Patent Publication Number: US-2011048292-A1

Title: Ballistic panel

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to securing a building and more specifically to protecting a building against projectiles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are several storm shutters, roll-down doors, and other various rigid and flexible structural covers designed for building integrity protection. Conventionally, a thin sheet of plywood, aluminum, rigid plastic, or other material is secured to the structure as the extent of protection. More advanced protection includes large metal roll-down doors. These structures are designed to reduce the physical effects of high wind events and related driving water. However, these structures have a high cost associated with the material, installation, and/or maintenance. Typically the limited effectiveness for the reduction of projectile, wind, and water damage and protection of structural integrity. Further, the conventional methods may significantly impair the aesthetics of the structure and are often unrecyclable, un-reusable, or otherwise wasteful with regards to material and structure. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In one configuration according to the disclosure an apparatus for protecting a building comprises, a panel, having a first end and a second end; a hinge, coupled to the first end of the panel; and at least one attachment means. 
     In a further configuration according to the disclosure an apparatus for protecting a building opening, comprises, a first panel, having a first end and a second end, pivotably coupled to the building at the first end; at least one second panel, having a first end and a second end; a first hinge, coupled to the second end of the first panel and the first end of at least one second panel, configured for folding the first panel parallel to the second panel and unfolding the second panel in alignment with first panel to make a contiguous flat surface; and at least one attachment means. 
     Further one method of securing a building opening according to the disclosure comprises removing a retainer from a storage member, adjacent to the opening, containing at least two panels, pivotably coupled by a hinge having a reinforcement disposed behind the hinge; pivotably removing a free end of a first panel from the storage member wherein the second panel follows the first panel; extending the at least two panels, to form a planar structure covering the building opening, wherein the hinge extends to about 180 degrees; securing the at least two panels to the building opening by a reversible coupling means. 
     These and other configurations, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent with reference to the following drawings and description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front view according to one configuration of the panel system. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a detail view of the hinge and reinforcement according to one extended configuration of the panel system. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a cross-section view of the hinge and reinforcement according to one folded configuration of the panel system. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a detail view of the hinge and reinforcement according to another extended configuration of the panel system. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a detail view of a securable member according to one configuration of the panel system. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-section view according to one folded configuration of the panel system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a panel system  100  configured for protecting a building  101 , openings  102  of a building  101 , doors, or windows of a building, or other means of entering any structure. The panel system  100  comprises panel(s)  110 , coupling zone(s)  120 , pivotable member(s)  130 , securable member(s)  140 , and storage member  150 . Panel system  100  comprises extended panel assembly  108  for securing openings  102  of building and folded panel assembly  109  for storage. Folded panel assembly  109  is configured for foldable storage in storage member  150  disposed adjacent to openings  102  of a building  101 , doors, or windows of a building, or other means of entering any structure. Extended panel assembly  108  is configured for sever weather resistance, for instance high wind, thunderstorm, tornado, and typhoon/hurricane resistance. In certain instances, panel system  100  is configured for resistance to wind and wind-driven projectiles during severe weather. Further, panel system  100  is configured for reversibly sealing the openings  102  of a building  101 , doors, or windows of a building, or other means of entering any structure, for instance to prevent theft, looting, or unauthorized residence after a sever weather event. In further applications, panel system  100  is configured for securing structure during other voluntary or involuntary absences. In further configurations, panel system  100  is configured to resist or deflect explosions and shrapnel from penetrating openings  102  of a building  102 , doors, or windows of a building, or other means of entering any structure. Exemplary explosions may be vandalism, civil unrest, pranks, fireworks, pipe-bombs, improvised explosive devices, grenades, and the like, without limitation. 
