Abstract:
The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an awning that permits light and air to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The awning includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a removable rigid support plate. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The shutter includes modular louver sections that have an integral rigid backing plate.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/322,553, filed on May 28, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,188, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/976,291, filed on Nov. 21, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,907,929, issued on Jun. 1, 1999 (all of the above-identified applications are incorporated by reference). 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to protective and decorative coverings for windows, doors, and the like, and more particularly to storm shutters, awnings, and louvers to provide security and protection against large magnitude storms such as hurricanes. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Window and door coverings, such as awnings and shutters, are known in the art, and are used for decoration, security, weather protection, and the like. 
   Conventional awnings, such as “Bahama” style awnings, 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 of a window or other opening. The awning is presized in length and width to cover the entire window or other opening. 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 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. 
   However, because the awning 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. 
   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 Fla. 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 9 pounds shot from an air cannon at approximately 34 miles per hour directly into the shutter. Conventional Bahama awnings having openings between adjacent slats fail to pass these tests. 
   There is a need for a Bahama style awning that provides the desirable features of the awning, can protect against major storms, and can pass strict building code standards testing. 
   Conventional shutters, such as Colonial style shutters typically include at least one shutter panel made of a perimeter framework and a plurality of horizontal louver slats. The shutter is typically attached at one edge by hinges to the edge of an opening such as a window or door of a structure. The shutter can be presized to cover the entire window. The shutter is normally kept in the open position adjacent to the window. The shutter can be rotated about the hinges to the closed position covering the window. 
   More typically, a pair of shutters can be mounted adjacent the window, one on either side. The pair of shutters can be presized such that together, when closed, they cover the entire window or other opening. When closed, the pair of shutters meet near the vertical center of the window and are connected together to form a protective cover over the entire window. 
   The Colonial style shutters are normally kept in the open position, and only cover the window area when closed for protection. Therefore, the horizontal louvers do not require openings between adjacent louver slats to allow air and sunlight to enter the structure. The conventional Colonial style shutter can thus have a sturdy backing plate permanently attached to the back side of the shutter, to provide sufficient support for protection against significant storms such as hurricanes. The sturdy backing plate can be attached to the perimeter framework and can cover the entire louvered area. A sturdy backing plate so attached permits a conventional shutter to pass building code standards testing, such as the Dade county large missile impact test. 
   However, the addition of a permanent backing plate to the shutter adds additional weight to the shutter, adds additional costs in raw material, and adds additional labor costs and time for assembly. There is a need for a Colonial style shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a “Bahama” style awning that attaches to a structure in a conventional manner that permits light and air to enter the structure, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing, as described herein. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a “Colonial” style shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing, as described herein. 
   The awning embodiment can include a perimeter framework to retain a plurality of horizontal louver slats that include openings between adjacent louvers to allow air and light to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, and to permit persons within the structure to see out. The perimeter framework is adapted to receive a substantially planar, removable rigid plate that, when in place, can extend from the perimeter framework to cover the entire louvered area. The rigid plate can provide security and protection against major storms, and need only be inserted into the awning when additional security and protection is required. 
   The awning can be made nearly any size or shape, with substantially rectangular being the preferred shape. The perimeter framework can include a pair of substantially vertical members, or jams, forming a left and a right edge of the awning. A pair of substantially horizontal members form an upper edge and a lower edge of the framework. The rigid plate can be removably disposed in a pair of fitted vertical slots, one slot in either vertical jam. The lower horizontal member includes matching slots, that align with the slots in the jams, for receiving the rigid plate. Once fully inserted into the slots, the plate can be attached to the perimeter framework by conventional removable fasteners, such as stainless steel screws. 
   The awning can attach at the upper edge by a hinge mechanism to the upper edge of the window, doorway, or other opening. The awning can rotate about the hinge from an open position to a closed position covering the opening in the structure to which the awning is attached. One or more support arms can be used to retain the lower edge of the awning at a preselected distance from the lower edge of the opening. 
