall.  
         [0033]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a perspective view of the retractable storm shutter  100  of  FIG. 1  with panel  103  in an open position.  FIG. 3  shows that panel  103  has been unfastened, i.e., any bolts or other mechanisms fastening the panel  103  to the wall surrounding fenestration  108  have been removed from the orifices in the panel  103 . Subsequently, panel  103  has been rotated about hinge  113  away from the fenestration  108  and towards to panel  102  so as to unfetter the opening of the fenestration  108 . The panel  103  can subsequently be further rotated so to rest fully on top of panel  102 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of a perspective view of the retractable storm shutter  100  of  FIG. 1  with two panels  103  and  102  in an open position.  FIG. 4  shows that panel  102  (along with panel  103 , which rests on top of panel  102 ), has been unfastened, i.e., any bolts or other mechanisms fastening the panel  102  to the wall surrounding fenestration  108  have been removed from the orifices in the panel  102 . Subsequently, panel  102  and panel  103  have been rotated about hinge  112  away from the fenestration  108  and towards to panel  101  so as to further unfetter the opening of the fenestration  108 . The panel  102  can subsequently be further rotated so to rest fully on top of panel  101 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a perspective view of the retractable storm shutter  100  of  FIG. 1  with all panels  101 - 103  in an open position.  FIG. 5  shows that all panels  101 - 103  have been unfastened, i.e., any bolts or other mechanisms fastening the panels to the wall surrounding fenestration.  108  have been removed from the orifices in the panels. Subsequently, all panels  101 - 103  have been rotated about hinge  111  away from the fenestration  108  and towards to base panel  105  so as to completely unfetter the opening of the fenestration  108 . The panels  101 - 103  have been rotated fully such that they rest fully on top of each other.  
         [0036]     It can further be seen that the series of orifices  121  along the top of panels  101 ,  102  and  103  have been aligned with orifices  128  in the wall to the left of fenestration  108  such that bolts  502  can be inserted into the orifices  121  to secure the panels  101 ,  102  and  103  to the wall when in an open or storage position. This allows the panels  101 - 103  to be stored securely during times of the year when the retractable storm shutter  100  is not in use.  
         [0037]     The components of the retractable storm shutter  100  can be manufactured from a variety of materials using a variety of methods. In one embodiment of the present invention, the components of the retractable storm shutter  100 , including the panels  101 - 103 , hinges  111 ,  112  and  113 , base panel  105  and storage panel  106 , can be manufactured from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Aluminum can be either non-treated, clear or color anodized. The aluminum alloys are categorized into two types, non-heat-treatable and heat-treatable.  
         [0038]     Type 1100 non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys are commercially pure, low-strength alloys having corrosion resistance and satisfactory anodizing and coating finishes. Type 3003 non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys are the most widely used general-purpose alloys because of their corrosion resistance, moderate strength, formability, and weldability. Type 5005 non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys are comparable to Type 3003 in strength and formability,. and have good finishing characteristics, making it much better for anodizing. They also exhibit corrosion resistance and weldability, but rates below Type 1100 and Type 3003 alloys for machining.  
         [0039]     Type 5052 non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys are versatile high-strength alloys with good forming characteristics and excellent corrosion resistance. Although easily welded, they are not recommended for brazing and soldering applications. Type 2024 heat-treatable aluminum alloys are high-strength alloys with nearly twice the strength of Type 5052 and fair corrosion resistance. Type 6061 heat-treatable aluminum alloys are high-strength alloys that are corrosion resistant and have good finishing, and welding characteristics. Type 7075 heat-treatable aluminum alloys were developed for aircraft applications, and re one of the highest strength, commercially available alloys. They have fair corrosion resistance and machinability.  
         [0040]     In another embodiment of the present invention, the components of the retractable storm shutter  100  can be manufactured from hot-forged alloy steel that is oil quenched and tempered for maximum strength and durability. Additionally, the components of the retractable storm shutter  100  may include nickel-chrome plating that resists rust. The components of the retractable storm shutter  100  can be welded or coupled together using an arc welding process such as heli-arc welding.  
