Abstract:
A screen-type wind abatement system is provided for protecting openings, such as window and door openings, in buildings and other structures. Both openable and non-openable systems are disclosed. A openable system includes a first frame member anchored to the structure wall, a second frame member pivotally connected to the first frame member and having a screen mounting portion for receiving an edge of a screen and a retainer, and a snap-lock mechanism for removably connecting the first and second frame members, whereby the screen is sandwiched between the second frame and the retainer in covering relation with a window or door opening. The assembly is of heavy-duty construction to resist high impact forces caused by hurricane force winds and accompanying flying debris. The snap-lock mechanism allows for quick and simple installation and removal the second frame member. A fixed system is disclosed for non-openable installations.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/699,126, filed on Jul. 14, 2005. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     N/A 
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a screen-type storm barrier system for covering openings such as windows and doors. More particularly, the present invention relates to a heavy-duty screen assembly that is resistant to hurricane force winds and associated flying debris, burglars and vandals. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Over the past 20 years the United States has experienced numerous weather-related disasters each of which caused in excess of $1 billion in damages. In 2004, the State of Florida was subjected to direct hits from multiple hurricanes the combined effect of which resulted in damages of approximately 20 billion dollars. 
     In addition, population growth along the coastline of the United States has resulted in an increased risk to life and property from hurricane related damage. There are approximately 40 million permanent residents along the hurricane-prone coastline of the United States, with areas such as Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas, where hurricanes frequently strike, experiencing rapid population growth. Furthermore, many coastal areas experience substantial but temporary population increases from holiday, weekend, and vacation visitors during hurricane season. 
     Homes, buildings, and other structures, suffer substantial damage when storm generated winds carrying windborne debris penetrate the structures through window and door openings. Hurricane shutters have long been used as barriers to protect window and door openings from the effects of storm generated winds. Equipping homes and other buildings with hurricane protection in the form of storm shutters is one of the most prudent actions one can take to protect life and property. 
     Accordingly, the background art reveals a number of storm shutters and other devices designed for permanent or removable installation on homes and buildings. Conventional storm shutters typically consist of corrugated metal panels affixed to the outside of a given structure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,878,536, issued to Becker, discloses a shutter structure having overlapping corrugated panels. U.S. Pat. No. 4,333,271, issued to DePaolo et al., discloses a hurricane panel system for covering windows and doors wherein a plurality of corrugated metal panels are arranged in overlapping relationship to provide a protective structure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,716, issued to Caplan, discloses a storm shutter system comprising a combination of individual, interlocking modular elements. U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,903, issued to Astrizky, discloses a hurricane shutter comprising a pair of normally open doors that are swingable to a closed position. U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,660, issued to Watson, discloses a storm panel comprising a plurality of interlocking tiles interlocked together by a plurality of dovetail joints. 
     A significant disadvantage with conventional storm shutter panels is that installation is difficult and time consuming. In addition, installing panels over all of the window openings prevents light from entering the structure thereby darkening the interior. Accordingly, if power is lost, as often happens during severe storms, the occupants of the structure find themselves in total darkness. 
     A number of references disclosed in the background art reveal attempts to provide storm shutters that provide sufficient impact resistance while allowing light to enter to building. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,430, issued to Rowland, discloses a removable storm shield comprising transparent convex panels. U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,292, issued to Hill et al., discloses a perforated shutter system wherein at least one panel is formed of corrugations. U.S. Pat. No. 3,358,408, issued to Cooper et al., discloses an insulated light transmitting panel construction having corrugations in the side edges thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,261, issued to Seaquist, discloses a removable translucent storm shutter consisting of a ½″ thick polycarbonate sheet in an aluminum channel frame. U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,233, issued to Gower, discloses hurricane shutters formed of transparent, double-skinned panels that are strengthened by rods extending through the end channels. U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,921, issued to Kostrzecha, discloses a storm shutter wherein a plurality of corrugated shatter-resistant and transparent plastic sheets fastened to the structure using a mounting mechanism and fasteners inserted through key-way slots. 