     Panel. Panel  110  comprises a generally rigid, planar sheet of material. The material comprises a material suitable for withstanding projectile impacts; alternatively, for withstanding explosions and shrapnel. Panel  110  materials comprise a metal, an alloy, a ceramic, a polymer, a composite, a fabric, or combinations thereof. Panel  110  comprises a metal or metal alloy, such as, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, magnesium, manganese, chromium, titanium, vanadium, tungsten, and other metals understood to be impact resistant. Panel  110  comprises a ceramic such as, but not limited to, alumina, aluminum oxide, boron carbide, and silicon carbide. Panel  110  comprises a polymer, polymer fiber, polymer panel, and combinations thereof. In instances, the panel  110  comprises a polymer such as polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyurethane or other polymer resins, poly-acrylamide, para-amids, polybenzoxaole, and the like, without limitation. Further, panel  110  comprises a phenolic-resin, such as but not limited to phenol-formaldehyde, polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, and a base material, such as but not limited to saw-dust, paper, pulp, cotton, linen, fiberglass, carbon fiber, carbon black, and others known in the art. The material comprises a minimum strength determined by any building code, for instance, the Miami-Dade County Building Code, without limitation. Alternatively, the material may comprise any minimum strength. 
     In certain instances, the panel  110  comprises a reinforcement material, for instance a fabric, film, or screen. In certain instances, the reinforcement layer comprises Kevlar®, carbon fiber, nanotubes, wire mesh, polymer films, resins, or the like, without limitation. The reinforcement layer is configured to provide impact dissipation, shear strength, flexibility, and combinations thereof to the panel  110 . In certain instances, the reinforcement is cast, molded, or otherwise impregnated into the matrix of panel  110 . Alternatively, panel  110  comprises a reinforcing coating applied to at least one exterior face. In further instances, panel  110  comprises a plurality of layers, wherein at least one layer comprises a reinforcement layer. Without limitation by theory, the reinforcement material maintains the integrity of the panel  110  after impact. Further, the reinforcement material prevents fragmentation, shear fracture, brittle fracture, or other failure modes of the panel  110  after impact of a projectile. Reinforcement material in panel  110  prevents portions of panel  110  from becoming additional debris, projectiles, or shrapnel. 
     Panel  110  has a vertical dimension or height H and horizontal dimension or width W. Vertical dimension H is taller than about the vertical dimension of the openings  102  of a building  101 . Horizontal dimension W is wider than about the horizontal dimension of the openings  102  of a building  101 . Without wishing to be limited by theory, the panel  110  extends beyond the dimensions of any openings  102  of a building  101 , such that wind, water, debris, shrapnel, and other projectiles cannot directly impact the opening  102 . Further, the Panel  110  is configured to prevent ricocheted, deflected, or redirected projectiles from entering interior of building  101  through the aforementioned openings  101 . 
     Alternatively, in multi-panel configurations, the combined dimensions of each panel, for instance H 1  and H 2 , is taller than about the vertical dimension of the openings of a building, such as doors and windows of a building, or other means of entering any structure. In certain instances, panel system  100  comprises a plurality of panels. Multi-panel configurations provide scalable and modular means to expand panel system  100 . 
     Hinge. Referring now to  FIG. 2A  panel system  100  comprises a hinge  130  disposed between at least two adjacent panels  110 , for instance a first panel  110 A and a second panel  110 B. Hinge  130  comprises any pivotable apparatus configured for folding at least one generally planar apparatus, such as a door or panel  110 . Hinge  130  is constructed of any material suitable for withstanding projectile impacts; alternatively, for withstanding explosions and shrapnel. Hinge  130  comprises a metal hinge; alternatively, hinge is any flexible material suitable for pivoting, rotating, of bending action. Alternate hinge  130  materials include without limitation, ballistic cloth, flexible polymers, and any flexible material configured for impact resistance. In certain instances, hinge  130  is positioned approximately half the vertical dimension H of the panel  110 . Alternatively, hinge  130  is positioned any where along height H. In these configurations, first panel  110 A has height H 1  and second panel  110 B has height H 2 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In multiple panel configurations, the sum of height of all panels is equal to height H. 
