Wind Blocking Device for Buildings

Abstract

The present invention includes a system, method, and device that diverts wind around and over a building, such as a home or mobile home. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a flexible sheet material and a tensioning network of flexible support ribs bonded to the flexible sheet material. In another embodiment the present invention comprises a system of selectively linked rigid panels that snap and lock into a pre-mounted specialty channel means and bracketing system for rapid deployment and provide protection from flying debris during a severe weather event.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 779,225 filed on 03 Mar. 2006 by the common inventor James D. Claywell and is further incorporated herein for all purposes.BACKGROUND[0002]The present invention relates generally to devices and systems adapted to provide supplemental protection to structures such as houses, mobile-homes, commercial buildings and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wind blocking or re-directing device and system for buildings.[0003]High winds exert tremendous strain on structures. Both sustained winds and the more common undulating winds conspire to weaken buildings and structures such as the walls and roofs of houses, mobile-homes, and commercial buildings. Over time, or under extreme wind conditions, catastrophic failure is induced. During a hurricane, such as the recent Hurricane Katrina experienced along the gulf-coast of the United States in 2005, fierce winds devastated...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a system and method for providing enhanced structural integrity and wind-diverting ability for a building having an overhang wherein the invention comprises a diverting means supported by a frame means, the diverting means using a fastener means to couple to the diverting means and the invention further adapted to couple to the overhang as defined by a horizontal support member provided by the building and a vertical support member provided by the building.

Problems solved by technology

High winds exert tremendous strain on structures.

Both sustained winds and the more common undulating winds conspire to weaken buildings and structures such as the walls and roofs of houses, mobile-homes, and commercial buildings.

Over time, or under extreme wind conditions, catastrophic failure is induced.

During a hurricane, such as the recent Hurricane Katrina experienced along the gulf-coast of the United States in 2005, fierce winds devastated structures large and small.

These vertical walls, designed for vertical loads, often fail under such extreme conditions.

This causes a great imbalance in forces, resulting in collapse.

These methods require integration during the building phase, and therefore offer limited solution for existing buildings.

Other methods include a supplemental system of ground anchors, external supports, and external strapping material—and although these systems can be used on existing structures—however, these approaches are not without inherent undesirable limitations including being difficult to install during the on-set of severe wind, cumbersome to manipulate, require storage space when not in use, and are costly to produce and install, for example.

These methods, however, have not addressed diverting or redirecting the force of the wind.

Flying debris, another damage-causing component of high-wind storms, poses a particular challenge to home-owners and business-owners because many of the prior-art systems fail to fully address the needs of a rapidly deployable, rigid, economical, light-weight, and strong system that provides sufficient protection.

Finally, current systems do not adequately secure the dwelling or structure from looting.

Even if a structure or dwelling is adequately protected from the destructive brute-strength of high-velocity winds and is protected from flying debris, current systems do not provide means for securing the structure or dwelling from looting.

Moreover, this system, further, is undesirable because it introduces numerous penetration points into the envelope of the structure that may accelerate deterioration of the structure in the long-term due to moisture penetration.

However, this reference requires a permanent in-ground perimeter channel and complex tie-down mechanisms and fasteners to affect wind protection.

Further, the system is temporary in nature, as it would be impractical for normal use of the structure.

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