   The awning with the rigid plate in place provides protection against major storms and can pass strict building code standards testing such as Dade County Florida&#39;s large missile impact test consisting of a length of 2″×4″ wood weighing 9 pounds shot from an air cannon at approximately 34 miles per hour directly into the shutter. The awning can further withstand cyclic air testing consisting of cyclic air pressures with a peak equivalent to 48 pounds per square foot in the inward direction and 80 pound per square foot in the outward direction. In addition, the awning can withstand other building code standards, such as the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). 
   In an alternate embodiment, a shutter includes a perimeter framework that retains a plurality of horizontal louvers that provide a solid protective covering. Like the awning embodiment discussed above, the shutter embodiment can be made nearly any size or shape, with substantially rectangular being the preferred shape. The framework can include a pair of substantially vertical members, or jams, forming a left and a right edge, and a pair of substantially horizontal members forming an upper edge and a lower edge of the framework. The shutters can attach along one vertical edge by a hinge mechanism to an edge of the window, doorway, or other opening of the structure to which the shutter is attached. The shutter can be rotated about the hinge to cover the window or doorway, and can be sized to cover the entire opening into the structure. 
   Two shutters can be utilized, one attached to each vertical edge of the window or door and sized to cover the opening when each are closed. The shutter edges opposite the hinge mechanisms can meet together in between the vertical edges of the window or door preferably near the vertical center, and can be connected together to provide additional security. 
   A plurality of shutter panels can be connected together at adjacent edges to form extra wide shutter assemblies, for extra wide openings. The connection of the shutter panels at adjacent edges can be rigid or foldable. 
   The shutter embodiment remains in the open position as a decorative accessory to a window or doorway, and, when desired, covers the window or doorway in the closed position to provide security or storm protection. Therefore, the louvers utilized in the shutter embodiment do not require openings between adjacent louvers to allow air and light to pass, such as in the louvers in the awning embodiment. The louver sections for the shutters can thus be solid sections suitable for protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards, such as discussed herein above. 
   The louvers for each shutter panel can be made of at least one unitary section of preselected size, that can be made of extruded aluminum. A plurality of louvered sections of preselected width can be made that interlock together in length to form modular louvered sections of nearly any size. 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an awning that lets in light and air, that can protect against storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. 
   It is another objective of the present invention to provide a shutter that can include modular enclosed louvered sections, can be closable to provide protection against storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. 
   In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention in use. 
       FIG. 2  is a exploded front perspective view of the awning of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 3   a  is an exploded, inverted, bottom plan view of the awning of FIG.  2 . 
       FIG. 3   b  is an inverted bottom plan view of the awning of FIG.  2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the rigid support plate of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention in use. 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded front perspective view of the shutter of FIG.  5 . 
       FIG. 7   a  is an exploded side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of louvers. 
       FIG. 7   b  is a side elevational view of the louvers  FIG. 7   a.    
       FIG. 8   a  is an exploded side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the louvers shown in  FIG. 7   a.    
       FIG. 8   b  is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the louvers shown in  FIG. 7   b.    
       FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of an upper portion of the louvers shown in  FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b ,  8   a , and  8   b.    
       FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of that shown in FIG.  9 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of the present invention, a “Bahama” style awning shown generally as  1 , is illustrated attached by hinge mechanism  2  to a structure  4  over window  6 . Awning  1  can rotate about hinge mechanism  2 , from an open position as shown to a closed position against structure  4  and covering window  6 . Support arms  8  can be used to retain awning  1  in the open position a at a preselected angle relative to window  6 . Structure  4  can be a dwelling, store, warehouse, or other structure. Window  6  can include nearly any opening in structure  4  of nearly any shape. Awning  1  can be shaped to correspond to the shape of window  6 , with rectangular being the preferred shape, and as illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
   Awning  1  includes perimeter framework  10 , to retain a plurality of louver slats  12 . Substantially planar, rigid support plate  14  is removable from awning  1 , as fully described herein below. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , awning  1  is illustrated in a front exploded view. Perimeter framework  10  includes substantially vertical members, or jams  16  and  18  which form the vertical edges of framework  10 . Substantially horizontal members  20  and  22  form the upper member and lower member, respectively of framework  10 . A plurality of louvers  12  are held together at each end by identical support members  24 . Louvers  12  are retained in support members  24  in conventional manner, as known in the art. Louver support members  24  retain louvers  12  such that apertures  26  are maintained between adjacent louvers  12 . Apertures  26  allow light and air to pass through awning  1 , and allow persons within structure  4  to see out of window  6  with awning  1  in place, as shown in FIG.  1 . 
