Abstract:
A storm panel mounting system which uses a mounting bracket with sliding upper and lower rails is secured directly onto a wall. The stud bracket slidably attach to the mounting bracket allows some lateral movement of the attachment bolts which permits variances in the location of the apertures in the storm panel. Further, it provides a decorative cover that conceals the attachment bracket when the storm panels are not being used. A stud bracket slidably mounts on the upper and lower rails of the mounting bracket. The stud bracket has at least one bolt extending outward from the wall which is used to secure a storm panel with wing nuts. When not needed, the stud bracket is removed and a decorative cover replaces it. The decorative cover is also mounted on the mounting bracket by sliding it over the upper and lower rails.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is related to, and claims the benefit of, the provisional patent application entitled “Apparatus And Method For Rapidly Securing Storm Covers With An Attachment Device And Concealing The Attachment Device When Not Needed,” filed Feb. 14, 2005, bearing U.S. Ser. No. 60/593,785 and naming Brett Bieber and Richard Adinolfi, the named inventors herein, as sole inventors, the contents of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Technical Field  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to storm shutter systems. In particular, it relates to a permanently attached concealable securing device that allows storm covers for windows and/or doors to be rapidly attached to a structure when needed, and when not needed, to be concealed with an associated decorative cover.  
         [0004]     2. Background  
         [0005]     Damage from violent storms has been an ongoing problem for property owners of all types. Prior to the advance of a storm, property owners will typically secure their property by using storm panels to cover the doors and/or windows in their buildings. This typically takes a substantial amount of effort and time. In some areas, where property owners are subjected to hurricanes on a seasonal basis, they may have to go through this process several times each year.  
         [0006]     When using storm panels fabricated from wood or plywood, property owners will normally secure the storm panels using one of several methods. They can place the storm panels over the windows or doors and then nail the edge of the panels directly to the wall of the building. The disadvantage of this approach is that installation of the storm panels damages the wall. Once the storm has passed, and the storm panels are removed, the wall will have to be repaired. Alternatively, the storm panels can be secured to bolts which were previously embedded in the wall of the building, and which protrude from the wall of the building. A problem associated with the use of embedded bolts is that the bolts create an eyesore which the property owner must live with on a daily basis. In addition, the bolts require that the attachment points on the storm panel be very carefully measured to ensure that all the bolts surrounding the window or door will align with the holes in the storm panel.  
         [0007]     Another problem associated with storm panels is the amount of time it takes to install them. Nailing storm panels to the wall of a building is both hard work and time-consuming. Likewise, measuring and customizing storm panels so that they can be properly attached to the embedded bolts is also time-consuming and hard work.  
         [0008]     It would be desirable to have a method of attaching storm panels to a building which would not damage the building, which would not create an undesirable appearance, and which can be rapidly installed and removed.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The present invention provides a unique storm panel mounting system which includes a quick attachment method that allows storm panels to be attached to a building in a minimal amount of time. In addition, it uses a sliding bracket assembly that provides some lateral movement of the attachment bolts which allows compensation for variances in the location of the apertures in the storm panel. Further, it provides a decorative cover that conceals the mounting bracket when the storm panels are not being used.  
         [0010]     The first part of the mounting system is a wall mounting bracket which is secured directly to the wall. Next there is a stud bracket, which slides over the wall mounting bracket. The wall mounting bracket includes upper and lower rails which are designed to accommodate either a stud bracket, or a decorative cover. The stud bracket slides laterally on the upper and lower rails prior to installation of the storm panel. The stud bracket has a bolt which extends outward from the building. Storm panels are mounted by placing the apertures in the storm panel over the bolts extending from a plurality of stud brackets. The storm panel is then rapidly secured with wing nuts. After the storm passes, the stud bracket is removed, along with the storm panels, and a decorative cover is installed onto the wall mounting bracket by sliding over the upper and lower rails.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a top view of the mounting bracket which also shows the upper and lower rails and the stud bracket.  
         [0012]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a lower edge side view of the mounting bracket which also shows the lower rail and the stud bracket.  
         [0013]      FIG. 1C  illustrates an end view of the mounting bracket which also shows the upper and lower rails and the stud bracket.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a top view of the stud bracket which also shows the bolt.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a lower edge side view of the stud bracket which also shows the bolt.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2C  illustrates an end view of the mounting bracket which also shows the bolt and the rail clamps.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of the cover bracket.  
