Patent Publication Number: US-10787858-B1

Title: Window shutter

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a field of protecting windows. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a window shutter provided adjacent to a window to protect the window from damage caused to due to extreme weather and other flying objects. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     It is known that houses and buildings are provided with windows. The windows are provided to allow fresh air into the house and to provide ventilation. Typically, the windows comprise a frame around the window usually called as a window frame. Within the window frame, a transparent or translucent material made up of glass, or opaque material made up wood or sheet metal is provided, which acts as a window. The windows may be opened, to allow ventilation, or closed, to exclude inclement weather. Typically, the windows are provided with a latch or similar mechanism to lock the window shut or to hold it open by various amounts. 
     As the windows are exposed to weather, the windows may get damaged due to wind, storms, or flying objects. For example, due to the wind, the windows may break and the broken pieces may fall inside the house. Further, burglars may break into the house through the window. Further, dust and other unwanted materials may come inside the house through the window. In order to overcome above problems, generally the windows are provided with shutters. The shutters may be coupled to the window frame and are closed to protect the windows from extreme weather. 
     Several designs of the window shutters have been proposed in the past. One such example is disclosed in a United States patent application 20060242919. In US20060242919A1, a shutter assembly having at least one shutter and a security bar device for locking closed and providing additional rigidity to the shutter when covering an opening in a dwelling is disclosed. 
     Another example is disclosed in a United States patent application 20090090062. In US20090090062A1, a combination window frame and panel or shutter door system to provide security to premises and to protect the windows from storm wind damage is disclosed. The frame and shutter door combination is configured to be installed over existing pre-installed windows or configured to be combined as a single window shutter door frame combination to install in window openings on a wall. 
     Yet another example is a U.S. Pat. No. 9,145,730. In U.S. Pat. No. 9,145,730, security shutters for window and door openings is constructed of a guide rail that is configured to be secured above a door or window opening is disclosed. A left shutter and a right shutter are rollably attached to the guide rail such that the left shutter and/or right shutter are able to slide along the guide rail in order to cover or expose the door or window opening. The left shutter and the right shutter each include at least one roller bracket affixed to a top distal edge, which includes a roller wheel distally located thereto. The roller wheel is nested inside of the guide rail such that the left shutter or right shutter is able to slide along a guide rail length. 
     Although the shutters disclosed in the prior art are effective in protecting the windows, they have certain problems. The shutter disclosed in US20090090062A1 is installed over existing pre-installed windows or frame. If the windows need to be replaced or to be cleaned, it will be difficult as the shutter comes in the way. Further, the shutter disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,145,730 is constructed of a guide rail that is configured to be secured above the window opening. As the windows are exposed to atmosphere, the guide rails may not work effectively over a period of time. Further, the shutters are difficult to close from inside the house. 
     Other documents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention. Specifically, none of the disclosures in the art disclose a window shutter that is affixed to a wall and adjacent to a window or window frame. 
     Therefore, there is a need in the art for a window shutter for securing a window, the window shutter is affixed to a wall and adjacent to the window or window frame. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a window shutter for securing windows and that avoids the drawbacks of the prior art. 
     It is one object of the present invention to provide a window shutter for securing windows is disclosed. The window shutter comprises at least one first shutter and at least one second shutter. The first shutter is coupled to the second shutter via hinges. The first shutter is affixed to a wall adjacent to a window frame. The second shutter is operable to swing about its pivot axis with the help of the hinges. The second shutter is used to secure windows provided in the window frame. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a window shutter for securing windows. The window shutter comprising a pair of first shutters and a pair of second shutters. Each of the second shutters is coupled to respective first shutter via hinges. Each of the first shutters is provided adjacent to a window frame and affixed to a wall. Each of the second shutters is operable to swing in opposite rotational directions about respective axes with the help of the hinges. Each of the second shutters is operated to secure windows provided in the window frame. 
     Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic diagram of a first shutter assembly  110 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate the first shutter assembly  110  laid out flat, and the first shutter assembly  110  in which a second shutter  130  is placed on top of a first shutter  120 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic diagram of a second shutter assembly  150 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate the second shutter assembly  150  laid out flat, and the second shutter assembly  150  in which a fourth shutter  170  is placed on top of a third shutter  160 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of a window shutter  100  aligned with respect to a window  200 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates the window shutter  100  coupled to a wall  210  adjacent to the window  200 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the window shutter  100  in open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the window shutter  100  in closed position i.e., laid out flat, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates the window shutter  100  in closed position i.e., laid out flat, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is intended to provide example implementations to one of ordinary skill in the art, and is not intended to limit the invention to the explicit disclosure, as one or ordinary skill in the art will understand that variations can be substituted that are within the scope of the invention as described. 