   Louver support members  24  are inserted into identical slots  28  in jams  16  and  18 . Upper member  20  is inserted into recessed areas  30  and  31  in jams  16  and  18  respectively, and lower member  22  is inserted into recessed areas  32  and  33  in jams  16  and  18 , respectively. Jams  16  and  18 , upper member  20 , lower member  22  and louvers  12  are assembled as described above, and secured together by stainless steel rivets or stainless steel screws, or other conventional fasteners, to form awning  1 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , lower member  22  includes slots  34  and  36 , which align with recessed areas  38  and  40  in jams  16  and  18 , respectively. Rigid plate  14  includes protruding portions  42  and  44 , as shown in FIG.  4 . Rigid plate  14  within protruding portions  42  and  44  can thus be slid into slots  34  and  36  and into recessed areas  38  and  40 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3   a - 3   b . Rigid plate  14  can include one or more apertures  46  for attachment by conventional removable fasteners to perimeter framework  10 . 
   Thus for storm protection, rigid plate  14  can be inserted and secured to awning  1  while awning  1  is attached to structure  4 . Support arms  8  can be lowered to close awning  1  against window  6 . Once in place, awning  1  can provide storm protection even against major storms such as hurricanes, and can pass strict building code standards testing, as described herein above. 
   It is preferable in the first embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , that rigid plate  14  be disposed in front of louvers  12  to protect louvers  12  from storm damage. In the embodiment where rigid plate  14  is disposed in front of louvers  12 ,  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  are illustrated in an inverted or upside-down orientation. Alternately in the first embodiment, rigid plate  14  can be placed behind louvers  12 . As can be seen from  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3   a , and  3   b , shutter  1  can be assembled and attached to structure  4  such that rigid plate  14  can be disposed in front of or behind louvers  12 . In the embodiment where rigid plate  14  is disposed behind louvers  12 ,  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  are not inverted. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , a second embodiment of the present invention, a pair of “Colonial” style shutters shown generally as  50  and  52 , are illustrated attached by conventional hinge mechanisms  51  adjacent window  7  of structure  4 . Shutter  50  is shown in the open position, and shutter  52  is shown in the closed position covering a portion of window  7 . When shutters  50  and  52  are both closed, window  7  is fully covered. 
   Window  7  can be any size or shape opening into structure  4 . Shutters  50  and  52  could be made nearly any size or shape to correspond to window  7 . Alternately, a single large shutter could be made to cover window  7 , or a plurality of shutters could be made, and rigidly or foldably connected at adjacent edges, as known in the art, to cover window  7 . 
   In the preferred embodiment, shutters  50  and  52  are rectangular, and are sized in width approximately one half the width of window  7 , and when closed meet near the vertical center of window  7 . Shutters  50  and  52  are identical and only one of which will be described herein to avoid repetition. 