     The present inventor has contributed to the field of screen-type wind abatement systems for windows and doors. U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,949, issued to Guthrie (the present inventor), discloses a screen system for covering openings such as windows and doors includes a frame having a screen-mounting portion for receiving an edge of a screen and a retainer bar. The screen is sandwiched between the frame and the retainer bar and the assembly is of heavy-duty constriction to resist high impact forces caused by hurricane force winds and accompanying flying debris. The retainer bar and frame can include one or more barbs to assist in capturing the screen and resisting forces. The retainer bar is also designed to pivot during assembly to tightly draw the screen across the opening in the frame. U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,949, is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     The prior art, however, fails to disclose a screen-type wind abatement system having both the strength to protect window and door openings from high winds and wind-borne debris, while also being easy to install and remove, as well as being aesthetically pleasing. Accordingly, there exists a need for a screen-type wind abatement system capable of withstanding hurricane force winds while also being light-weight and easy to install and remove. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A screen-type wind abatement system for covering openings such as windows and doors according to the present invention is provided in a first embodiment wherein the system is removable or openable, and in a second embodiment wherein the system is permanently anchored to a structure in covering relation with a window opening. The system may be affixed directly to the structure (e.g. wall) or fastened directly to the window or door frame. 
     In the first removable embodiment, the system generally includes a mounting frame member anchored to the structure wall, a screen mounting member for receiving an edge of a screen pivotally connected to the mounting frame member, a retainer member for securing the screen, a metal screen having edges sandwiched between the screen mounting member and the retainer member, and a snap-fit cover for concealing fasteners used to connect the retainer member to the first frame member, and a snap lock mechanism for locking the first frame member in a closed configuration. 
     In the second embodiment, the system generally includes a mounting frame member, having a screen receiving portion for receiving an edge of a screen, anchored to the structure wall, window frame, or door frame, a retainer member for securing the screen, a metal screen having edges sandwiched between the first frame member and retainer member, and a snap-fit cover for concealing fasteners used to connect the retainer member to the first frame member. Both embodiments are of heavy-duty construction to resist high impact forces caused by hurricane force winds and accompanying flying debris. The snap-lock mechanism allows for quick and simple installation and removal the screen mounting member. The retainer preferably has a generally U-shaped cross-section including a cross member connected between first and second laterally spaced apart legs. A fastener cover is also contemplated to be mounted to the retainer bar for improved aesthetics. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a heavy-duty screen that can resist hurricane force winds and associated flying debris. For example, the screen of the present invention can resist the force of a two-by-four stud of lumber propelled at the screen at a force comparable to that which would be encountered under hurricane wind conditions. The screen of the present invention is designed to always be in position to cover and protect a window or door and eliminates the need for timely user intervention as discussed in the background section above. Still further, the present invention provides improved aesthetics for year round use and utilizes stainless steel to prevent corrosion that is typically encountered in coastal locations near an ocean where hurricanes commonly prevail. The screen system also protects against insects and vandals. 
     In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an openable section of a screen-type wind abatement system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view thereof with the screen removed and the retainer fasteners shown in an exploded view; 
         FIG. 3  is a side sectional view of the system in relation to the exterior of a structure; 
         FIG. 4  is a top sectional view of thereof showing the openable system in the closed configuration in normal view and the open configuration in phantom view; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the screen retaining portions of the system; 
         FIG. 6  is a side sectional view of the system adapted for direct anchoring to a structure in a non-openable installation; 
         FIG. 7  is a top sectional view thereof; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of a frame member; 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  depict frame corner connections; 
         FIG. 11  depicts alternate embodiment openable system adapted for exterior un-latching of the openable screen frame; and 
         FIG. 12  depicts an alternate exterior end configuration for the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-4 , depict an openable screen-type wind abatement system, generally referenced as  10 , for covering openings such as windows and doors in accordance with the present invention. As best depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , screen-type wind abatement system  10  includes a first frame member  20  anchored to the structure wall, or alternatively to a window or door frame, a second frame member  30  having a screen mounting portion for receiving an edge of a screen  40 , a retainer member  50  for securing the screen, and a snap-on cover  60  for concealing fasteners. First frame member  20  may further be attached to an aluminum mounting frame, referenced as  21 , that has previously been affixed to the structure. The system provides an openable mounting system whereby a heavy duty screen  40  is in covering relation with a window or door opening. The assembly is preferably fabricated of extruded aluminum of sufficient heavy-duty construction to resist high impact forces caused by hurricane force winds and accompanying flying debris. 