     The present disclosure discloses a window shutter for securing windows. The window shutter comprises at least one first shutter and at least one second shutter. The first shutter is coupled to the second shutter via hinges. The first shutter is affixed to a wall adjacent to a window frame. The second shutter is operable to swing about its pivot axis with the help of the hinges. The second shutter is used to secure windows provided in the window frame. 
     Various features and embodiments of a window shutter for securing windows are explained in conjunction with the description of  FIGS. 1-11 . 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a window shutter  100  comprising a first shutter assembly  110  and a second shutter assembly  150  for securing windows is disclosed. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the first shutter assembly  110  is shown. The first shutter  110  comprises a first shutter  120  and a second shutter  130 . Each of the first shutter  120  and the second shutter  130  may be made up plastic, wood, metal or any other suitable material. Further, each of the first shutter  120  and the second shutter  130  may be provided in a square or rectangular or any other shape. The first shutter  120  is held firmly and the second door  130  is made to swing at its pivotal axis. In one example, the first shutter  120  and the second shutter  130  are coupled using hinges  135 , which facilitates rotation of the second shutter  130  with respect to the first shutter  120 . Further, the second shutter  130  comprises a first side  132  and a second side  134 . It should be understood that  FIG. 1  is provided to illustrate that the first shutter  120  is held firmly and the second door  130  is made to swing at its pivotal axis with the help of the hinges  135 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the first shutter  120  and the second shutter  130  laid flat is shown. Further, referring to  FIG. 3 , the second shutter  130  folded to place on the first shutter  120  is shown. As can been seen, the second shutter  130  comprises a first latch  140  at the second side  134 . The function of the first latch  140  is explained in later part of the description. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 4 , the second shutter assembly  150  is shown. As can be seen, the second shutter assembly  150  comprises a third shutter  160  and a fourth shutter  170 . Each of the third shutter  160  and the fourth shutter  170  may be made up plastic, wood, metal or any other suitable material. Further, each of the third shutter  160  and the fourth shutter  170  may be provided in a square or rectangular shape. The third shutter  160  is held firmly and the fourth shutter  170  is made to swing at its pivotal axis. In one example, the third shutter  160  and the fourth shutter  170  are coupled using hinges  175 . Further, the fourth shutter  170  comprises a third side  172  and a fourth side  174 . It should be understood that  FIG. 4  is provided to illustrate that the third shutter  160  is held firmly and the second door  130  is made to swing at its pivotal axis with the help of the hinges  175 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the third shutter  160  and the fourth shutter  170  laid flat is shown. Further, referring to  FIG. 6 , the fourth shutter  170  folded to place on the third shutter  160  is shown. As can been seen, the fourth shutter  170  comprises a second latch  180  at the second side  174 . The function of the second latch  180  is explained in later part of the description. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 7 , an exploded view of the window shutter  100  aligned with a window  200  provided at a wall  210  is shown. Further,  FIG. 8  shows the window shutter  100  coupled to the wall  210 . In order to couple the window shutter  100  to the wall  210 , the first shutter assembly  110  is placed adjacent to the window  200 . Specifically, the first shutter assembly  110  is placed at adjacent to a window frame (not shown) of the window  200 . In order to couple the first shutter assembly  110  to the wall  210 , at first, the first shutter  120  is affixed to the wall  210 . In one example, the first shutter  120  may be affixed to the wall  210  with the help of fasteners (not shown) or using any other known mechanism. In one example, the first shutter  120  may be provided with shims (not shown) used for coupling the first shutter  120  to the wall  210 . The first shutter  120  is coupled to the wall  210  in such a way that when the second shutter  130  is closed i.e., laid flat, the second shutter  130  covers substantially half of the window  200  thereby covering half of the window  200 . 