     Hinge  130  is configured such that panel the second  110 B folds up and away from the building  101  or the opening  102 . Without wishing to be limited by theory, a hinge  130  configured to fold up and away from the building  101 , such that panel  110  is parallel to ground. Further, hinge  130  is configured to pivot toward opening  102 . Further, hinge  130  comprises a locked position when open extended over the opening  102 . The locked position of hinge  130  results at least, in part, by hinge  130  reaching a 180 degree open position. In alternative, instances at a contact between first panel  110 A and second panel  110 B. Alternatively, hinge  130  may be positioned such that first panel  110 A and second panel  110 B fold in, toward the building. The panel  102  configured to fold in toward building  102  comprises a locked position when open extended over the opening  102 . In certain instances, the locked position prevents flexing, bending, deforming, or otherwise compromising the panel  110  during weather event, projectile impact, or ballistic impact. 
     Coupling Zone. Hinge  130  is coupled to the panels  110  at a coupling zone  120 . Coupling zone  120  comprises an area of panel  110  configured to resist deformation under pressure, stress, impact, sheer, or strain. Coupling zone  120  comprises a metal, an alloy, a ceramic, a polymer, a composite, a fabric, or combinations thereof, without limitation. Coupling zone  120  further comprises a coupling means between hinge  130  and panel  110 . In certain instances, coupling zone  120  comprises a sleeve to fit around panel  110 . Further, coupling zone comprises an additional panel fixed to panel  110  on at least one side. Alternatively, coupling zone  120  comprises an unmodified portion of panel  110  or any portion of panel  110 . 
     Coupling zone  120  comprises fingers  124 . Coupling zone  120  comprises at least one set of fingers  124 . Fingers  124  comprise an extension from coupling zone  120 . Fingers  124  extend from coupling zone in at least one direction. In certain instances, coupling zone  120  comprises at least two sets of fingers  124 . Further, fingers  124  comprise first fingers  124 A coupled to first coupling zone  120 A of first panel  110 A and second fingers  124 B coupled to second coupling zone  120 B of second panel  110 B. In certain configurations fingers  124  form a reinforcement or a brace behind hinge  130 , for example crossing from  120 A to contact  120 B, and vice versa, to resist further pivoting, rotation, impact, breakage, shearing, or flexing from the application of additional stresses on hinge. In certain instances, only the first fingers  124 A are present. Alternatively, first finger  124 A comprises a single panel, lip, brace, or the like disposed behind hinge  130 . In certain instances, first fingers  124 A and second fingers  124 B comprise interlocking comb-like, teeth-like, or finger-like extensions of first coupling zone  120 A and second coupling zone  120 B, respectively. In instances, the interlocking fitment of first fingers  124 A and second fingers form reinforcement behind hinge  130  to resist further pivoting, rotation, impact, breakage, shearing, flexing, or application additional stresses on hinge. 
     First finger  124 A comprises a linear extension of first coupling zone  120 A. In instances, first finger  124 A comprises any linear protrusion from first coupling zone  120 A. Alternatively, first finger  124 A is reversibly attached to first coupling zone  120 A to prevent flexing towards the building opening  102 . In certain instances, first finger  124 A is mechanically attached to the first coupling zone  120 A and first panel  110 A. Examples of suitable mechanical attachment includes, screws, bolts, rivets, nails, pins, glues, epoxies, and the like, without limitation. First finger  124 A is disposed normal or perpendicular to hinge  130 . In certain instances, first finger  124 A is oriented vertically. 
