Patent Abstract:
A system for protecting openings on building structures includes a pair of substantially triangular securing devices; at least one bracket; and a protective panel. The securing devices are semi-permanently attached at the upper corners adjacent a building opening, and releaseably receive the corners of the protective panel. The bracket supports the bottom edge of the protective panel. In one embodiment the securing devices and bottom support structure are unitarily formed with a window, thereby being an improved window with integrated components that facilitate easy and fast protection.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application 61/612,891, which was filed on Mar. 19, 2012. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the protection of openings on building structures, and more specifically, to a system for quickly covering fragile areas such as windows, window openings, doors and door openings, using a pair of substantially permanently mounted triangular securing devices for receiving the upper corners of panel such as plywood, and at least one bracket for stabilizing the bottom edge of that panel. 
         [0003]    There are many times when it is desirable to cover fragile areas such as intact windows, windowless openings, doors and doorless openings on building structures. Examples of such times include before a hurricane, when a building will be unoccupied for a long duration, during times of civil unrest, to prevent theft or vandalism, during the construction process and when undergoing repairs. However, “boarding up” windows and doors is a cumbersome job that typically requires several people to perform. More specifically, one person typically maintains the covering substrate such as plywood against the structure, while the other person secures the covering substrate to the underlying building. 
         [0004]    In addition to being time and labor intensive, conventional boarding methods leave many holes in the underlying structure. Alternatively, there are various devices on the market for shuttering and covering, but these are expensive, unattractive, complicated to use, and/or damage the underlying structure. 
         [0005]    As can be seen, there is a need for a system for protecting openings on structures that is easy to install, semi-permanent, inexpensive and inflicts minimal damage to the underlying structure. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present inventions pertain to systems and methods associated with protecting fragile areas on building structures. Fragile areas can include windows, window opening, doors, door openings, damaged areas, artwork, or any other area that is desirably covered. 
         [0007]    The system desirably includes a pair of substantially triangular securing devices that have a hollow interior, and a bottom bracket. The securing devices are semi-permanently attached at the upper corners of the fragile area, for example adjacent the left and right upper corners of a window, with the hollow interior oriented downwardly. The bracket is semi-permanently attached to the bottom edge of the fragile area, for example centered adjacent the bottom of a window. The securing devices and bracket are desirably left in position, even when not in use, so as to be available when needed. To protect a fragile area, one inserts the upper corners of a panel into the securing devices, and brings the bottom edge of the panel to rest, and/or engage with, the bracket. 
         [0008]    The system includes an embodiment wherein the securing devices and bracket (in the form of a ledge) are unitarily formed with a window, thereby creating an improved window having integrated accessories for rapid protection. This design preferably includes a pair of opposing orifices defined by the lateral sides of the window, which are configured to receive terminal ends of a brace. In this manner a panel is secured over a fragile area, and a brace is used to hold the panel in position. 
         [0009]    The system also includes the method of using the various structures, including securing devices, brackets, panels, orifices, braces and so forth. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a securing device embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a securing device embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of a securing device embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a securing device embodiment, looking inward; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a securing device embodiment having apertures; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a bracket embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  depicts one embodiment of the invention, with  7 A being a conventional window,  7 B being a conventional window with a pair of securing devices attached above and a bracket attached below,  7 C showing the insertion of a panel into the pair of securing devices,  7 D showing the panel in position before lowering, and  7 E showing the lowered panel; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  shows one embodiment of the panel in place; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  depicts an integrated window embodiment; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  depicts an integrated window embodiment with panel in place. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention. 
         [0021]    It should be understood that “openings” is used generically herein and, unless otherwise specified, pertains to windows, window frames, doors, doorways, and to other structural openings that may include underlying features to be protected such as window glass, doors and building interiors. 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , securing device  10  generally includes triangular and planar top surface  12 , connected along two sides of the triangle by walls  17  to bottom surface  14 , forming interior hollow region  11 . Top surface  12  has a slightly smaller apex  19  to base length compared to bottom surface  14 , thereby forming overhang  16 , best shown in  FIG. 2 . The base of top surface  12  is shown in phantom in  FIG. 3 . Bottom surface  14  includes at least two bottom surface screw holes  15 , and walls  17  each preferably including at least one wall screw hole  18 .  FIG. 4  depicts a side view of the device, looking into hollow region  11 , with walls  17  coming together at apex  19 . As described later, securing device  10  is preferably used for securing the upper corners of a panel over an opening. 