     Similarly, the second shutter assembly  150  is placed adjacent to the window  200 . Specifically, the second shutter assembly  150  is placed at adjacent to a window frame (not shown) of the window  200 . In order to couple the second shutter assembly  150  to the wall  210 , the third shutter  160  is affixed to the wall  210 . In one example, the third shutter  160  may be affixed to the wall  210  with the help of fasteners (not shown) or using any other known mechanism. In one example, the third shutter  160  may be provided with shims (not shown) used for coupling the third shutter  160  to the wall  210 . The third shutter  160  is coupled to the wall  210  in such a way that when the fourth shutter  170  is closed i.e., laid flat, the fourth shutter  170  covers substantially half of the window  200  thereby covering half of the window  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the window shutter  100  in open position is shown. In order to open the window shutter  100 , the second shutter  130  is made to swing and made to come on top of the first shutter  120 . Similarly, the fourth shutter  170  is made to swing and made to come on top of the third shutter  160 . The second shutter  130  and the fourth shutter  170  are opened to access to the window  200 . Alternatively, the second shutter  130  and the fourth shutter  170  are opened to provide air or ventilation into a house through the window  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the window shutter  100  in closed position is shown. It should be understood that the window shutter  100  protects the window  100  when in closed position. In order to close the window shutter  100 , both i.e., the first shutter assembly  110  and the second shutter assembly  150  are positioned in flat. As explained above, the first shutter  120  is coupled adjacent to the window  200  and the second shutter  130  when laid flat covers substantially half of the window  200 . Similarly, the third shutter  160  is coupled adjacent to the window  200  and the fourth shutter  170  when laid flat covers substantially half of the window  200 . As such, when the first shutter assembly  110  and the second shutter assembly  150  are laid flat, the second shutter  130  and the fourth shutter  170  cover the window  200 . 
     When the first shutter assembly  110  i.e., the second shutter  130  is in closed position, the second side  134  of the second shutter  130  faces the window  100  or interior of the house. As specified above, the second shutter  130  comprises the first latch  140  at the second side  134 . As such, when the second shutter  130  is closed, an occupant of the house may lock the first latch  140  from inside to couple the second shutter  130  to the window  200  or window frame. 
     Similarly, when the second shutter assembly  150  i.e., the fourth shutter  170  is in closed position, the fourth side  174  of the fourth shutter  170  faces the window  100  or interior of the house. As specified above, the fourth shutter  170  comprises the second latch  180  at the fourth side  174 . As such, when the fourth shutter  170  is closed, the occupant of the house may lock the second latch  180  from inside to couple the second latch  180  to the window  200  or window frame. 
     In one embodiment, both the sides i.e., the first side  132  and the second side  134  of second shutter  130  may be embossed, painted or other applied designs or logos representing commercial establishments or characteristics representative of the occupants as additional decorative impressions. 
     Similarly, both the sides i.e., the third side  172  and the fourth side  174  of fourth shutter  170  may be embossed, painted or other applied designs or logos representing commercial establishments or characteristics representative of the occupants as additional decorative impressions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the first side  132  of the second shutter  130  and the third side  172  of the fourth shutter  170  painted or sketched with a picture  220  of Jesus is shown, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Similarly, one or both sides of the second shutter  130 , and the fourth shutter  170  may be painted or embossed with different characters or graffiti based on the occupant&#39;s desire. 
     In another example, the first shutter  120 , the first side  132  of the second shutter  130  and the third side  172  of the fourth shutter  170 , and the third shutter  150  which are facing outdoors may be embossed, painted or other applied designs or logos representing commercial establishments or characteristics as additional decorative impressions. 
     Although the above description is explained considering two shutter assemblies  110 ;  150 , each affixed adjacent to the window or window frame at both sides, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art to provide a single shutter assembly at only one side of the window with a large shutter (swingable shutter) which can cover the width of the window. 
     Further, the latch described herein is provided for illustrative purposes, and it is obvious to a person skilled in the art to use other latches or locks for locking the shutter to the window or the window frame. Furthermore, it should be understood that the latches may be provided at both sides of the shutters (second shutter and/or further shutter) so that the user will be able to lock the shutter from inside or outside of the house. 
     As in the prior art, window shutter is affixed to the window frame and it is difficult to remove and use it with another window. However, the window shutter described herein is coupled to the wall. As such, the window shutter can be removed and affixed to another window without much difficulty. 
     It should be understood that the window shutter may be made using rigid materials such as metal or wood or plastic based on the need to withstand storms, heavy winds, flying objects, and other objects. 
     Further, the window shutter described above can be used to provide protection from extreme weather such as storms, heavy wind and so on and flying objects hitting the window. Further, the window shutter can be used as an additional layer of security to the house and can help prevent break-in at the house through the window. 
     The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.