     Second finger  124 B is disposed on the opposite side of hinge  130  from first finger  124 A. Second finger  124 B comprises a linear extension of second coupling zone  120 B. In instances, second finger  124 B comprises any linear protrusion from second coupling zone  120 B. Alternatively, second finger  124 B is reversibly attached to second coupling zone  120 B. In certain instances, second finger  124 B is mechanically attached to the second coupling zone  120 B and second panel  110 B. Examples of suitable mechanical attachment includes, screws, bolts, rivets, nails, pins, glues, epoxies, and the like, without limitation. Second finger  124 B is disposed normal or perpendicular to hinge  130 . In certain instances, second finger  124 B is oriented vertically. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2B , illustrating a side view of the folded panel assembly  109 , with hinge  130  in a folded position. Hinge  130  is configured to fold away from fingers  124  at coupling zone  120 . As illustrated, hinge  130  unfolds and opens flat, towards structure  102 . Further, panels  110 A and  110 B form a generally planar structure and fingers  124 A and  124 B form extensions of the planar structure, resisting flexing towards structure  102 . A planar structure, such as folded panel assembly  109  comprises a planar assembly store or mounts to building  101 . Further, folded panel assembly  109  is configured for storage out of the line of sight of building  101  occupants. In certain configurations, folded panel assembly  109  is at least partially hidden from a passerby, pedestrian, and other people outside the building. 
     Alternatively, first finger  124 A is coupled to hinge  130 . In certain instances, first finger  124 A may comprise an extension of second panel  110 B. First finger  124 A is disposed normal or perpendicular to hinge  130 . In certain instances, first finger  124 A is oriented vertically. Second finger  124 B is disposed on the opposite side of hinge  130  from first finger  124 A, comprising a linear extension of hinge  130 . Second finger is disposed normal or perpendicular to hinge  130 . First finger  124 A and second finger  124 B are arranged in alternating fashion along hinge  130  across the width W of panel system  100  or panel  110 . First finger  124 A is configured to contact first coupling zone  120 A of first panel  110 A. Second finger  124 B is configured to contact second coupling zone  120 B of second panel  110 B. Without limitation by theory, the contact of fingers  124  with coupling zone  120  is configured to reduce flexing, bending, deforming, or otherwise compromising the panel  110  along hinge  130  during weather event, projectile impact, or ballistic impact. Further, fingers  124  reinforce area around hinge  130 . 
     Fingers  124  further comprise a passage, a tube, or the like for passing a rod, a bar, a post or other member therethrough. The addition of this member further reinforces the fingers by temporarily coupling the first fingers  124 A and the second fingers  124 B. Without limitation by theory coupling first fingers  124 A and second fingers  124 B forms a monolithic or one-piece reinforcement to hinge  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  in further alternate configurations, fingers  125  are slidably or pivotably disposed on panel  110 , such that hinge  130  is configurable to pivot or fold in multiple directions. In certain instances, slidable fingers  125  comprise at least one pivot  126  disposed on each finger  125 . In certain instances, pivot  126  is disposed proximal to the first end  125 A of the finger  125 . Pivot  126  comprises any means to couple finger  125  to panel  110  or coupling zone  120 . Further, finger  125  is free to rotate about pivot  126  in any direction, for instance along axis of rotation A. 
     Finger  125  is coupled to rod  127  at attachment  128  of each finger  125 . Rod  127  is transversely slidable along axis B across width W of the panel  110 . Attachment  128  comprises a pivotable coupling, disposed at the first end  125 A of finger  125 . In certain instances, finger  125  is pivotably coupled to rod  127  such that when rod  127  moves transversely along axis b, finger rotates about pivot  126  along axis of rotation A. Without limitation by theory, the axis of rotation A is configured such that second end  125 B of fingers  125  is rotated so as to allow hinge  130  to fold such that zone  120 B folds vertically towards pivot  128 . Further, second end  125 B of fingers  125  are rotated such that they minimally impede folding of hinge  130 , for example along axis C. Slidable fingers  125  are configured to allow hinge  130  to fold beyond 180° towards slidable fingers  125  in order to improve storage of the panel system  100 . Panel system  100  configured to fold hinge  130  toward fingers  125 , also permits additional hinges and folding positions, such as accordion style, to form folded panel assembly  109 . 