     First frame member  20  preferably typically includes four frame members, namely left, right, top and bottom, connected at right angle corner connections using key members  14  internally inserted therein to secure the first frame members by press fit connection. Each frame member  20  includes a generally U-shaped base  22  for receiving a fastener  12  to secure the frame member to a structure. In addition, each frame member  20  defines a key receiving slot  24 , a projecting support arm  26 , and an arcuate portion  28 . Key receiving slot  24  receives an internal key member  14  to facilitate a secure corner-to-corner connection. Projecting arm  26  functions to provide a back-stop for engaging second frame member as discussed below. 
     As best seen in the sectional views of  FIGS. 3-5 , second frame member  30  preferably typically includes four frame members, namely left, right, top, and bottom, connected at right angle corner connections using key members  16  and  17  internally inserted therein to secure the second frame members in a generally square or rectangular configuration by press fit connection. Each frame member  30  includes a generally square main body  32  having a projecting arm defining a screen receiving external surface  34 , and an internal key receiving slot  36 . Screen receiving external surface  34  defines first and second surfaces, referenced as  34 A and  34 B, forming a right angled surface for receiving an edge portion of a screen  40  in abutting contact therewith as best depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     Screen  40  is anchored to frame member  30 , and particularly to external surface  34  by a retainer  50  having a saw-tooth shaped bottom surface  52  for engaging and anchoring screen  40  in a sandwiched configuration disposed between retainer bottom surface  52  and surface  34 A of frame member  30 . Retainer  50  is fixedly connected to frame member  30  by a plurality of fasteners as shown in  FIG. 2 . The saw-tooth bottom surface  52  functions to securely anchor screen  40  such that the screen will withstand impact from windborne debris. As should be apparent, the shape retainer  50  and/or bottom surface  52  may be varied within the scope of the invention provided screen  40  is firmly anchored. 
     A screen assembly, is thus fabricated about an opening by first fabricating and affixing a mounting frame to the structure by connecting four first frame members  20 , namely left, right, top and bottom members, and securing the members to form an integral frame by insertion of key members  14  received within internal slots  24 . The integral frame formed by frame members  20  is then anchored to the wall of a structure in surrounding relation with an opening, such as a window or door, using suitable fasteners  12  connected to the structure through base  22 . Alternatively, the frame may be affixed directly to the frame of a window or door. Next a wind screen assembly is fabricated to a suitable size for mating with frame members  20 , by connecting four members  30 , namely left, right, top and bottom, secured at corners by key members  16  received within slots  36 . Key members  16  are preferably insertedly received within the mitered corner portions of members  30  and secured by peening from the exterior thereof. It has been found that connecting members  30  using key members  16  secured by peen punch provides an efficient and structurally secure connection. A screen  40  of suitable size is fitted within the frame assembly with the edges positioned in abutting engagement with surfaces  34 A and  34 B, whereafter the screen is secured by retainers  50  fixed by threaded fasteners  53 . 
     The frame assembly is further adapted on one side with a hinge member  70  for pivotal connection to arcuate portion  28  of mounting frame member  20  as best depicted in  FIG. 4 . In addition, the opposite side is adapted with a snap-lock mechanism, generally referenced as  80 , including a mounting plate  82  affixed to frame member  30 , and a locking lever  84  pivotally connected thereto. Locking lever  84  operates by engaging projecting support arm  26  on a side frame member  20  to secure the frame and screen assembly in a closed position. Locking lever  84  may be manually disengaged to allow the frame and screen assembly to pivot outward and away from the structure to an open configuration. 