   Shutter  50  includes a perimeter framework  54  and a plurality of louvers  56 . Louvers  56 , as fully described herein below, include a substantially planar rigid solid back portion  57 . “Solid” referring to the substantial lack of openings or apertures between adjacent louver slats  56 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , shutter  50  includes substantially vertical members or jams  58  and  60 , and substantially horizontal upper member  62  and substantially horizontal lower member  64 . Upper member  62  inserts into recessed areas  66  and  67  in jams  58  and  60 , respectively. Lower member  64  inserts into recessed areas  68  and  69  in jams  58  and  60 , respectively. Louvers  56 , with rigid back portion  57 , insert into identical slots  70  in jams  58  and  60 . Once assembled, jams  58  and  60 , upper member  62  and lower member  64 , and louvers  56  are connected together using stainless steel rivets, stainless steel screws, or other conventional fasteners, to form shutter  50 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , louvers  56  include a substantially planar rigid back portion  57 . Louvers  56  can be made in modular louver sections comprised of upper section  72 , lower section  74 , and any number of inner louver sections  73 . Each louver section  72 - 74  can include at least one louver  56 , and are illustrated in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  with three louvers  56  each. Louvers sections  72 - 74  can be combined together, as described below, to fit any length shutter  50 . 
   Upper louver section  72  can include upper stepped portion  76  on back portion  57 , which connects to upper member  62  during assembly by suitable fasteners, such as stainless steel rivets, screws, and the like. Lower louver section  74  can include lower stepped portion  78  on back portion  57 , which connects to lower member  64  during assembly also by suitable fasteners, such as stainless steel rivets, screws, and the like. 
   Opposite upper stepped portion  76 , upper louver section  72  includes a first connector  80 . Opposite lower stepped portion  78 , lower louver section  74  includes a second connector  81 . Connectors  80  and  81  are mating connectors, sized and shaped to removably interconnect together to form a rigid connection between adjacent louvers. Inner louver sections  73  include a first connector  80  on an upper edge and a second connector  81  on a lower edge. Thus, upper louver section  72  can be connected directly to lower louver section  74 , or one or more inner louver sections  73  can be connected between upper louver section  72  and lower louver section  74 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b.    
   First connector  80  is illustrated as a “female” connector, and second connector  81  is illustrated as a “male” connector. Alternately, first connector  80  can be a male connector and second connector  81  can be a female connector. It is only critical that connectors  80  and  81  mate together to rigidly connect adjacent modular louvered sections, not which is the “male” or which is the “female” connector. 
     FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  illustrate an alternate embodiment that utilizes lower section  75  in-place of lower section  74 . Section  75  continues back portion  57 , but does not have any louvers  56 . 
   Thus, the louvered sections  72 - 74  and  75 , forming rigid back portion  57 , can have nearly any number of louvers  56 , or none. The louver sections  72 - 74  and  75  can be made of extruded aluminum of nearly any size, and can be modularly assembled to form nearly any size and length shutter  50 . Alternately, one louvered section can be made, which can have back portion  57  with upper stepped feature  76  and lower stepped feature  78 , to be used as a single louver section that when attached to perimeter framework  54  forms shutter  50 . 
   When shutter  50  and shutter  52 , with louvers  56  having solid rigid back  57 , are closed and secured over window  7 , security and protection against major storms is provided to structure  4 . In addition, the shutters can pass strict building code standards testing as described herein above. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the louvered sections illustrated in  FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b ,  8   a , and  8   b  can include one or more apertures  90  for viewing out and allowing light in while the shutters are in place over a window. Six apertures  90  are shown in upper louver section  72 , however, more or fewer apertures  90  can be utilized. In addition, while apertures in the upper louvered section are preferable, apertures can also be disposed in other louvered sections. The louvered sections illustrated in  FIGS. 7   a - 10  can be utilized with any shutter type, including the “Bahama” or “Colonial” type shutter. 
   The “Bahama” and “Colonial” shutter types described herein above are not intended to be limiting to only two attachment styles or mechanisms. The features described herein above for the “Bahama” style shutters can be utilized in a “Colonial” style shutter, and the features described herein above for the “Colonial” style shutters can be utilized in a “Bahama” style shutter. The features of the invention described as “Bahama” and “Colonial” type shutters can be utilized in alternate shutter types not specifically listed herein, and are considered within the scope of the present invention. 
   The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.