     Mounting. Referring once more to  FIG. 1 , system  100  comprises a pivotable means to couple panel  110  to the building, such as mounting hinge  132 . Mounting hinge  132  is configured to support the vertically hanging weight of the panel system  100 , for instance as extended panel assembly  108 . Alternatively, the mounting hinge  132  is configured to secure panel system to the building  101 . Mounting hinge  132  is configured for positioning vertically adjacent to the opening  102  of the building  101 . Mounting hinge  132  is configured to resist projectile impacts, deformation, shearing, and pull out from building. Mounting hinge  132  is constructed of any material suitable for withstanding projectile impacts; alternatively, for withstanding explosions and shrapnel. Mounting hinge  132  comprises a metal hinge; alternatively, hinge is any flexible material suitable for pivoting, rotating, of bending action. Alternate mounting hinge  132  materials include without limitation, ballistic cloth, flexible polymers, and any flexible material configured for impact resistance. Mounting hinge  132  is configured for moveably mounting the panel system  100  to the building  101 . Mounting hinge  132  is configured for rotating panel into a storage member  150  or up against underside of building  102  structures, such as the eve, ceiling, portico, patio, veranda, and the like without limitation. 
     Securing. Panel system  100  is configured for reversible securing to building  101 . Panel system  100  comprises securable member  140  disposed at the opposite side of panel  110  from mounting hinge  132 . In further instances, a securable member is configurable for positioning along the perimeter of panel  110 . For example, along the overlap of panel  110  and building  101 . Securable member  140  is configured to couple panel  110  to building  101  and resists impacts, shear, or other forces against building  101  and opening  102 . Further, securable member  140  is configured to resist unauthorized intrusion via opening  102 . Without limitation by theory, extending panel system  100 , as extended panel assembly  108 , across opening  102  of building  101  secures building from wind, water, explosions, shrapnel and unauthorized entry by coupling free end of panel  110  to building. 
     In certain instances, free end of panel  110  further comprises a free coupling zone  121 . Free coupling zone  121  comprises an area of panel  110  configured to resist deformation under pressure, stress, impact, sheer, or strain. Free coupling zone  121  comprises a reinforced portion of panel for mounting securable member  140 . Free coupling zone  121  comprises a metal, an alloy, a ceramic, a polymer, a composite, a fabric, or combinations thereof, without limitation. Free coupling zone  121  further comprises a coupling means between panel  110  and building  101 . In certain instances, free coupling zone  121  comprises a sleeve to fit around panel  110 . Further, free coupling zone comprises an additional portion of panel fixed to panel  110  on at least one side. Further, free coupling zone  121  comprises a modified or reinforced portion of panel  110 . Alternatively, coupling zone  120  comprises an unmodified portion of panel  110 . 
     Securable member  140  comprises a post and lock, a rivet, a spike, a nail, a screw or any other means of mechanically coupling free coupling zone  121  to building  101 . In certain instances, securable member is disposed within panel  110  at free coupling zone  121 . For instance, a spike or tube protrudes into building from the free coupling zone  121 . Without limitation by theory, a securable member  140  formed as part of free coupling zone  121  is configured to resist shearing, vibrating, pulling, prying, or otherwise compromising the coupling between panel  110  and building  101 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4  illustrating a securable member  300 . Securable member  300  comprises head  310 , insertion shaft  320 , and locking shaft  330 . Head  310  is configured for coupling with panel  110  by the free coupling zone  121  or along at overlap of panel  110  and structure  101 . Head  310  is configured to have a cross-section that is wider than the insertion shaft  320 . Head  310  is configured to retain panel  110  by an interference lip, flange, post, or other structure that extends beyond insertion shaft. Head  310  is configured to resist deformation under pressure, stress, impact, sheer, or strain. Head  310  comprises a metal, an alloy, a ceramic, a polymer, a composite, or combinations thereof without limitation. Head  310  comprises any material suitable for resisting corrosion and forces such as shearing, vibrating, pulling, prying, or forces otherwise directed to compromising the coupling between panel  110  and building  101 . Head  310  is configured as a generally planar flange about insertion shaft  320 . Without wishing to be limited by theory, maintaining a planar configuration resists prying by resisting insertion of a prying apparatus under head  310 . Alternatively, head  310  comprises a dome shape such that prying tools are not able to be wedged between head  310  and panel  110 . In certain instances, head  310  comprises teeth, angles, slopes, curves, or other edge structures configured to impede the insertion of a prying apparatus between the panel  110  and head  310 . Further, head  310  is welded or machined as a portion of insertion shaft  320  to resist prying, shear, vibration, tensile strain, or other forces directed to removing head  310  from insertion shaft  320 . 
