Locking assembly for shutters

Abstract

A lock for retaining shutters in a closed position is disclosed. The lock includes backing and retention brackets, and a fastener. The backing bracket is mounted to a dwelling to maintain the shutters spaced from the dwelling when the shutters are in the closed position. The retention bracket includes retention and locking portions. The retention portion is spaced from the backing bracket to enclose the shutters between the retention portion and the backing bracket when the shutters are in the closed position. As such, the shutters are prevented from opening from the closed position. The locking portion extends from the retention portion to operatively engage the backing bracket. The fastener extends through the backing bracket and the locking portion to lock the retention bracket to the backing bracket such that the shutters, which are enclosed between the retention portion and the backing bracket, are retained in the closed position.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This continuation patent application claims priority to U.S. parent patent application Ser. No. 10 / 264,477, filed Oct. 4, 2002, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60 / 404,016, filed Aug. 16, 2002.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The subject invention generally relates to locking assembly for shutters. More specifically, the subject invention relates to a locking assembly for retaining a pair of shutters in a closed position during inclement weather, such as precipitation storms, wind storms, and hurricanes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Various locking assemblies for shutters are known in the art. It is generally known that locking assemblies are utilized, when necessary, to lock pairs of shutters in a closed position on a dwelling. Shutters are used for both aesthetic and function purposes on the dwelling. In the closed position, the shutters function to protect windows, doors, and other openings of the dwelling duri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes a locking assembly for shutters that can keep them closed during inclement weather such as wind and precipitation. The assembly includes a backing bracket, a retention bracket, and a fastener that securely locks the shutters in a closed position. The assembly does not damage the shutters and allows for easy installation and replacement. The technical effect of the invention is to provide a reliable and effective locking assembly for shutters that can protect the windows, doors, and other openings of a dwelling during inclement weather."

Problems solved by technology

If the weather causes the shutters to open then the functional purpose of the shutters is defeated.

Conventional assemblies for locking pairs of shutters in the closed position are deficient for many reasons.

For instance, the locking assemblies of the prior art do not adequately retain the shutters in the closed position throughout the inclement weather.

In these assemblies, wind either bends or breaks the assembly and then causes the shutters to open.

As a result, to one degree or another, these convention locking assemblies damage the shutters such that, after the inclement weather, the aesthetic purpose of the shutters is negatively impacted.

Furthermore, some conventional locking assemblies, also referred to in the art as storm or locking bars, create an emergency egress issue that prevents occupants of the dwelling from escaping during an emergency, such as a fire.

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