         [0023]    The approximate (+/−10%) preferred dimensions (in degrees or inches) of securing device  10  and bracket  20  are as follows:
       Apex angle of 90°   Top surface  12  length of apex  19  to base—2¼″ to 2¾″, with 2¾″ preferred   Top surface  12  length of two sides adjacent to apex—3″ to 4″ with 4″ preferred   Top surface  12  length of base side—5″ to 6″ with 6″ preferred   Bottom surface  14  length of apex  19  to base—3″ to 3½″, with 3½″ preferred   Bottom surface  14  length of two sides adjacent to apex—4″ to 5″ with 5″ preferred   Bottom surface  14  length of base side—6″ to 7″ with 7″ preferred   Vertical clearance of hollow region  11 —⅝″ to 1″ with ⅞″ preferred   Thickness of material—⅛″ if stainless steel, 3/16″ to ¼″ if fiberglass   Apertures  13  set in 1″ from overhang  16  corner   Wall screw holes  18  set in ¾″ from edge of wall  17     Bracket  20  length of long portion of “L”—1½″   Bracket  20  length of short portion of “L”—1″   Bracket  20  width—2¼″       
 
         [0038]    Preferably securing device  10  is constructed of fiberglass, injected molded plastic, wood, wood composites, marine plywood, stainless steel, aluminum or steel. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein apertures  13  are defined by top surface  12 . Functionally these apertures provide structural integrity to the planar surface, as well as providing access to a panel that is subsequently inserted for purposes of securing that panel, for example by screws. 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  is bracket  20 , which is preferably an L-shaped bracket including bracket screw holes  22 . As described later, bracket  20  is preferably used for securing the bottom edge of a panel which is positioned over an opening. 
         [0041]    The various views of  FIG. 7  depict one method of using the device.  FIG. 7A  is a conventional opening, such as window  30 . In  FIG. 7B , a pair of securing devices  10  are substantially permanently attached above the upper corners of window  30 . If the window is recessed (ie there is an edge perimeter, commonly made of wood or other molding) it may be desirable to use wall screw holes  18  so securing device  10  is attached within the opening. Alternatively, if there is no frame and the window is more or less flush, it may be desirable to employ bottom surface screw holes  15  to attach securing device  10  directly to the underlying surface, ie the building structure or molding. Securing devices  10  are preferably spaced so as to subsequently receive a protective panel, such as plywood, that is large enough to cover the opening with at least several inches overlap around the perimeter covering the underlying surface. 
         [0042]    Bracket  20  is substantially permanently attached below window  30 . The preferred resulting orientation is that the short section of the “L” is parallel to the underlying structure, with the angle downward, thereby forming a lip to receive panel  34 . The long section of the “L” is preferably positioned and secured to the structure itself, either on the window sill (if recessed window) or underside of window sill (if window is more or less flush with structure). Substantial permanent attachment of securing devices  10  and bracket  20  can be by screws or other hardware and methods so long as securing device  10  and bracket  20  are connected strongly enough that they remain in position during use and between uses. Preferably, however, securing devices  10  and bracket  20  can be removed if desired, without inflicting substantial damage to the underlying structure. 