     Insertion shaft  320  is configured for passing through panel  110 , free coupling zone  121 , and the building  101  wall. Insertion shaft  320  is a linear structure having any shape without limitation; in certain instances, insertion shaft  320  is generally cylindrical. Insertion shaft  320  comprises a solid shaft; alternatively, insertion shaft  320  is hollow. Without limitation by theory, a hollow insertion shaft  320  resists torsional shearing and failure by deformation. Alternatively, insertion shaft  320  comprises a solid shaft. Insertion shaft comprises flanges  322 , and locking passage  325 . In certain instances, flanges  322  are further coupled to head  310 . Insertion shaft  320  and flanges  322  are configured to resist deformation under pressure, stress, impact, sheer, or strain. Insertion shaft  320  and flanges  322  comprise a metal, an alloy, a ceramic, a polymer, a composite, or combinations thereof without limitation. Insertion shaft  320  and flanges  322  comprise any material suitable for resisting forces such as shearing, vibrating, pulling, prying, or forces otherwise directed to compromising the coupling between panel  110  and building  101 . Without limitation by theory, flanges  322  are configured to resist rotation of insertion shaft  320 . Further, flanges  322  are configured to align insertion shaft  320  in building  101 . Flanges  322  are welded or machined as a portion of insertion shaft  320  to resist prying, shear, vibration, tensile strain, or other forces to separate insertion shaft  320  and head  310 . 
     Insertion shaft  320  further comprises coupler  325 . Coupler  325  comprises a means to couple locking shaft  330 . Coupler  325  a passage, a bore, a tube, a hole, or a receptor; in certain instances, coupler  325  is a threaded receptor for coupling locking shaft  330 . Coupler  325  is arranged within insertion shaft  320 . In certain instances, coupler  325  is positioned at a right angle to insertion shaft  320 . Flanges  322  are configured to align insertion shaft  320  such that coupler  325  is accessible by locking shaft  330 . Alternatively, coupler  325  is positioned in insertion shaft  320  at any angle Locking shaft  330  is configured to pass through coupler  325 . Locking shaft  330  is configured for insertion into coupler  325 . In certain instances, locking shaft  330  is configured to thread into the coupler  325 , to form a tensile coupling. Further, locking shaft  330  positioned in coupler  325  is configured to prevent removal or pull out of the insertion shaft  320  from building  101  and panel  110 . 
     Locking shaft  320  comprises any material suitable for resisting corrosion and forces such as shearing, vibrating, pulling, prying, or forces otherwise directed to compromising the coupling between panel  110  and building  101 , or the coupling between locking shaft  330  and insertion shaft  320 . Locking shaft  330  comprises a metal, an alloy, a ceramic, a polymer, a composite, or combinations thereof without limitation. Locking shaft  330  comprises linear shaft  332  and head  335 . Linear shaft  332  comprises a linear rod for insertion into coupler  325 . Linear shaft  332  comprises any linear shape, without limitation, for instance a cylinder. Additionally linear shaft  332  comprises threads, slots, or grooves for coupling to insertion shaft  320  and coupler  325 . Insertion shaft  332  may further comprise a lockable means. Head  335  comprises a manual interface, handle, or other handheld means, without limitation. 