       FIG. 11  depicts an alternate embodiment wherein the frame assembly is further adapted with an a locking lever actuator  90  insertedly received, and movably disposed, within an aperture defined within frame member  30 , mounting plate  82 , and locking lever  84 . Lever actuator  90  includes a first end  92  disposed on the interior side of frame  30  and a second end  94  disposed on the exterior side of frame  30 . The first end  92  of lever actuator  90  is preferably threaded and includes an end cap  93  affixed to the end thereof, and a threaded nut  95  and washer  96  disposed between lever  84  and mounting plate  82  as best depicted in  FIG. 11 . As should be apparent, actuator  90  functions to allow for exterior actuation of locking lever  84 . More particularly, locking lever  84  may be actuated from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration (as seen in  FIG. 11 ) from the exterior by grasping lever actuator  90  by the second end  94  and applying a force away from frame member  30  such that end cap  93  engages lever  84  and moves the lever to disengage arm  26  of frame member  20 . In addition, threaded nut  95  functions to selectively disable lever actuator  90  by rotation thereof such that nut  95  and washer  96  engage mounting plate  82  thereby preventing movement of actuator  90  and particularly end cap  93  in a manner that would cause disengagement of lever  84  from the locked configuration.  FIG. 12  depicts an alternate embodiment lever actuator  97  having multiple actuating legs, referenced as  97 A and  97 B. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a heavy-duty screen that can resist hurricane force winds and associated flying debris. For example, the screen of the present invention can resist the force of a two-by-four stud of lumber propelled at the screen at a force comparable to the force encountered under hurricane wind conditions. The screen of the present invention is designed to always be in position to cover and protect a window or door and eliminates the need for timely user intervention as discussed in the background section above. Still further, the present invention provides improved aesthetics for year round use and utilizes stainless steel to prevent corrosion that is typically encountered in coastal locations near an ocean where hurricanes commonly prevail. More particularly, screen  40  is preferably a powder coated stainless steel mesh screen having meshed wire in the range of 0.018″-0.064″ diameter. An impact resistant screen in accordance with the present invention having 12″×12″ stainless steel screen with mesh size of 0.028″ and 0.032″ has been tested an approved in accordance with the Large and Small Missile Impact Rating of Dade County, Fla. As should be apparent, the screen system also protects against insects, and vandals due to the strength. An additional benefit of using a stainless steel mesh that has been powder coated with a dark color (such as black) is a substantial reduction of approximately 95% of the solar load transmitted to a structure through a window opening thereby resulting in substantial energy savings. As a result, an impact resistant screen system in accordance with the present invention has been recognized for by the United States Department of Energy as reducing energy consumption through the reduction of solar transmission through windows. 
       FIGS. 6-8  depict an alternate embodiment screen-type wind abatement system, generally referenced as  100 , adapted for permanent/non-openable installation on a structure in surrounding relation with a window or door opening, or alternatively for affixation directly to the a window frame or door frame. Accordingly, the present invention specifically contemplates a window system having an impact resistant screen integrally fabricated therewith. Wind abatement system  100  is formed by connection of four frame members  110 , namely left, right, top, and bottom, to form a generally square or rectangular frame assembly. Frame members  110  are affixed by insertion of key members  16  within internal slots  118  defined within each frame member. As should be apparent any suitable shaped frame assembly, however, is considered within the scope of the present invention. Each frame member  110  includes a generally planar rear surface  112 , terminating in a generally U-shaped projecting channel  114  for receiving a threaded fastener  102  for anchoring the frame member to a wall, a previously installed mounting frame  21  (as seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) or another part of the structure. A snap-on cover  60  may be installed within the U-shaped channel to conceal the fastener heads. Frame member  110  further includes a right-angled surface  116  for receiving the edge of a screen  40  in abutting relation therewith. Screen  40  is secured by a retainer  50  affixed to frame member  110  in engagement with surface  116  by fasteners  102 . A snap-on cap  60  is preferably affixed to retainer  50  to conceal the fasteners as best depicted in  FIG. 6 . As should be apparent, anchoring frame members  110  directly to the structure using fasteners.  FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate the use of keys to form corner connections for affixing frame members to form a frame assembly. 
     The present invention that provides an impact resistant screen-type storm barrier that is Dade County/Florida Building Protocol Approved, certified by the Florida Energy Office on behalf of the United States Department of Energy for reducing energy consumption, while enhancing security by providing a burglar resistant barrier. 
     The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.