         [0043]    As depicted in  FIG. 7C , the upper corners of panel  34  are inserted into securing devices  10 , while the bottom edge of panel  35  tilts outward. Panel  34  can be a variety of materials such as plywood, particle board, plastic, or metal, but is preferably durable and weather resistant. While the length and width of the panel can be a variety of sizes, depending on the dimension of the opening to be protected, the thickness of the panel is preferably approximately ¼″ to ¾″ inches, as this is capable of moving freely within hollow region  11  during installation, yet is reasonably secure in the X-, Y- and Z-directions upon installation. As shown in  FIG. 7D , bottom edge of panel  34  is moved towards structure and raised, so there is little clearance “C” between upper corners of panel  34  and walls  17  of securing device  10 . Finally, as shown in  FIG. 7E , panel  34  is lowered so bottom edge rests on bracket  20 . Clearance “C” is now greater than it was in  FIG. 7D , but panel  34  is still held securely. Panel  34  is secured to bracket  20  by screws through bracket screw holes  22 . Optionally, panel  34  can also be secured through apertures  13  in securing device  10 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 9  depicts integrated window  50  wherein integrated securing device  52  is preferably formed as part of the underlying window structure, thereby presenting a unitary design. This embodiment preferably includes integrated ledge  53  along bottom perimeter, to receive panel  34  upon installation, similar to bracket  20  of the primary embodiment. Ledge  53  can be a variety of widths, ranging from the entire bottom perimeter of the window, to a small bracket-like feature, as shown in  FIG. 9 . Integrated ledge  53 , like integrated securing device  52 , is preferably formed as part of the underlying window structure, thereby presenting a unitary design. 
         [0045]    Integrated window  50  also includes a pair of opposing orifices  56  for receiving brace  54  ( FIG. 10 ). In use, panel  34  is inserted upwardly into integrated securing devices  52 , then lowered to rest on ledge  53 . In this position, orifices  56  are frontward of panel  34 , such that access to orifices  56  is not impeded. To further secure panel, brace  54  is inserted into orifices  56 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0046]    Although not shown, one could further secure the assembly by securing brace  54  to panel  34 , for example by screwing together. Said securing could be accomplished from the outside, which is to say that one would screw through brace  54  and continue screwing into panel  34 . Alternatively, one could secure panel  34  to brace  54  from within the structure, by opening the window and screwing through panel  34  first, and continuing into brace  54 . The latter method could be advantageous where it is undesirable to exit the building, and/or where it is desirable to eliminate outside access to screw heads. 
         [0047]    Various modifications and features may be added to the system and method. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , it may be desirable to add handles  36  for ease of moving panel  34 . Handles can be drawer pulls or the like, and are optionally hinged to allow folding in and out so to allow panels  34  to be stacked for storage. If handles are used, it is desirable to have exposed screw holes for ease of attachment. In addition, it may be useful to include marking  38  on panel so a user knows which specific panel fits on which specific opening. By way of example, going clockwise starting from the front entrance of a building, panels are sequentially numbered “1”, “2”, and so forth. Optionally, panel  34  may include a small plaque (approximately 4″×4″) either screwed or adhered to panel  34 , having pre-printed numbers or for receiving marking  38 . In addition, securing devices  10  and/or bracket  20  can be ornamental so they appear to be decorative window embellishments. Securing devices  10  and/or bracket  20  may be collected together in a kit, with each kit containing parts for one window (ie a pair of securing devices  10 , pair of handles  36 , one bracket  20  and associated screws), or for multiple windows, or any other desired combination. Securing devices  10  may secure all four corners of panel  34 . Another possible modification or feature could be double securing devices which share a wall and permit the insertion of two corners of adjacent windows into adjacent hollow portions. In addition, it is possible to use the present inventions on bay windows, cathedral (circular or semi-circular) windows, possibly by positioning securing devices  10  below window, or even on curved windows by using bendable wood. Moreover, various parts, especially securing device  10  and bracket  20  should be paintable so as to aesthetically complement the building structure and protect invention from the elements. 
         [0048]    It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. By way of example, it is also possible to use embodiments of the invention in the interior of a structure, either alone or in combination with exterior protective devices. It should also be understood that ranges of values set forth inherently include those values, as well as all increments between. As used herein, “semi-permanent”, for example “semi-permanently attaching”, shall mean the connection of parts that remain connected in regular use, but which can be disconnected without destroying one or both of the underlying connected parts. As used herein “fragile areas” shall refer to windows, doors, associated openings, as well as regions having structural vulnerabilities due to nondurable materials (for example artwork) or lack of integrity (for example rotten wood, or missing siding).

Technology Classification (CPC): 4