         [0018]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a lower edge side view of a preferred embodiment of the cover bracket.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3C  illustrates a preferred embodiment of an end view of the cover bracket.  
         [0020]      FIG. 3D  illustrates optional retaining springs secured to the inside of the cover bracket.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3E  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cover bracket secured to the mounting bracket via optional retaining springs.  
         [0022]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of the mounting bracket secured to a wall.  
         [0023]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of the stud bracket secured to the mounting bracket.  
         [0024]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of the storm panel mounted on the bolt of the stud bracket.  
         [0025]      FIG. 4D  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of the storm panel secured to the bolt of the stud panel by a wing nut.  
         [0026]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a top view of an alternative referred embodiment in which the stud bracket and the mounting bracket are integrated into a single component.  
         [0027]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a side view of an alternative referred embodiment in which the stud bracket and the mounting bracket are integrated into a single component.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5C  illustrates an end view of an alternative referred embodiment in which the stud bracket and the mounting bracket are integrated into a single component. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0029]     Prior to a detailed discussion of the figures, a general overview of the system will be presented. This invention provides a unique mounting bracket system which allows storm panels to be rapidly secured to a building wall. In addition to allowing an individual with no special skills to attach storm panels in a rapid manner, the mounting bracket system also includes a decorative cover which hides the mounting bracket when storm panels are not needed.  
         [0030]     The mounting bracket system has three components. The first component is a series of mounting brackets which are permanently secured to wall around the periphery of the opening which the property owner wants to protect. Typically, the mounting brackets are permanently attached via hardware, such as screws, nails, masonry anchors, etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the exact type of hardware selected will be dictated by the materials used to fabricate the wall. The advantage of permanently securing the mounting brackets to the wall is that it avoids damage to the wall which is caused by repetitively attaching and detaching the mounting brackets each time a storm occurs. In addition, by installing the mounting brackets a single time, a substantial amount of time is saved when preparing for subsequent storms.  
         [0031]     Once the mounting brackets are permanently attached to the wall, the second component of the system is used. The second component is a stud bracket that is removably and slidably attached to the mounting bracket. The stud bracket is attached to the mounting bracket by engaging the edges of the stud bracket with upper and lower rails on the mounting bracket. The stud bracket has a bolt which extends outward from the wall and which is used to secure a storm panel. The stud bracket is slidably mounted on the mounting bracket, and because of this, it can be moved laterally to compensate for any errors which were made when mounting apertures were cut into the storm panels. After the stud brackets are attached to the mounting brackets, the storm panel is secured to the stud brackets by inserting the bolts extending from the stud brackets through apertures in the mounting panel. Then the mounting panel is secured to the stud brackets by using conventional wing nuts and washers.  
         [0032]     The last component of the mounting system is the cover bracket, which serves an aesthetic purpose. The cover bracket is slidably attached to the mounting bracket in the same manner that the stud bracket was attached to the mounting bracket. The cover bracket can be painted so that it blends into the surrounding wall surface to avoid an unpleasant and distracting appearance. Likewise, it can be finished to provide an ornamental design which may add to the attractiveness of the building. Of course, the number of ornamental designs which are possible is only limited by the imagination of the designer.  
         [0033]     In the preferred embodiment, each bracket is made out of galvanized steel. Galvanized steel is preferred because of its ability to withstand hostile environments. In addition, it can be easily painted to match the building color. Those skilled in the art will recognize that while galvanized steel has many desirable characteristics, any other suitable material can be substituted so long as it meets the goals and objectives of the device. Of course, while the mounting bracket in the stud bracket should be fabricated from material with a high degree of strength, such as steel, the cover bracket can be made from any suitable material since structural strength is not a factor.  
         [0034]     An important advantage of the invention is that there are very few tools needed to install the mounting bracket system. Only a few common tools are required. In particular, the mounting bracket system can typically be installed with a drill, a screwdriver, and a tape measure. The installation steps are simple. They are as follows:  
         [0035]     1) Measure the size of the opening (e.g., door or window) to be covered.  
         [0036]     2) Secure the mounting brackets to the wall. Of course, the mounting brackets should always be secured with hardware appropriate for the wall in question. The mounting bracket should be secured such that the stud brackets are positioned away from the window or door opening.  
         [0037]     3) Once the mounting brackets are secured to the wall, slide the stud brackets onto the mounting brackets. As can be seen, the stud brackets prevent the stud brackets from sliding past the end up the mounting brackets. This means that the stud brackets can only slide toward the opening in the wall.  