         [0041]     The components of the retractable storm shutter  100  can further be manufactured using a variety of methods for casting metals. Metal casting involves the shaping of free-flowing liquid metals through the use of dies, molds, or patterns. Castings are generally roughly finished due to the nature of their production. In many cases, additional finishing is required to remove burrs and other artifacts of the casting process. Metal castings are used to design a wide range of components and finished products. Common metal casting processes include sand casting, die casting, permanent mold casting, investment casting, centrifugal casting, and lost foam casting.  
         [0042]     Die-casting includes a number of processes in which reusable dies or molds are used to produce casting. The die contains an impression of the finished product together with its running, feeding and venting systems. The die is capable of a regular cycle and of (quickly) dissipating the heat of the metal poured into it. Once the liquid metal has cooled sufficiently, the mold is opened and the casting can be removed and finished. In permanent mold casting, molten metal is poured into cast iron molds, coated with a ceramic mold wash. Cores can be metal, sand, sand shell, or other materials. When completed, the molds are opened and the castings are ejected.  
         [0043]     Investment casting involves molding patterns by the injection of a special wax into a metal die. The patterns are assembled into a cluster around a wax runner system. The ‘tree’ of patterns is then coated with eight to ten layers of a refractory material. The assembly is heated to remove the wax. The hot mold is cast, and when cool, the mold material is removed by impact, vibration, grit blasting, high pressure water blasting or chemical dissolution leaving the castings, which are then removed from the runner system.  
         [0044]     Centrifugal casting is used to produce castings that are cylindrical in shape. In centrifugal casting, a permanent mold is rotated about its axis at high speeds as the molten metal is poured. The molten metal is centrifugally thrown towards the inside mold wall, where it solidifies. The casting is usually a fine grain casting with a very fine-grained outer diameter, which is resistant to atmospheric corrosion. Lost foam casting is metal casting that uses foam filled patterns to produce castings. Foam is injected into a pattern, filling all areas, leaving no cavities. When molten metal is injected into the pattern, the foam is burned off allowing the casting to take shape.  
         [0045]     The components of the retractable storm shutter  100  can further be manufactured using metal injection molding (MIM) method for preparing metals. MIM is a powder metallurgy process used for manufacturing metal parts. Although metal injection molding uses powder metal, it is nothing like conventional powder metal processing. The metal powders used in MIM are ten to one hundred times smaller than in powder metal processes. Also, the end product of metal injection molding is much higher in density (greater than 95% theoretical density). Unlike powder metal, products manufactured by MIM can be case or through hardened, painted, and drilled and tapped.  
         [0046]     The components of the retractable storm shutter  100  can further be manufactured using a variety of metals, such as ferrous metals and alloys. Ferrous metals and alloys are iron-based materials that are used in a wide variety of industrial applications. Examples include carbon steels, alloy steels, stainless steels, tool steels, cast iron, cast steel, maraging steel, and specialty or proprietary iron-based alloys.  
         [0047]     There are many types of ferrous metals and alloys. Carbon steels are ferrous alloys that contain carbon and small levels of other alloying elements such as manganese or aluminum. Alloy steels contain low to high levels of elements such as chromium, molybdenum, vanadium and nickel. Stainless steels are highly corrosion resistant, ferrous alloys that contain chromium and/or nickel additions. There are three basic types of products: austenitic stainless steels, ferritic and martensitic stainless steels, and specialty stainless steels and iron super-alloys. Tool steels are wear resistant, but difficult to fabricate in their hardened form. Specific grades are available for cold-working, hot-working, and high speed applications. Cast iron is a ferrous alloy with high amounts of carbon. This category includes ductile iron, gray iron and white cast iron grades. Cast steel alloy grades are made by pouring molten iron into a mold.  
         [0048]     The components of the retractable storm shutter  100  can further be manufactured using nickel and nickel alloys. Nickel and nickel alloys are non-ferrous metals with high strength and toughness, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior elevated temperature properties. Commercially pure, unalloyed or very low alloy nickel does not contain or contains only very small amounts of alloying elements. By contrast, nickel alloys contain significant amounts of added elements or constituents. Clad or bimetal stock consists of two different alloys that are bonded integrally together. Metal matrix composites have a composite or reinforced metal or alloy matrix filled with a second component, which may be in particulate, chopped fiber, continuous filament, or fabric form. Other unlisted, specialty or proprietary nickel and nickel alloys are also available. These materials are often based on a unique alloy system, use a novel processing technology, or have properties tailored for specific applications.  
         [0049]     Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments. Furthermore, it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.