     Securable member  300  is configured for securing panel system  100  from the interior of the building  101 . In certain instances, panel  110  is extended, as extended panel assembly  108 , over opening  102  in preparation for a weather event, other potential situation comprising projectiles, or to secure openings of building against intrusion. Securable member  300  is inserted through panel  110 , via free coupling zone  121 , and/or along H 1  and H 2  in overlap of  110  and  101 . Securable member  300  head  310  interfaces with free coupling zone  121 . In certain instances, securable member  300  is inserted through coupling zone  120 , in order to secure hinge  130  and panel  110  to building. Alternatively, securable member  300  may pass through any portion of panel  110  of extended panel assembly  108 . Insertion shaft  320  passes into building, such that flanges  322  align coupler  325  with locking shaft  330 . Locking shaft  330  is configured to retain insertion shaft  320  in position. Without limitation by theory, internal securing of panel system  100  enhances the security of the panel system, by tying the securable member  300  to the building  101  structure. In certain instances, tying or coupling panel to portions of building  101  enhances resistance to impacts by dissipating impact throughout building. 
     Storage. Referring now  FIG. 5 , storage member  150  comprises an exterior building feature, for instance a cavity or other open surface area disposed over or under or along the sides of an opening  102  of a building  101 . In certain instances, storage member comprises an awning, overhang, eve, roofline, a ceiling, a veranda ceiling, a patio ceiling, or other structure without limitation. In certain instances, storage member  150  comprises a box, cavity, or locker disposed inside the façade and walls of the building  101 . In certain instances, storage member  150  comprises a decorative trim, planter, or any other structure positioned in close proximity to a window, suitable for storing panel system  100 , without limitation, including areas below and on the side of  102 . 
     Storage member  150  is configured to retain panel system  100  in the folded configuration. Storage member  150  comprises compartment  152  and retaining member  154 . Compartment  152  is configured to fit the folded panel assembly  101 . In certain instances, first panel  110 A and second panel  110 B are folded such that hinge  130  and fingers  124  are positioned adjacent retaining member  154 . Retaining member  154  comprises any portion of storage member  150  configured to support folded panel assembly  109 . In certain instances, retaining member comprises a lock, a bar, a shaft, a spring, a hook, a loop, or an assembly, such as a gas shock, or a gas spring, without limitation. Retaining member  154  may be coupled to storage member  150  at any position; alternatively, retaining member  154  is coupled to the building  101 . 
     Alternatively, panel system  100  may comprises a horizontal configuration. In alternate configurations, mounting hinge  132  is disposed on building  101  vertically along opening  102  to support panel  110 . Mounting hinge  132  is configured to fold panel  110  horizontally across opening  102 . Further, mounting hinge  132  is designed to support weight and torque of panel  110  in this configuration. Mounting hinge  132  is configured to resist projectile impacts, deformation, shearing, and pull out from building. Mounting hinge  132  is constructed of any material suitable for withstanding projectile impacts; alternatively, for withstanding explosions and shrapnel. Mounting hinge  132  comprises a metal hinge; alternatively, hinge is any flexible material suitable for pivoting, rotating, of bending action. In instances, mounting hinge  132  is arranged vertically, such that hinge  130  folds vertically. Panel system  100  oriented thusly, may comprise a ballistic door, a gate, or the like without limitation. In this alternate configuration, storage member  150  is an optional component of the panel system. Alternatively, storage member  150  comprises a shuttered compartment, such that the folded panel assembly  109  appears to be a shutter or other exterior aesthetic feature, without limitation. 
     In certain instances, a plurality of panel system  100  as disclosed herein may be deployed across an opening  102  of building  101 . A shaft, pole, or other interlocking member may be configured to interlock panels. Without limitation, a plurality of panel systems  100  may be deployed to any width W, without limitation. Further, vertical stakes, poles, shafts, and other reinforcements may be installed behind a multiple panel system  100  configuration. Further, securable member  300  may be configured to join panels  110 , coupling zones  120 , panel systems  100 , or combinations thereof.