         [0038]     4) If the storm panels have not previously been prepared, measure the distance between the studs on opposing stud brackets and drill apertures into the storm panel that will align with them. This step only needs to be performed once.  
         [0039]     5) Mount the storm panel onto the stud brackets by sliding the apertures in the storm panel over the stud brackets. Then secure the storm panel to the stud brackets with flanged wing nuts. Note that in step  3 , above, the stud brackets prevented the stud brackets from sliding away from the hole in the wall. When the storm panel is secured to stud brackets, the storm panel prevents the stud brackets from sliding in the opposite direction. As a result, the storm panel is held securely in one place.  
         [0040]     6) Once the storm has passed, remove the wing nuts securing the storm panels, remove the storm panels, and then remove the stud brackets. At this time, the cover bracket can be installed by sliding it onto the upper and lower rails in the same manner that the stud bracket was installed.  
         [0041]     As can be seen by the foregoing description, the most time required to install the mounting bracket system will be related to the first-time installation of the mounting brackets. Since the mounting brackets are installed once and remain permanently attached to the wall, the property owner does not have to be concerned with spending time on that installation step again. Typically, it is been found that the length of time for the first initial installation may take 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the opening. This time period includes all drilling, mounting, and measurements.  
         [0042]     After the initial installation, the only thing the property owner has to do to install storm panels is to quickly remove the cover bracket, slide on the stud brackets, mount the storm panel and secure it with wing nuts. By not having to reinstall the mounting brackets, once the initial installation is done, it should take no more than 3-5 minutes per opening to put the material back onto the wall. This allows the property owner to very quickly and conveniently secure this property prior to the arrival of a storm.  
         [0043]     In addition to the aesthetic purpose served by the cover bracket, it also provides a safety function. In particular, by concealing the mounting system hardware and any sharp edges which they may have, accidental injuries can be avoided.  
         [0044]     Another important advantage of this invention is that anyone can install the mounting bracket system. It requires only commonly available tools, and it can be installed as a do-it-yourself installation.  
         [0045]     Having discussed the mounting system in general, we turn now to a more detailed discussion of the figures.  
         [0046]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of the mounting bracket  1 . This view shows the first opposing side rail  3  and second opposing side rail  4 . The opposing side rails  3 - 4  extend above the central plane  2  of the mounting bracket  1 . Stop wall  5  also extends up from the surface of the central plane  2 . Also shown are two screw apertures  6 . In this figure, screw apertures  6  are countersunk into the surface of the central plane  2  to accommodate various types of mounting hardware. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable type of screw aperture  6  is acceptable so long as it is appropriate for the particular mounting hardware being used. Likewise, the number and position of the screw apertures  6  is not important so long as the mounting bracket  1  can be securely mounted on the wall.  
         [0047]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a lower edge side view of a preferred embodiment of the mounting bracket  1  which also shows the side rail  4  and the stop wall  5 . As can be seen in this figure, stop wall  5  rises above the central plane  2 . The purpose of stop wall  5  is to prevent the stud bracket  8  from sliding past the end of mounting bracket  1 . In addition, side rail  4  is also shown above the level of the central plane  2 . Also shown in this figure is rail wall  28  which raises the side rail  4  above the central plane  2 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 1C  illustrates an end view of a preferred embodiment of the mounting bracket  1  which also shows the opposing side rails  3 - 4  and the stop wall  5 . This figure clearly illustrates the opposing side rails  3 - 4  rising above the central plane  2  of mounting bracket  1 . The opposing side rails  3 - 4  are raised above the central plane  2  by rail walls  28 - 29 , respectively. Also shown in this figure are optional securing apertures  7  in stop wall  5 . The optional securing apertures  7  can be used in conjunction with the cover bracket  15  (not shown this figure) as places to attach connectors (which may be part of the cover bracket  15 ) to secure the cover bracket  15 .  
         [0049]     In  FIG. 2 , a top view of a preferred embodiment of the stud bracket  8  which also shows the bolt  9  extending upward from the stud bracket surface  10 . Also shown in this figure are upper edge  11  and lower edge  12 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a lower edge side view of a preferred embodiment of the stud bracket  8  which also shows the bolt  9  extending upward from the stud bracket surface  10 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 2C  illustrates an end view of a preferred embodiment of the mounting bracket  8  which also shows the bolt  9  and the rail clamps  13 - 14 . When the mounting bracket  8  is attached to mounting bracket  1 , rail clamps  13 - 14  will slide under opposing side rails  3 - 4 , respectively.  
         [0052]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of the cover bracket  15 . This view also illustrates a top surface  16  of the cover bracket  15  and the upper and lower sidewalls  17 - 18 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a lower edge side view of a preferred embodiment of the cover bracket  1 . This view illustrates the top surface  16  of the cover bracket  15  and the lower sidewall  18 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 3C  illustrates an end view of a preferred embodiment of the cover bracket  15 . Also shown in this figure are opposing sidewalls  17 - 18 , and cover rail clamps  19 - 20 . In addition, end wall  21  is also shown. In the preferred embodiment, end wall  21  extends from top surface  16  to the bottom of rail clamps  19 - 20 . This conceals the mounting bracket  1  when the cover bracket  15  is mounted onto mounting bracket  1 .  
         [0055]     In  FIG. 3D , the preferred embodiment of the cover bracket  15  with optional retaining springs  27  are illustrated. The retaining springs  27  are secured to the end wall  21  of the cover bracket  15 . The retaining springs  27  are intended to engage the optional securing apertures  7  in mounting bracket  1 . The retaining springs  27  provided the positive retaining force to secure the cover bracket  15  to the mounting bracket  1 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative means of securing the cover bracket  15  to the mounting bracket  1  can be used. For example, the cover bracket  15  can be sized such that it secures to the mounting bracket  1  via friction, or any other suitable means.  
         [0056]      FIG. 3E  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the cover bracket  15  secured to the mounting bracket  1  via optional retaining springs  27 . In this embodiment, flexible retaining springs  27  are inserted through optional securing apertures  7  to secure the cover bracket  15  to the mounting bracket  1 . On the cover bracket  15  is removed, the optional retaining springs  27  compress to slide through the securing apertures  7  when the cover bracket  15  is slid off of the mounting bracket  1 .  
         [0057]     Those skilled in the art will recognize that while retaining springs  27  can be used to secure the cover bracket  15  to the mounting bracket  1 , any suitable means to secure the cover bracket  15  to the mounting bracket  1  can be used. For example, snap on connectors ca, hook and loop material can be used, pressure attachment, releasable adhesive, screws, etc., can all be effectively used to secure the cover bracket  15  to the mounting bracket  1 .  
         [0058]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of the mounting bracket  1  secured to a wall by two screws  22  and washers  23 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of the stud bracket  8  secured to the mounting bracket  1 . In this view, the stud bracket  8  is stopped by stud bracket  5  of mounting bracket  1 .  
         [0060]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of a storm panel  24  mounted on the bolt  9  of the stud bracket  8 . In this view, the aperture  25  in the storm panel  24  is shown surrounding bolt  9 . As can be seen, stop wall  5  limits lateral motion of the stud bracket  8  in  1  direction while storm panel  25  limits lateral motion of the stud bracket  8  in the other direction.  
         [0061]      FIG. 4D  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of the storm panel  24  secured to the bolt  9  of the stud bracket  8  by a wing nut  26 . In the preferred embodiment, the bolt  9  is threaded to accommodate the wing nut  26 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that any other method of securing the storm panel to the stud bracket  8  can also be used.  
         [0062]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a top view of alternative preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the stud bracket  8  is eliminated and the bolt  9  from the stud bracket  8  is incorporated in to the mounting bracket  1 . The advantage of this embodiment is that it eliminates one component and provides for more rapid installation storm panels  24 . However, it also has a disadvantage in that it requires a larger cover bracket to accommodate the bolt  9 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a side view of the alternative preferred embodiment of  FIG. 5A . This figure illustrates the additional height required to accommodate the bolt  9  if it is integrated with the mounting bracket  1 .  
         [0064]      FIG. 5C  illustrates an end view of the alternative preferred embodiment of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0065]     While the invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit, scope, and teaching of the invention. For example, any suitable material may be used to fabricate components of the mounting bracket system. The only design limitation is that the mounting bracket system must have sufficient physical strength to secure the storm panel in a storm. The method used to secure the mounting bracket to wall may be anything suitable for its purpose, such as nails, screws, etc. Likewise, any aesthetic motif for the cover bracket may be used to suit the taste of the individual property owner.